Volvo

C70

Featuring a foldaway metal roof which transforms the car from hardtop to open car in less than 30 seconds, the Volvo C70 boasts great equipment levels including climate control, power windows, an info centre, cruise control and an excellent audio system. Offering an outstanding drive and top notch safety features, it is quite an attractive choice.

The good

Exciting and fun-filled

The bad

Mother Nature prevents lowering the roof very often

Tech Specs

Price from

£25,295

Combined Fuel up to

47.1mpg

0-62 from

7.6 seconds

max speed up to

150mph

co2 from

158g/km

Test Drive

Volvo C70 2.4i Sport

There’s not that many coupe cabriolet models out there that can comfortably seat four adults along with all their goodies – the Volvo C70 is one of the few.

It is also the first vehicle in its class to boast a three-piece retractable roof which, in the space of just 30 seconds, can be raised or lowered with ease at the press of a button – and that is impressive.

Although this is not Volvo’s first C70 and it is slightly shorter than its predecessor, it does boast a body that is wider, longer and taller than any rival models.

In fact, there has been plenty of consideration given to utilising every inch of space in the C70 and even the boot compartment boasts cut-out storage areas along with a ski hatch to accommodate longer items of luggage.

The sport version provided for my test drive was crammed to bursting with quality creature comforts and the added beauty is most of them came as standard.

Features included electronic climate control, a CD system with six speakers, electric windows, electronic climate control, and plenty more besides.

And as one would expect, Volvo has built in a very comprehensive safety package too.

There is, for example, the company’s roll-over protection system whereby the powerful metal bars that pop up behind the rear seats have been strengthened further and designed to react quicker in the event the vehicle should roll.

And to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, the C70 is fitted with the world’s first door mounted inflatable curtain airbag which inflates upwards to deliver maximum head protection.

The A-pillars are also reinforced to add extra protection too.

So, Volvo has kitted out this vehicle with a plethora of quality comfort and safety features, but what about the drive itself? Well, I can guarantee one thing – you won’t be disappointed.

The 2.4-litre engine delivered plenty of oomph and the road holding was superb no matter what the driving conditions.

Comfort levels were exceptionally good and although visibility through the rearview window was virtually non-existent, it’s not a factor that would prevent me splashing out on this beautifully-crafted vehicle that’s guaranteed to stand out in any crowded car park.