Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Volvo

Now in its second year, the second-generation C70 convertible undergoes only minor changes: a power passenger seat is now standard equipment, and the optional Sport and Premium Package includes high-quality “Passion” leather seating upholstery.

The C70 uses a three-piece metal roof, which folds automatically at the touch of a button in thirty seconds, and contains a normal-sized glass rear window. The car is a joint venture between Volvo and Italian designer and builder Pininfarina.

The C70 is offered in a single trim line, and uses a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

Features include 17-inch alloy wheels, door-mounted inflatable air curtain, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assistance, speed-sensitive steering, heated mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, leather-insert seats, power driver’s seat with memory, power passenger seat, cruise control, tilt and telescopic wheel, and in-dash six-CD stereo.

Available options include bi-Xenon headlamps with washers, 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and navigation system.

Originally designed as a coupe to achieve its overall shape, and then adapted as a convertible, the C70 is a beautiful vehicle. The roof adds 15 per cent rigidity, but the car is surprisingly solid even with the top down. Side curtain airbags deploy from the tops of the doors, whether the roof is up or down, and two roll bars deploy from behind the rear seats in case of a crash: the bars and the hydroformed A-pillars are designed to support twice the vehicle’s weight.