Volvo C70 Coupe convertible 2006 - Present

Volvo has added another touch of glamour into it's current range with the C70 cabriolet. They have opted for a folding hard top route with the new C70 - the first premium-badge car to do so on a four-seat convertible and the result is a sports car that will take four adults without complaint.

The sleek Volvo looks focused and ready for action as it sits at the kerb, headlights like the eyes of a waking tiger, already alert and ready to pounce. The roof up feels like a regular hard top car, but with the roof down the C70 feels great. As with all of the current Volvo range the finish of the car is really first class. The leather upholstery is of the highest quality and the seats are so comfortable that you feel like you're becoming part of the car itself.

Driving away you are instantly impressed with the smooth operation of the automatic gearbox. The engines all feel refined and smooth, offering power on tap and delivering it in an entirely predictable and usable manner. There are two petrol options a 2.4L and a 2.5L turbo. The 2.5T generates 220 bhp and will go from standing to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, topping out at 150 mph. There is the option of a six speed manual box, of the slick five speed auto box, with a manual mode. The diesel options are a 2.0L and 2.4L and offer performance figures of 10.6 second and 127 mph, and 8.7 and 140 mph respectively. As usual the oil burners come out as clear winners on the economy front with 46 mpg (2.0L) and 42 mpg (2.4L). The best that the petrol engines can boast is 31 mpg, from the 2.4L option. They all weigh in around the late twenties and early thirties.

The C70 shares many of its components with the S40 and V50 so it feels very happy on challenging roads. The suspension is lowered compared with an S40 so the C70 keeps body roll in check under all but the most challenging circumstances, although it doesn't feel as sharp as perhaps it could do. The C70's suspension smoothes out most bumps quite well, the steering is precise and accurate on twisty roads but the feel can be a little harsh when worked too hard. Most customers will be choosing the C70 for the all round package than any specific element.

It's an indication of just how popular the German manufacturers are at the moment that a carmaker as established as Volvo, who make high quality cars too, is considered something of a newcomer into the market. As such they have had to make a really good car, which should be on many people's shopping list, with the quality available it may still struggle.

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