It was a masterstroke for Volvo to replace its C70 coupe and C70 convertible with one high-tech vehicle that looks better than either one. The new Volvo C70 is based on the S40 sedan, but the platform for this hardtop convertible was altered to suit Volvo’s unwavering focus on safety, primarily with side-door beams, a strengthened lower rear frame, and a windshield frame that functions as a rollbar.

At the touch of a button, the C70 is wide open to summer skies. The seductively curved roof rises, separates into three segments that sandwich on top of each other, and hides itself under a rear deck platform.

A seat material called Flextech, almost like brushed neoprene, is standard. So are stability control and airbags all around. Options include leather seats, a 910-watt audio system, rain-sensing wipers, and a navigation system. The side-mounted 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine has smooth, turbocharged power with either the six-speed stick or a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate.

2006 Volvo C70

The Car:
2006 Volvo C70, compact four-seat coupe/convertible.

The Specs:
Front-wheel drive; dual-overhead-camshaft, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, transverse-mount engine with light-pressure turbocharger; 218 horsepower at 5,000 RPMs, 236 foot-pounds of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 RPMs; six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; length 180.4 inches, wheelbase 103.9 inches, width 72.3 inches, height 55.1 inches; weight 3,803 pounds, trailer-towing capacity 3,330 pounds.

Strong Points:
Three-piece steel pillarless hardtop roof separates into three sections and stacks into rear compartment above trunk in 30-seconds with all-power movement; Volvo’s attention to safety elements includes traction-control, stability control, and antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution; sporty handling with independent suspension and stabilizer bars front and rear.

Weak Points:
Stowed roof intrudes on trunk capacity, reducing storage from 12.8 cubic feet to 6.0 cubic feet.

Competition:
BMW 3-Series convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 9.3 convertible.

Base Price:
$39,880