Believe it or not, some people still think of right angles and square shapes at the mention of the Volvo name. If you happen to be one of those folks, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with what the Swedes are offering, including the 2006 C70, the result of a joint-venture between Volvo and the heralded coachbuilder, Pininfarina.

Like all of the brand’s current vehicles, the new C70 features smoked headlight lenses, a sleek body with powerful side haunches, and clean wrap-around taillights. The overall presence is one of powerful elegance. At first glance, many observers may quickly liken the C70 to the S40 sedan, though the only part both share is the aluminum hood. In fact, the headlights are lower and wider, as are the rear lenses that otherwise resemble those on larger Volvo sedans.

Inside, the C70 uses the same slim and precise center stack as found in the S40, a thickly-padded leather steering wheel with an aluminum insert, and generous use of soft-touch materials, though hard plastics are used on the lower dash, parts of the door panels, and on the A-pillars. A gently-contoured one-piece rubberized dash flows naturally into the upper door sills which sweep back to the flush hard tonneau cover, while a mesh headliner stretches overhead when the top is raised. In standard guise, a synthetic material called Haverdal T-Tec, feeling a bit like a rubbery suede, covers the seats and inner armrests, while durable leather is included in the Premium Package. There’s a noticeable absence of glitz and glam here and no chrome or faux wood, with the result being a simple yet upscale interior.

From a comfort and utility perspective, the 2006 Volvo C70’s interior is admirable. Front and rear buckets, accommodating up to four passengers, use thick bolsters to keep bodies relatively still and firm cushions provide necessary support. Each front chair includes standard power recline, fore and aft movement, and seat bottom tilt; manual lumbar is also standard, as are four headrests. Getting into the somewhat tight rear seat involves lifting a tab on the front seat back to tilt it forward, while a power button slides the seat toward the dash and then returns it to its original position. With the top up, getting in back still requires some flexibility, but this setup helps tremendously. Once seated, it doesn’t take long to notice the lack of legroom and footroom, though headroom is adequate for someone no taller than five-feet, eight-inches. Those situated out back have access to two center-mounted cupholders and covered storage bins built into the side panels, each large enough to hold a decent-sized water bottle. Front passengers get a center armrest with storage space for a cell phone or a wallet, a deep but short glovebox, a small cubby behind the center panel, and covered door pockets that lock with the central locking system.