How to... upgrade your car's stereo - Dynaudio in Volvo C70

Volvo C70 2.4i Sport £26,225

UPGRADE Dynaudio Premium
COST £1750
PCP COST £50 per month

Buy any C70, and the standard-fit audio system is superior to the basic set-up found in VW's Passat. With six speakers, a claimed 4 x 20 watts of power and a single-slot radio/CD unit, this Performance Sound Audio system is certainly listenable, but is also limited in power and excitement, particularly when the car's roof is lowered.

However, a much-improved hi-fi is available, courtesy of Dynaudio. Providing 12 speakers, including two eight-inch subwoofers for added depth, this Premium Sound system provides 910 watts of power. You also get an auxiliary line input for iPods, a six-disc CD changer, and Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound, which attempts to 'wrap' sound around you.

The benefits are obvious: the upgraded system produces a far more muscular, forceful sound. We felt the Dolby surround-sound introduced a slightly artificial feel to some music, focusing voices too much towards the dash-mounted speaker, but it can be switched off.

We also felt the system lacked some of the excitement of its Passat-mounted Dynaudio sibling. That, and the fearsome price (£1750), mean we'd think twice before choosing this particular option.
RATING ***