Look – up in the sky, it’s a coupe! No, it’s a convertible! Wrong again, it’s both!
 

Ok, that might have been going a little too far. Given the fact that our test car this week, a 2006 Volvo C70 Convertible, came to us in no other color than what I would call “Superman’s Cape Red”, how else was I supposed to get your attention? At least when I am in the car, heads turn to see where the top of the car just went. Here, I have to exploit one of the greatest crime fighters of all time to get your attention.
 

Assuming it worked, we can now move on.

Traditionally, Volvo’s are not exciting cars. Don’t get mad at me, it’s true. I do not remember even ONE of my friends with a Volvo poster next to their white-on white Countach poster when we were growing up. Just a fact. It is also a fact that had Volvo made a car this sexy back then, the Countach might have taken the #2 spot. Maybe.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, probably one of the smoothest shifting transmissions I have ever used, but almost too smooth. I found myself constantly cruising in 4th gear thinking I was in 6th. The whole experience with this car made me feel like I was moving in slow motion. I am used to the engine being a tad more responsive, but with 236 lb-ft of torque available at just 1,500 rpm, I wasn’t unhappy. Our producer, Charles even liked the lack of effort required when operating the clutch, but he felt the shifter was a little vague feeling, I agree. The independent front and rear suspension was wonderful, even spectacular when comparing it to the previous model, and with the optional 18-inch wheel and tire combo, the car was a great cruiser.

The interior of the car was laid out just as I would have hoped for. Everything neat and simple and nothing left out. I like the fact that Volvo doesn’t make you search for anything with hidden compartments, or fake panels. What you see is what you get. The interior is covered in Volvo’s Flextech fabric, a new technology that promises to be more stain and fade resistant than other cloths on the market. Even in Florida’s summer, the seats were never too hot. The steering wheel and the shifter, on the other hand can get VERY hot, a windshield screen is recommended if the car is going to sit for an extended period. With the top up you can get an amazing 13 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, this will drop to 9 with the top down, though. Well worth the loss.

Speaking of the top, wouldn’t that be the whole appeal of this car? A hardtop when you want it and a convertible when you need the wind in your hair. Very few convertibles, hard top or soft top and pull off looking good with the top up or down. Recent history only one comes to mind: The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. This would be the only comparison that is fair to make between the two cars, but it is an important one. Lots of complaints about the 30+ second times to raise or lower the top, but who cares? It is well worth the wait. If nothing else, you have more time to watch people while they watch the top disappear into the trunk, all the while pointing and squinting their eyes. 

Competing against other four seat hard tops, the Pontiac G6, and the VW EOS, this is a much more grown-up alternative. Put it up against selections from Audi, BMW, or Saab, none of them are any faster, or more luxurious... None of them have a hard top either.

Make mine red, please.