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If there’s anything better than a convertible, it is a convertible with a retractable hardtop. Volvo’s new C70 is one.

The switch from all-weather protection to fresh-air fun is as simple as holding a button on the console. The entire operation takes about 30 seconds to complete, but the result is a very comfortable and pleasant convertible.

Retractable hardtops are usually found in high-end cars, and while the C70’s $39,090 base price isn’t cheap, it is lower than other retractables such as the Lexus SC 430 and Mercedes-Benz SL.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front seats, a driver memory function and an in-dash CD changer.

Option packages include the Premium Package with full-leather seating, HomeLink and a compass; the Climate Package with rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers and heated front seats; and the Dynaudio Package with high-output amplifiers, 12 speakers and two subwoofers.

Eighteen-inch wheels, high-intensity headlights and a navigation system are stand-alone options.

The new C70 is smaller than the last model. It rides on the same chassis platform used for the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. Consequently, rear-seat legroom is pretty snug. Two adults sat in back for a short trip, but both front-seat passengers had to move their seats pretty far forward.

Power buttons on top of each front seat make it easy to slide the front seats forward at the same time you top the seatback, and that is a nice touch. The folded top consumes most of the trunk space, but there is room for a couple of small duffel bags in a compartment on the floor of the trunk. If you’re going on a trip, you either pack light or drive with the top up.

The C70 is available with a 218-horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The test car’s six-speed manual transmission shifted smoothly. The linkage felt fairly tight and direct. A five-speed automatic with an auto-stick feature is optional.

The turbo five-cylinder was a bit sluggish at low rpm, but the turbo’s boost gave it a decent surge once the rpm were up.

The previous C70 convertible didn’t have the tightest body structure, but the new C70 is dramatically improved. Some cowl flex can be felt with the top down, but it is pretty minor compared to the previous model.

The test car’s seats were covered with Haverdal Flextech material. Seat insert panels were leather. The Flextech material felt almost like a neoprene skin suit. It seemed like an ideal material for a car whose interior is often exposed to the elements. One downside: In warm temperatures, the Flextech felt hot.

The C70’s instrument panel is nearly identical to the S40’s, including the thin center stack that curls from the dash down to the console. The 2007 models have an audio input jack for an iPod or MP3 player.

Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are standard. Side airbags and special door-mounted, head-protecting side-curtain airbags are also standard. Rollover bars mounted behind the seats automatically deploy to help ensure the safety of occupants in the case of a rollover accident.

Price

The base price of the test car was $39,090. Eighteen-inch wheels were the only option. The sticker price was $40,400.

Warranty

Four years or 50,000 miles.