volvo c70

Volvo previously made separate C70 Coupe and Convertibles but, thanks to one of the growing number of retractable hard-tops on the market, there's now just one car.

With the roof up the Volvo looks like a regular two-door coupe, but - when the sun comes out - the three piece folding roof motors itself away out of sight in under 30 seconds.

Inside the well-finished cabin combines several themes from elsewhere in the Volvo range, including good ergonomics and a "floating" backless centre console, similar to that in the S40 and V50. It also benefits from some well-chosen chrome details. Driver and front seat occupant enjoy decent space and a good range of seat adjustment. In the back there's not masses of space for passengers with taller occupants missing out on legroom, but it's fine for kids or occasional use.

Neat design details include several storage bins linked to the central locking system, ensuring security when the car is left unattended with the roof down. Luggage capacity is decent with the roof up, but as the hardtop has to share the boot, the available volume is halved when it's lowered.

Four powerplants are available, two petrol and two diesel. The original 2.4 litre five-cylinder petrol unit produces 168bhp and gives decent acceleration. The 226 bhp T5 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is positively rapid. The 2.4-litre D5 five-cylinder lump is the pick of the diesels, although the 2.0-litre engine is more economical

Strong safety features also help the C70 to make its case, including a semi-rigid inflatable curtain to protect occupants in a collision with the roof down, and also pop-up rollover protection bars. Residuals will be strong and running costs well-contained.