Volvo's C70 had come in convertible form starting in 1998, but that fabric-roofed model and its hardtop-coupe companion disappeared after the 2004 model year. Now, midway through the 2006 model year, the Swedish automaker launched a four-passenger convertible with a retractable hardtop. This new C70 shared its basic front-wheel-drive architecture and wheelbase with Volvo's front-wheel-drive S40 sedans and V50 wagons, but was somewhat longer and wider to accommodate the three-piece hardtop that powers in and out of the trunk. The 2006.5 model came in a single trim level, called T5, borrowing its 218-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the S40/V50 line. Transmissions also were shared: a six-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic, with a manual shift gate. Standard safety features included specially-designed front side airbags that could pop out of the doors to act as head-protecting curtains in side-impact incidents. Front torso side airbags also were standard. In addition, rollover bars automatically popped up from behind the rear head restraints if sensors detected an imminent tipover. C70s also came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes and antiskid/traction control. Standard wheels were 17-inch, with 18-inch optional. Among other options were rear obstacle detection, bi-xenon headlamps, and a navigation system with remote control and satellite radio preparation. Leather upholstery was part of a $1395 Premium Package. With the revived C70, Volvo competed against the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3-Series convertible, and Saab 9-3 convertible. All three of those had fabric tops rather than a metal roof, though Volkswagen launched a retractable hardtop and BMW would soon do likewise for its 3-Series.