First look: Volvo's C70 lifts its game

VOLVO has confirmed it will join the coupe-convertible craze by revealing its second-generation C70 ahead of its official public debut at September’s Frankfurt motor show.

By featuring what is claimed to be a unique three-piece folding steel roof, the new C70 effectively rolls both the current C70 coupe and convertible into one model.

"We’ve succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe, giving the customer two cars in one – with space for four adults," said Volvo Cars president and CEO, Hans-Olov Olsson.

Due on sale in Australia next year, C70 MkII is around the same size as the model it replaces and continues to offer seating for four.

Major new developments include a door-mounted inflatable curtain (IC) airbag as part of the C70’s improved Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), which Volvo claims sets "new standards of preventive and protective safety in the convertible market".

Instead of inflating downwards like other side curtain airbag systems, the new IC inflates upwards, as well as deflating more slowly to provide additional protection if the car rolls over.

Thanks to its new body structure, the redesigned C70 also offers superior torsional rigidity, claimed to be in the order of 10-15 per cent with the roof up.

"A torsionally rigid body was an important criteria for the new C70’s driving behaviour," said Volvo C70 project manager Patrik Widerstrand.

"It makes the car more stable, easier to control and therefore safer – but also makes the all new C70 more dynamic and fun to drive."

In Europe, the new C70 will initially be offered with two inline five-cylinder engines – a normally-aspirated 2.4-litre unit producing 125kW and the range-topping turbocharged T5 producing 162kW and 320Nm of torque.

A 132kW five-cylinder turbo-diesel will also be available in Europe.

Developed in conjunction with Pininfarina and to be built, like its predecessor, in Uddevalla, Sweden, the new C70 will go on sale in Europe in early 2006.

"Our all-new Volvo C70 is the first open-top car in the premium segment with both a steel roof and space for four adults," said Mr Olsson.

"We believe this is a highly sought-after combination. That’s why we expect to more than double our sales compared with the first-generation C70."