Volvos used to be known for being boxy, not foxy. That's not so true anymore, thanks in part to smart-looking rides such as the C70.
In years gone by, Volvos were known as boxy, square lumps -- reliable and safe, perhaps, but never a styling trendsetter. The Swedes finally joined the styling parade in the late '90s with the introduction of the slightly more curvaceous Volvo C70. Available as a coupe or convertible, the two-door C70 shared much of its underlying hardware with the S70 sedan of the time. Detail improvements through the years -- including trim level and color changes, and minor engine upgrades with low- and high-output turbo options -- kept the first-generation C70 fresh enough for its relatively low volume of customers.
A fully redesigned Volvo C70 debuted for 2006. It combines the best of both worlds with a handsome new retractable hardtop that opens and closes at the touch of a button.
Current Volvo C70
Slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor, the current Volvo C70 is based on the same platform used for the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. Unlike the first-generation car, which came in both coupe and convertible trims, the current C70 comes in just one trim -- a convertible with a high-end power-retractable hardtop. When the C70's steel roof is up, it gives the car coupelike styling, added rigidity and better noise isolation. When the roof-lowering process is started, the C70's dual-hinged trunk lid opens in a reverse motion and the roof pieces arc backward and stack inside the trunk. Overall, the process is seamless and takes about 30 seconds to complete.
