Freedom Volvo

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Introduction

2010 Volvo C70

The Volvo C70 converts from coupe to roadster with the press of a button. Its folding steel roof deploys from the trunk and converts from open car to hard top in just 30 seconds. The top is made of steel, so when the top up is up, it's quiet and feels like a coupe, and it offers the security of a coupe. Press the button, and the joy of top-down motoring is yours.

The sporty C70 is based on the S40 sedan, but it has more luscious lines. The engine, suspension and transmission are proven Volvo components, while the rigid chassis was designed to meet Volvo's industry-leading safety standards.

We found the C70 to be an excellent highway cruiser, smooth and steady at high speeds. The C70 drives like a sports car. It has a solid feel and strikes an appropriate balance of responsive handling with a smooth, well-controlled ride quality and fade-resistant brakes. We liked it best with the six-speed manual, but the five-speed automatic is crisp and responsive.

The styling is brilliant, with elegant coupe lines, and the retractable hardtop is an engineering masterpiece. The cabin features comfortable seats, the latest in Volvo interior styling and fabrics, and a clever cubby behind the center dash. The stereo sounds superb. Everything operates as it should, and it's a beautiful piece of work.

The C70 helped launch a trend toward true hard-top convertibles when it debuted as a 2006 model, and it was an immediate sales success. Changes for 2010 are limited: The standard alloy wheels have been re-styled, and some options and option packages have been revised.

Model Lineup

The 2010 Volvo C70 T5 ($40,000) comes standard with the retractable hardtop. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard; a five-speed automatic is optional ($1,250).

Standard features include fabric upholstery, dual-zone electronic climate control, power front seats with memory, tilt/telescope leather steering wheel with audio controls, power heated outside mirrors with memory, and 160-watt in-dash CD/MP3 player, eight speakers and auxiliary and USB inputs. Bluetooth telephone interface is standard. Also standard are 17-inch Sirona Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

The Dynamic Package ($900) combines 18-inch Midir alloy wheels with active xenon headlights and a special three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum inlays. The Multimedia Package ($2,600) bundles a Dynaudio stereo with 12 speakers, five main amplifiers, two separate subwoofer/amplifiers, and Dolby ProLogic II Surround Sound with HDD navigation with real time traffic, remote control and Map Care.

The Premium Package ($1,900) combines leather seating with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, HomeLink, and Sirius Satellite Radio; Premium Package buyers may add Sovereign Hide leather ($1,000) in a choice of three colors. The expanded Climate Package ($900) comprises heated front seats, headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers, Interior Air Quality System and a humidity sensor. Stand-alone options include Keyless Drive ($450), real Nordic Oak interior trim ($150), and several special paint colors.

Safety features include electronic stability control with traction control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Assistance. In addition to front airbags, there are side airbags in front, and air curtains which activate upwards from the doors, even with the windows rolled down. The Rollover Protection System activates a pop-up roll bar in a roll-over situation. Optional are Volvo's Blind Spot Information System ($700) and rear park assist ($400).

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