2007 Volvo C70

Convertible Chameleon

The Volvo C70 is a convertible and coupe in one, but is a folding hardtop really better than a fabric one?

Even gas station attendants, who see thousands of cars everyday, are baffled by the Volvo C70 convertible. “What convertible?” wondered one attendant after we asked to park the droptop in front of her station. “All I see is a coupe.”

It took a click of a button and 30 seconds to lower the car’s three-piece steel top and convince her that this "coupe" was indeed a convertible in disguise. Future owners beware: This sort of demo will be a regular conversation-starter in supermarket parking lots.

Duality is the Volvo C70’s strong suit. It’s one of only a handful of convertibles currently available in the U.S. with a retractable, power-operated hardtop and seating for four. The Volvo C70 falls squarely in the middle of the hard-top convertible segment: It slots above the Chrysler Sebring and Pontiac G6 Convertible in price and features, is comparable to the Volkswagen Eos in terms of quality and amenities, and sits below the 3 Series Convertible in both price and performance.

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While we wouldn't call the C70 outright sporty, it does have responsive steering and enough power from its five-cylinder engine to make for a lively driving experience on twisty roads. Those looking for tighter handling should cross-shop the BMW 3 Series Convertible and VW Eos. Pricier and sportier four-seat convertibles with soft tops include the Audi A4 Cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

For those who don't necessarily need or want a luxury car or sporty driving dynamics, the Toyota Camry Solara convertible is also worth looking at, besides the previously mentioned Chrysler Sebring and Pontiac G6. Note that the Camry Solara has a soft top instead of a hard top.

Built on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, the porky C70 loses much of those models’ nimble, lively demeanor thanks to more than 500 pounds of added structural reinforcements and folding-hardtop gadgetry.

But the C70 has panache and looks refined. Plus, it comes well-equipped even in base form and is essentially a practical, safe convertible coupe, adaptable to all climates.

Matthew de Paula contributed to this review.