Volvo C70: There's nothing like going topless

I'm a farmer's daughter – although I've spent most of my life denying it. But as time passes, I long for my childhood – a simpler time, picking fruit on Dad's farm with family and friends. Those days are gone, but not forgotten. So, on one warm spring day, I hit the open road with Dad for a trip down memory lane – back to the family farm nestled in Niagara. But we don't take the usual ride – his Ford F-150 pickup truck. Instead, we drive a 2007 Volvo C70 convertible. After all, we're not working the land today; we're simply walking it – sharing those precious moments, before the accident – the horrific blaze that scarred Dad physically and emotionally.

I'll admit, as a child I hated the farm; now, I have a new-found love for it. It's an escape from the hectic city life; a symbol of freedom – like the very wheels I'm driving. For me, the 2007 Volvo C70 is an escape from reality. There's nothing like going topless – the wind whipping though your hair, the sun beaming on your skin, the smell of spring in the air, and the blossom-filled fruit trees lined along gravel streets. On the open country road, even the stench of manure is pleasing.

Introduced last year, the Volvo C70 is a stylish, sleek hard-top convertible built for four. It's offered in a single trim – a T5, which costs $56,495. The C70 is untypically Volvo with its dramatic elegant lines and sophisticated retractable 3-piece hardtop. With the roof closed, it's not exactly a show stopper. But when you drop the top, it's captivating.

The three-piece retract-able steel hardtop is a mechanical masterpiece; it transforms the C70 from a coupe to a stunning convertible in about 30 seconds. Just push a button and the hardtop disappears quickly into the trunk. Unfortunately, the retracted hardtop takes up most of the trunk space.

The C70 is a true 4-seater – two adults can actually sit in the back seats. The heated front seats are ergonomically shaped to fit your body. The cabin is well-appointed with convenient touches such as cruise control, dual-zone electronic climate control, and steering-wheel audio controls. Covered cup holders keep the cabin looking clean and tidy.

The C70 comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine which produces 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Off the line, there's little turbo lag or sluggishness. And when the roof is closed, the cabin is whisper-quiet. A large rear glass window provides excellent outward visibility, too.

Safety is a top priority for Volvo. And the C70 is no exception. A long list of safety features (too many to mention) are standard, including front airbags, side impact airbags, inflatable side curtains, and whiplash protection seats system (WHIPS).

The 2007 Volvo C70 T5 offers hardtop security as well as all-weather versatility. Loaded with exceptional safety features, it's perfect for a quick trip down memory lane.

Petrina Gentile Zucco is one of Canada’s top auto reviewers.