The first Volvo Coupe was the Volvo PV 444 which started production in 1944. It quickly became popular with drivers who were just getting acquainted with the concept of a 2 door sporty Coupe style car. It's easy to tell a Volvo Coupe model as they are all given the designation of a C class, similarly as the S class designation for their Sedans. Volvo is not especially famous for its Coupe models with their reputation overshadowed by the spectacular success of the Volvo Wagon range. Despit... (full review continues below)
The first Volvo Coupe was the Volvo PV 444 which started production in 1944. It quickly became popular with drivers who were just getting acquainted with the concept of a 2 door sporty Coupe style car. It's easy to tell a Volvo Coupe model as they are all given the designation of a C class, similarly as the S class designation for their Sedans. Volvo is not especially famous for its Coupe models with their reputation overshadowed by the spectacular success of the Volvo Wagon range. Despite this, Volvo Coupes offer excellent performance for a reasonable cost, and in keeping with Volvo's marketing tactics, are more luxurious than the price tag would suggest. The Volvo Coupe class of cars also benefits from the same durability and legendary safety that is associated with all Volvo cars.
The Coupe segment of the auto industry is focused on the manufacturer showcasing its best and most stylish designs rather than on the practical needs of a family. They are designed to be fun with ground breaking technology. Most manufacturers use their Coupe class of cars as a testing ground for new features before they transfer them onto their bread and butter Sedan range. As a result, Coupes tend to come at a higher premium with consumers wanting something that excites them and provides the best driving experience they can get for their budget.
Every major manufacturer would not be complete without a Coupe class car with Volvo being no exception. Volvo has two models of its Coupe. Within the mid range segment of the Coupe market there are some big names in competition with Volvo such as the Volkswagen GTI, Audi A5 Coupe, BMW 3 series, Mercedes Benz E class, Nissan 370Z and the Porsche Cayman.
The lower end Volvo Coupe is the Volvo C30 T5 coupe starting at $25,000 with a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder turbo charged engine producing 227 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 236 foot pound of torque at 2,300rpm. For a Coupe, it has reasonable fuel economy with 21mpg in the city and 30mph on the highway. The other trim available is the Volvo C30 R Design starting at $27,500 which in typical Volvo style has the same performance as the T5 but includes more luxury extras as standard.
At the upper end of the Volvo Coupe range is the Volvo C70 T5 Convertible starting at just under $41,000. This is quite the different look for Volvo with a lot of the traditional lines changed and the introduction of a folding hardtop. Sales of this model have not been great and Volvo recently announced that it will be closing the plant producing the C70 with no announcement yet made as to whether they will be replacing it with another model or continuing limited production elsewhere. The C70 has a 2.5 liter turbo charged engine producing 227 horsepower and 236 foot pound of torque with fuel economy of 20mpg in cities and 23mpg on highways.