Volvo claimed a first with curtain airbags on the new C70. No other convertible had them before it was introduced in 2006 and they are deployed from the top of the door rather than the roof. All models also offer twin front and side airbags for front seat occupants, roll-over protection, whiplash injury protection, an electronic stability programme and seatbelt pretensioners for both front and rear passengers.

An alarm with volume sensor and level sensor is standard.

While the boot offers up to 404 litres of space with the roof up, it shrinks to 200 litres with the roof down – less than a typical small car – but at least the folded roof has an electric mechanism to improve access to the luggage area after being folded. A button inside the boot raises the folded roof by 10cm to allow easier loading and unloading.

The cabin has a few storage areas and cup holders, and the door pockets are much better than in the Volvo S40 and V50.