2002 VOLVO C70

Volvo will offer the C70 Coupe in just one trim level, and the contents of last year's SE model will come with it, including the unique sport grille, 17-inch wheels and tires, power sunroof, leather upholstery, trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror and special dash inlays. New standard features for all C70s include Volvo's stability and traction control system (STC), heated front seats and an emergency trunk release. Convertibles also get 17-spoke alloy wheels and ride on Z-rated 205/55R16 Pirelli tires. Genuine wood dash trim replaces the "wood effect" trim in the optional Touring Package for the C70 LPT convertible. Ash Gold is now an exterior color choice, while Turquoise Metallic and Venetian Red Metallic have been discontinued.

Forget what you think you know about Volvo and its boxy station wagons. Well, almost everything you know. The C70 Coupe and Convertible are positioned as the "sporting" members of the company's lineup, but they still offer the high levels of safety and luxury that Volvo buyers have come to expect.

With the mission of going after buyers looking for a little excitement, both the coupe and convertible offer impressive performance and room for four bona-fide adults. But while the similarly named V70 wagon was redesigned last year (and moved to the larger, more luxurious S80 platform), the C70 continues to ride on the previous-generation S70/V70 platform while waiting for a complete makeover. Of course, older underpinnings don't make the C70 an undesirable car -- it's simply not the best the company has to offer.