Volvo C70 Convertible
21 MPG The 2009 Volvo C70 Convertible is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2009 run it averages 20.2 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 11 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2008 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2004 | 19.3 MPG | 16.3 | 24 | $3983 | 460 | 3 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3850 | 444 | 3 |
| 2002 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 24.7 | $3717 | 430 | 3 |
| 2001 | 20.3 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3783 | 437 | 3 |
| 2000 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3983 | 460 | 3 |
| 1999 | 20 MPG | 17.3 | 24.7 | $3850 | 444 | 3 |
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 16.3 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Volvo C70 Convertible ranks 140 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Eagle Talon (21.4), Audi A4 Cabriolet quattro (21.5), BMW 128i (21.5), BMW 135i (21.5), Dodge Daytona (21.8).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo C70 Convertible get?
The 2009 Volvo C70 Convertible is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 26.5 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 20.2 MPG, ranging from 19 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo C70 Convertible cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $2950.
Has the Volvo C70 Convertible become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19 MPG in 1998 to 21 in 2009 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 11% across 11 model years.
Is the Volvo C70 Convertible efficient for its class?
It ranks 140 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 3.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.