2009 Volvo C70

The 2009 Volvo C70 gets no major changes. This four-seat convertible is based on Volvo's S40/V50 compact car. C70 has a power-retracting metal top with heated glass rear window. It comes in a single T5 trim level with a 227-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Manual or automatic transmission is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also standard are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip. A wireless cell phone link is newly standard. Among options are leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation system, rear obstacle detection, and bi-xenon headlamps.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the Audi A5 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the BMW 1-Series, Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche 911.