Overall rating:

The swish Swede certainly has style on its side, so if you're after a lower premium head-turner that majors in comfort and refinement, then it's the one to go for. Don't expect the most engaging of driving experiences, though. The Volvo C70 is a long way off the class best (the BMW 3 Series Convertible) when it comes to handling. Take it at face value, though, and the spacious and comfortable Volvo is a good choice - but only if those are the qualities that you're looking for in a cabriolet.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volvo C70 D4 SE Lux
Pricing: £33,885 on-the-road
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé-cabriolet
Rivals: BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
CO₂ emissions: 154g/km
Combined economy: 47.9mpg
Top speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 5.8 seconds
Power: 175bhp at 3,500rpm
Torque: 295lb.ft at 1,750 - 2,750rpm

Inside & Out:

Volvo's range has recently gone all good-looking, with fresh, distinctive faces that include angular headlamps and a strong jaw. The open-topped C70 is very much in-keeping with the family ethos and it looks all the better for it. Style is arguably more important than substance when it comes to soft convertibles like this, and the Volvo manages to stand out from the crowd with dignity.

In an effort to steal some sales from premium rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the C70's cabin is suitably refined. It's clean, minimal and the floating centre console, which is now a Volvo trademark, still looks fresh and interesting. Quality is impressive and, though it's slightly shy of the standards of the aforementioned rivals, it's not a long way off.

Ride & Handling:

A Mazda MX-5 it isn't. The Volvo C70 may be a convertible, but leans far more on the comfort side of things than the sporty. Grip is plentiful, but the steering is lacking in feedback - especially next to the likes of a BMW 3 Series - and it doesn't feel in any way agile or engaging.

The C70 makes up for its shortcomings with its comfortable ride, though. Think of it as a traditional Volvo - safe, soft and predictable - and it's ideal. Refinement is impressive and it's most adept at retaining the levels of comfort over long distances.

Engine & Transmission:

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is smooth and progressive in its power delivery, but it hasn't quite got enough shove or refinement to worry the big boys in the executive convertible leagues. Though happy to cruise, the 175bhp unit requires a bit of a workout if it's to make serious progress.

That involves stirring the six-speed manual gearbox, which is a little on the lacklustre side. It's efficient enough, but the shift action is rather rubbery. We reckon an automatic transmission would be more appropriate here.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Running costs are pretty good for a car of the C70's size and shape - it offers 47.9mpg and emissions of 154g/km, which is not bad for a large car with a heavy, folding metal lid. Equally, insurance group 34, though in the upper echelons of the scale, is reasonably middle of the road for an executive drop-top.

At £33,145, the Volvo looks pricey, though. Yes, you can easily pay more for a similar 3 Series or E-Class Cabriolet, but the Volvo C70 ranks lower in the prestige car pecking order, so a price tag of a few thousand pounds less would be a bigger draw for punters.