Volvo replaced its successful first-generation C70 Coupe and Convertible with a single model beginning in 2006 -- the new C70 hardtop convertible. The car's folding metal roof creates a distinctly coupe-like appearance when up, while providing passengers with increased thermal and noise insulation.

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The retractable hardtop is raised and lowered in about thirty seconds with the help of an electric motor and hydraulics. When lowered, it is fully concealed in the luggage compartment. Thanks to a special load assistance function, the remaining space can still be used for luggage.

The C70 was been developed in close cooperation with Pininfarina of Italy. It is priced slightly below the BMW 3-Series convertible, and considerably below the Mercedes-Benz CLK.

The car is built on Volvo's P1 platform, which underpins the S40, V50, and C30. A great deal of components are shared with the S40, including many interior elements and mechanical parts. The C70's "free loating" center console, for example, is borrowed from the S40.

The C70 is offered with only one engine in the North American market. The T5 model powerplant cranks out 227 horsepower at 5000 rpm. Maximum torque is 236 pound-feet, available from 1500 rpm to 5000 rpm, thanks to a desirable torque curve courtesy of the car's turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five. For 2008, the T5 model gained 10 horsepower over previous model years.

Customers can chose from a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The C70 is offered with front-wheel-drive only. As of the 2008 model year, Volvo's popular all-wheel-drive system is not an option.

The car comes with a number of safety systems that promise to bring convertible safety to new heights. Like the previous C70, the new model has a rollover protection system with steel hoops that deploy behind the rear passengers to protect occupants during a rollover accident.

Another critical safety feature -- introduced for the first time ever on the new C70 -- is an inflatable curtain airbag the deploys upwards out of the driver and passenger doors to protect occupants' heads in a rollover or side-impact situation. In order to further boost protection in the event of a rollover scenario, the curtain deflates slowly.

Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC cuts in and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

The new C70's chassis features spring struts at the front and a Multilink axle at the rear for predictable handling. The new C70 also offers a considerably better front-to-rear weight balance compared to the old model. Volvo says the improved and lowered chassis makes the C70 more fun to drive and safer.