2004 Volvo C70 Convertible

Watching the C70's top in action is a treat in itself. With the transmission in neutral and the handbrake on (to foil anyone tempted to try it on the roll), you push and hold one button for 30 seconds and watch the electro-mechanical hydraulic-engineering show. Starting with the top up, all four side windows crack open, the rear tonneau (top cover) swings up, latches release on the windshield header, the top lifts up and back, then folds and compresses into its compartment behind the rear seats. The tonneau then swings down, two small panels at the B-pillars fold into place, and the open-air transformation is near complete. For some strange reason, the side windows zip back up. If you want them down, you have to finish the job.

The C70's interior is surprisingly roomy, with ample space for four adult passengers.

The reverse process is equally entertaining, and the windows seal themselves tight at the end. The only downside is that the top storage compartment removes substantial cargo space from the trunk, leaving 8.1 cu. ft. vs. the (discontinued) coupe's 13.1 cu. ft. The remaining trunk room is deep, if not very tall, and the decklid opens high for easy access.


The C70's interior is surprisingly roomy, with ample leg, hip, head and shoulder room front and rear for four (not five) adult passengers. And the front seats power themselves forward to ease access to the rear as you release and fold their backs toward the front.


The instrument panel and interior also impress with their rich, handsome and very functional design. With so many big hits, our only noted C70 misses were the small, shallow storage bins in the doors and console, lack of a bright lights flash-to-pass feature and no accessory-plug power (for charging your cell phone) with the ignition off.


Not surprisingly, the C70's standard equipment list is long and rich. Included are Volvo's Stability Traction Control system, electronic climate control, 8-way heated power front seats with 3-position memory, real leather and wood trim, headlamp washer/wipers, trip computer with outside temperature gauge and a 10-speaker premium sound system with a slick 3-CD in-dash player and pre-wiring for a 6-CD changer.