Available to order now, for delivery in 2006, the new Volvo C70 is two cars in one a coup and a convertible with room to seat four adults in comfort.

It is also the first of its kind in the premium sector with a three-piece retractable steel roof which, at the press of a button, folds up or down in 30 seconds or less.

Volvo's designers have ensured that the C70 follows its latest, modern design trends of rounded front corners with shapely shoulders and rear lights, and is just as attractive and desirable whether the roof is up or down.

Although slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor, the all new Volvo C70 is longer, wider and taller than both its key (soft top) rivals, the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 cabriolet: The boot lid is cleverly designed to open in two opposite directions either backwards while the roof-folding mechanism is operating, or forwards as normal to load luggage.

The C70 offers a generous 400-litre boot capacity with the roof up, or 200-litres with the roof down, while to aid loading and unloading when the roof is stored in the boot, the roof panels can be electronically lifted by 200mm. In addition, a ski-hatch in the rear seat allows longer items to be carried inside the car, plus the front passenger seat also folds forward.

The body structure is fully reinforced to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof which not only provides extra safety, but also gives the body very high torsional rigidity that's twice as high as the previous generation Volvo C70 convertible.

The chassis for the new model also helps improve its driving dynamics with a front track of 1,550mm (29mm wider than the previous model), and rear track of 1,560mm (39mm wider), while the wheelbase is 2,640mm (24mm shorter).

Front-wheel drive, MacPherson front suspension, and a Multilink rear axle, combine with a broad track and long wheelbase to make the new Volvo C70 extremely stable and compliant, with electro-hydraulic steering for improved feel and response.

The engine line-up has also changed with a choice of two, new Volvo petrol engines a 2.4i and T5 which are both transversely mounted, in-line, five-cylinder units. These will be followed by a five-cylinder, 180bhp D5 turbo diesel in mid-2006.

The 2.4i is a normally aspirated, long stroke engine with four-valve technology and double overhead camshafts producing 170bhp, 230Nm of torque and CO2 emissions of 215g/km.

The T5 engine tops the range for performance with its 2.5-litre low pressure turbo engine offering 220bhp with the added flexibility provided by 320Nm of torque from as low as 1,500rpm and CO2 emissions of 217g/km. The engine offers highly responsive performance across the rev range, with 0-62mph possible in 7.6 seconds.

There are three trim levels for the new Volvo C70: Sport, SE and SE Lux. SE Lux models top the all new C70 range with a premium sound 6xCD/radio audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 12 Dynaudio speakers, larger 18in alloy wheels, lockable storage areas, power folding door mirrors with ground lights, and power passenger seat.

The Volvo C70 has been designed with security in mind.

Obviously, its retractable hard top offers improved safety compared to other soft-top rivals, while in addition, a new 'Private Locking' function provides valuable extra lockable storage areas beside each seat which are perfect for securing personal items, especially if the car is parked with its roof down.

Every model features an anti-theft alarm including immobiliser and volume sensor as standard, plus Volvo's Home Safe and Approach lighting which will light the headlights for an agreed length of time to illuminate your path from the car, or conveniently turn on the side and interior lights on approaching the car to show it is secure and safe to enter.