Ahead of its public debut later this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, Volvo has released images and limited details of the 2011 Volvo C70. The freshened C70 convertible has a new front fascia, headlights and fenders, new tail lights, and some updated materials in the interior, including a new instrument cluster.
 
When we tested the retractable-hardtop C70 in 2008, we found the Volvo had a well-finished interior, but the ride was hard, the engine felt lethargic, and the handling was sound but unexceptional. It is notable as a convertible for having curtain air bags, which deploy from the tops of the doors.
 
The 2011 Volvo C70 convertible will make its North American debut at the Miami auto show in late October.
 
For more on the current C70, see our full road test (available to online subscribers). See our recommended convertibles and read our convertible buying advice.
 

—Eric Evarts

Updated 9/16/09