Key facts:
Model tested: Volvo C70 2.0D SE Lux Auto
On the road price: £30,595
Price range: £28,995 - £34,695
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader rating: 78%
The Volvo C70 is a true four-seater coupe-cabrio. It sets out to offer the safest and most refined driving experience in the premium cabriolet class. First released in 2006, it has been now been treated to a raft of improvements.

1. Looks 7/10
With the roof in place, the C70 could pass as a hardtop coupe from most angles, only the subtly raised bootlid giving it away. Changes for 2010 are mainly to the nose, now with bolder headlights, while LED rear lights and a subtle new bumper complete the makeover.

2. Looks inside 9/10
The instrument panel has been redesigned but the trademark wafer-thin 'floating' centre console remains. It's certainly a welcoming and relaxing place to spend time.

3. Practicality 7/10
There are four very comfortable individual seats, which can all accommodate adults. The intricate hardtop splits into three sections, to liberate interior space. With the top up boot space is good at 400 litres, but it shrinks to 200 litres with it down.

4. Ride and Handling 6/10
The new C70 has one of the most rigid bodies of any convertible in the world, to improve ride comfort and handling. But, this is still a car best suited to cruising.

5. Performance 7/10
There are two diesels and one petrol - a 227bhp 2.5-litre turbo, capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. The all-new five-cylinder 2.0 D3 diesel has 148bhp, while the 2.0 D4 has 174bhp. Acceleration to 62mph takes 10.2 and 9.3 respectively and the top speed is around 130mph.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
The D3 and D4 both average 47.9mpg, emit 154g/km of CO2 and share insurance group 28. The petrol is more expensive to run, with economy of 30.1mpg and emissions of 219g/km of CO2.

7. Reliability 8/10
Volvo scores well in customer satisfaction surveys and should prove a reliable ownership proposition. Build quality is solid, and there have been few issues with the S40 the C70 is based on.

8. Safety 10/10
The C70 features the world's first door-mounted curtain airbags, which work with the top down. It also has Volvo's Roll-Over Protection System and Side Impact Protection System. A blind-spot warning system is also available while ESP is standard.

9. Equipment 8/10
all C70s feature climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, trip computer, cruise control, CD player and a Performance sound system. Posher models also get Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, aluminium trim, rain sensing wipers and a CD/radio with eight speakers.

10. X-Factor 8/10
While it might not suit those after a thrilling drive, the Volvo C70 is a great top-down cruiser for enjoying the miles passing by. It's great with the top up too, offering lots of space and refinement and a first-rate interior.