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2008 Volvo C30 Road Test

The main comment I hear about the C30 is just how much the glass hatchseems to have been inspired by the classic P1800ES from the era in which I was born, which makes me part of the target market that this new entry-level Volvo is aimed at. The only wrinkle is that my wife and I have a child and Volvo feels that young urban couples sans children are the target market. Which shouldn't be the case. For example my wife and I are only having one child and now that he is six years old and in a booster seat the rear of our five-door hatchback often remains empty since we no longer have strollers, playpens or diaper bags to lug around, so the C30's small hatch is probably sufficient. Although we have on occasion carried some formidable cargo in our hatch over the years, I wouldn't let the “why I might have to haul 2 adults, 7 kids, a dog and 12 pieces of luggage, so better buy the biggest vehicle possible” attitude that seems to plague the SUV drivers I see driving by themselves during rush hour, cloud my thinking.

Volvo really has done more with less when it comes to space in theC30.

C30 is all about changing the way you see the Volvo brand... (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

Things are airy inside thanks to the aforementioned glass hatch that lets light spill into the car from the rear. A sunroof to brighten things up even more is a standalone option at $1,245. The dash in the C30 is taken straight from the S40/V50/C70 and as such the Ikea-esque floating center console comes over as well. Real aluminum trim brightens up a rather monochrome dark gray interior and the materials are soft to the touch and of a very high quality. I am still in love with the Kalix seat fabric. It feels very high end and I prefer it to the optional $1,248 leather interior, not to mention that the front seats are comfortable and well bolstered. WHIPS, Volvo's whiplash protection system is also standard, designed to assist the headrest in the event of a collision. Moving rearward, I am about 6 feet

Switches and knobs are small, but the C30 is well put together and feels very solid. It deserves its premium designation. (Photo: Volvo)

tall and had no issues sitting back there, finding headroom and hip room to be quite good. There was quite a bit of legroom for a coupe too.

The ergonomics are good, even the small buttons on the center console whichbecome quite intuitive after just a few minutes of use. A Navigation system is optional at a cost of $2,204. The steering wheel is adjustable both for tilt and telescopic actuation, so getting comfortable is no problem. To the right of the steering column is the ignition key, which docks into the dash, turning just like a standard key, and to the left is the tiniest headlamp switch ever. It felt like a toy when I turned on the Bi-Xenon projector headlights that come at a price of $672. Both cars I drove were equipped with the premium Dynaudio stereo system, a $768 option on the Level 1 model and standard on the Level 2. The Level 1 comes standard with an 8-speaker, 160-watt CD player

Key slots into upper dash to prevent knee injuries in frontal crash. (Photo: Volvo)

that offers the capability to play MP3/WMA files, plus an iPod input and steering wheel controls. The Dynaudio system combines for 650 watts, ten speakers and room for 6 CDs in the dash. I'm a huge music enthusiast and since I didn't feel that radio would adequately allow me to test the system's sound range I stopped at a local music store in my neighborhood to purchase a CD. Everything sounded very impressive, even better than the 4-year old aftermarket system in my car. Driving around in a hip, trendy area the C30 seemed right at home, and even managed to turn heads.

I can't write an article on Volvo without mentioning what first comes to mind when mentioning the brand, safety. Dual front, side and head curtain airbags for all 4 occupants are standard as well as ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control to help you not need them. Not so obvious, the C30's structure is ultra-strong, providing good all-round crash protection.

In case you haven't heard, there won't be a 2.4i model in the U.S.,

C30's turbocharged 5-cylinder is quick, and it handles well. Ride on standard suspension is firm but comfortable. (Photo: Volvo)

available pretty well everywhere else, as Volvo Cars of America believes that only the more powerful C30 T5 (Turbocharged 5-cylinder, naturally)suits the American market. It doles out 218 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed manual. So a drive in the country was in order, something with winding roads and fast straights. Volvo saw fit to equip this particular car with snow tires, so driving on snow covered back roads was fun. The fact that the car is front-wheel drive only did make itself apparent when sometimes the wheels spun for lack of grip, but for the most part the tires fought for traction and engaged the traction control system and away I went. The S40's Haldex AWD is not available on the C30, in order to keep costs down. The car never felt unstable as I plowed through wet, snowy roads, and as I mentioned earlier I own a hatchback, and like the C30 I find it very susceptible to the filth that gets kicked up during winter driving. My T5 Level 1 model also came with $1,824 worth of options that include a sport tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires, a power driver's seat with memory, heated front seats, Homelink and an auto dimming rear

Like any Volvo, the C30 is safe, safe, safe. Curtain airbags and front airbags are standard. (Photo: Volvo)

view mirror that features a compass. However, since my car was a pre-production model it was not fitted with the sport dampers or springs. I didn't learn this until the afternoon and was very surprised to learn this since the standard suspension settings were very, very firm. I can only imagine how much stiffer the sport suspension is, and can't wait to try it out this summer on stickier tires and dry roads.

I liked how the inline five sounds and actually prefer it to some 4 cylinders and V6sI've heard. It's uniquely raspy and shrill at times, and moves the C30 down the road really quickly; I never found myself wanting for power. The clutch is very light and the shifter is excellent, with all six gear ratios well spaced to keep the turbo on boost.

Lastly, the C30's styling is its most unique selling proposition. Up front it is instantly recognizable as a modern Volvo, but the rear is where things really get interesting. Long tapered side windows that accentuate the smooth curved flanks and large taillights surrounding the glass hatch offer a look like no other. Everything appears well proportioned, but while the dual exhaust outlets look okay, the need for two pipes seems a bit odd on an inline engine. It also would look better with the optional 18-inch wheels to

How much extra would you fork out to make your C30 look this cool? The bronze contrasting paint is 100-percent capable of wilting your wallet. (Photo: Volvo)

fill things out a bit. One of the most captivating features of the C30 is the ability to order the rocker panels and fender flares, standard in gray plastic, painted a contrasting color. What a fantastic idea that almost guarantees to be destined for trend status. There is a downside though, and that is an eye-watering price, since as this is a dealer-installed accessory adding that littlebit of paint carries an estimated cost of $2,500! Body color does come standard instead of the gray plastic, but only in the Level 2 model in the form of a Sport Body Kit. Volvo did inform me that they hope to offer it as a factory installed option later in the C30 Level 1's model life and possibly lower the cost. My advice? Get your local body shop to paint it out for under a thousand, if you really must.

With prices starting at $24,970 for the base Level 1 and $28,270 for the Level 2 model, the C30 is positioned perfectly in the premium European hatchback market segment, and is a credible competitor to VW's GTI, the MINI Cooper/Cooper S and Audi's A3 2.0T. But like those models, a few ticks on the option sheet can send that price over $30,000, so choose wisely. Volvo is being a little conservative with its sales targets, but the C30 should easily meet or exceed them and will appeal to those looking for something a little different.




Specifications (Volvo C30):

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