C70 Series II

VOLVO’S C70 hardtop convertible underwent a facelift in mid 2010, with the main visual changes reserved for the nose, tail-lights and rear bumper.

The Swedes also altered the dashboard with improved textures and materials, and fitted new instrumentation and softer leather seats.

Mechanically the MY10 C70 remains the same, meaning that the 125kW230Nm 2.4-litre five-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine carries over in the opening S model, while the T5 turns up the heat courtesy of a 169kW/320Nm 2.5-litre five-pot turbo petrol unit.

Both powerplants are available with a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with the choice of a sequential shift mode in lieu of the standard five-speed manual in the C70 S and a six-speed manual in the T5.

On the safety front the convertible gains Volvo’s Emergency Brake Light system that flashes the brake lights five times per second in a forceful stop whilst travelling over 60km/h.

Otherwise it’s business as usual for the hardtop convertible.

Although the current C70 is a joint venture with Pininfarina, the Italian firm did not have a hand in the Volvo’s design. It is produced in Uddevalla, Sweden.