North Point Volvo

Introduction

Mention the name Volvo and generally thoughts of bland cars that lack any measurable amount of fun come to mind. Because of this conservative image, it's noteworthy when this Swedish manufacturer breaks ranks to produce a model that is both stylish and, dare we say, fun. As such, when the 2009 Volvo C70's urbane first-generation predecessor debuted in 1998 -- with help from Val Kilmer in the movie "The Saint," no less -- people took notice.

"This is a Volvo?" was the initial reaction from many. The C70's sleek lines and contoured edges constituted a radical departure from the design philosophy of its staid stablemates. When the second-generation C70 was unveiled in 2006 as a retractable-hardtop convertible with an even more refined and fluid shape, it was clear that the bloodlines had survived. Designed in conjunction with Ferrari's design studio of choice, Pininfarina, the new C70's curbside appeal was all but guaranteed.

With such a shapely exterior, one might assume that the 2009 Volvo C70 has the performance to match. For the most part, however, the two don't quite match. This isn't to say the C70 is a complete laggard -- power from the turbocharged five-cylinder should be enough for many -- but other European luxury convertibles like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series will be more satisfying for drivers who find pleasure in acceleration and agile handling.

In any case, it's doubtful that high performance was ever the driving force behind the C70. What the 2009 C70 does deliver is a comfortable and elegant interior, a reasonable price and a long list of safety features. Overall, the C70 is a solid choice for those in search of a sexy luxury convertible with the all-weather versatility of a retractable hardtop.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Volvo C70 is a four-seat luxury convertible with a retractable-hardtop design. It is offered in just one trim level, the T5, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, heated outside mirrors, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack.

Buyers can outfit their C70s with a choice of four options packages as well as additional stand-alone upgrades. The Premium package includes leather seats and a six-CD changer. The Climate package adds heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers. The Convenience package contributes rear park assist, keyless ignition and entry and a cabin air filtration system. For music lovers, there's the Dynaudio package with its 14-speaker surround-sound audio system. Stand-alone options include Volvo's blind-spot monitor, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic, satellite radio and interior wood inlays.