WHEN it was first launched, the Press and public went wild for the Swedish company's C70 Coupe, a car so unlike the other models in the range that countless people said it must have been made by someone else.
Those people who questioned the C70's Volvo-ness' were technically barking up the right tree, although the assistance Volvo received took nothing away from the car's core values. In fact, the Swedish firm's decision to make a sexy-looking car had the knock-on effect of influencing the styling of more recent models.
To put the C70 into context, it is a serious alternative to the current slew of German models and has done wonders for Volvo's image in the lucrative grown-up' four-seater convertible market.
And while examples of BMW and Mercedes products are everywhere, you won't find a Volvo C70 on every street corner - which always bodes well when you want to create an air of exclusivity.
You might not see one every day but when you do, it's certainly a head-turner, thanks in part to the successful mix of Volvo styling cues and graceful curves.
One other - but mightily important - reason for the car's appeal boils down to money. Intentionally priced to offer more than the opposition for less of the folding stuff, the wealth of standard kit available is something that routinely prompts positive remarks from critics.
Immediately establishing itself as the more desirable car, the C70 convertible has been the only choice since Volvo chose not to continue with the coupe.
In truth, the drop-top C70 is, and always was, the more glamorous choice.
It certainly looks the business with the hood down, although you'll be grateful of the top on cold mornings, which is a testament to the car's all-weather nature and its high levels of built-in refinement.
For many buyers, the motivation for securing a big convertible is one of image.
The C70 certainly has plenty of road presence, but it's not all superficial as Volvo also loads its cars with generous levels of kit. You'll want for nothing, as most things bar the kitchen sink are standard - both in the safety and comfort departments.
But creature comforts aren't the only things in abundance, as Volvo's legendary line-up of muscular turbo engines provide the C70 with its get-up-and-go.
The firm's 2.3 T5 GT is by far the most interesting' option as it will sprint from rest to big speeds with little effort.
Think of it as a (very) quick Grand Tourer and you'll get more out of the experience than if you go off chasing hot hatch merchants at traffic lights.
Making a refreshing change from the sight of the countless Mercedes' and BMWs that populate our roads, the C70 is a fine example of what can be achieved by a car-maker thinking outside the box'.
In the Swedish firm's case, this is very much a literal example, as its Convertible is a dramatic head-turner with more than just a hint of the firm's traditional design cues, making it ideal for Volvo virgins and loyal buyers everywhere.
Factfile...
Model: Volvo C70 T5 GT Convertible, £29,998 on the road.
Engine: 5-cylinder petrol unit of 2319cc producing 244bhp.
Transmission: Front-wheel drive through 5-speed manual gearbox or 5-speed auto.
Performance: Maximum speed 149mph; 0-62mph 7.5 seconds.
Economy: 28.5mpg on the combined cycle.
l Verdict: Great value alternative to the German old guard.
