Wraps off Volvo's C70

The new two-door is slightly shorter and lower than the largely unloved C70 it replaces. Wheelbase is just 24mm shorter but front and rear track have been increased 29 and 39mm respectively. Volvo says the cars all-new body structure delivers saloon car safety levels and high torsional rigidity - twice that of the earlier C70 model.

Inside, the car features "modern, innovative design features, inspired by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine materials and good function," says Volvo. The 'floating' centre console on the S40/V50 is featured in the C70 with a choice of finishes.

Volvo says the C70 is designed to accommodate four adults. The electrically operated seats move forward twice as quickly as in the previous C70 model. Legroom in the front seat is very generous, say Volvo.

Boot space is generous, says the maker - 400lt with the steel top up and 200 half that in topless mode.  A skiport makes it possible to transport long objects inside the car - a first for a steel-roofed convertible.

The three-section steel room is electric-hydraulically operated and goes from opened to closed in approximately 30sec.

The C70 will be launched with a choice of two petrol engines Down Under. Each is a five-cylinder unit with the base engine a naturally-aspirated, 2.4lt rated at 125kW. The range-topper is a 2.5lt low-blow turbocharged 'T5' powerplant that delivers 162kW and 320Nm of torque.

The C70 T5 will be offered with a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox originally developed for the Volvo S60/V70 R.

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