New Volvo C70 Convertible

Volvo have given their C70 four seat convertible a thorough refresh for 2009; updating the previous 2006 shape to fit in with their latest design philosophy. Styling is heavily inspired by the S60 Concept car unveiled earlier in the year while the sleek three-piece retractable hardtop roof line remains.

The refresh extends beyond plastic bumper and grill components as the front wings have been redesigned to give the nose a more distinct wedge-shape. There are new headlamps which now have a more pronounced upward orientation, whilst more detail has been added around the fog lamps and the lower grille.

From the front, the bonnet and grille form an open, inviting "V" shape, whilst the enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intakes reinforce a strong on-the-road stance.

The rear of the car continues the front's new bold design. High-tech LED lamps, as found on the XC60, are the most noticeable addition to the rear and the entire lamp unit is now clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.

"We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars.

The interior has been given a refresh to create a more comfortable and luxurious feel. The instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with improved finish including a new surface texture that enhances the quality feel.

To further enhance comfort levels, the seats have been upholstered in a new, softer hide offering all occupants a greater level of comfort.

Advanced engine and exhaust filtration means Volvo's engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 convertible is available with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, the details of which you will find in our Convertible Buyer's Guide.

The C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market with regard to both preventative and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique to convertible cars and the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements.

Sturdy metal roll bars extend up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over. These bars, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System – ROPS – are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a glass rear window, the bars force through the glass if the roof is in place and so have been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to ensure protection.

One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the doors as there is no roof rail to fit it to. The curtain has an extra-stiff design so the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head effectively even if the window is open. The curtain also deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

TheC70 has side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners for all seats In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to protect both the chest and hips. The IC interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to offer the best possible protection for front seat occupants in the event of an accident. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

Full details, including prices and specification, of the new Volvo C70, will be released closer to the on-sale date. First C70s are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.

Specification and wallpaper images of the Volvo C70 Convertible can be found in our Buyers' Guide.