Test drive: 2005 Volvo C70 T5

Hardtop convertibles seem to be the Next Big Thing. They're not new, of course; Lexus' SC430 has been plying our roads for some time, as has the recently-revamped Mercedes SLK. Even lower-priced brands are getting in on the action: Pontiac will soon offer a hardtop convertible version of the G6, and Volkswagen's venerable Golf-based Cabrio has left the showroom to make room for the upcoming 2007 EOS.

Right now it's Volvo's turn at bat. By using a convertible hardtop design for the 2006 Volvo C70 T5, they have essentially combined the outgoing C70 coupe and convertible into a single car. Volvo flew several journalists, including our own BJ Killen, out to Hawaii, where it's always convertible weather, to test drive the new C70. (Lucky!!) No worries, though, as the C70 will be going on sale just in time for the nice weather to settle in back East -- where they will no doubt appreciate the solid hard top once Old Man Winter gets back from Antarctica, or wherever he spends his winters. Meantime, check out the well-tanned Ms. Kileen's test drive here. -- Aaron Gold