June 2008
Volvo C30: First Drive
Sporty hatchback short-changes on content and entertainment
Overview. Known for its dedication to automotive safety and conservative designs, Volvo has introduced the stylish C30 hatchback, intended
to do marketplace battle with such enthusiast-targeted competitors as the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen GTI. The exterior
adapts current design cues, such as the rear stepped haunches, and classic brand elements to the compact model. Of note, the
long, sloping all-glass hatch harks back to the 1970s Volvo 1800ES wagon. Under the hood is a 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder
shared with other Volvo models, such as the S40, V50, and C70.
C30 pricing starts at $23,695 but the cost climbs quickly as options are added. Many features are available through a pricey
“custom build” marketing gambit, but we added just a few extra items, choosing a moon roof, metallic paint, and heated seats.
Our final price was $25,795, which didn’t include either cruise control or a trip computer.
Initial impressions. A pleasant hatchback, the C30 is not as sporty as its chief competitors. Handling is sound but not as nimble or precise as that in the more entertaining GTI and Cooper. The steering isn’t as quick or communicative either. But the C30 is relatively quiet, and the firm ride isn’t too stiff. The powertrain delivers strong acceleration, and the clutch and shifter of our six-speed manual felt light to the touch. We’ve been averaging 23 mpg, which is not great for cars in this class, but unlike most turbocharged cars, the C30 uses regular fuel.
Inside you’ll find spacious and comfortable front seating, but the rear seats—and there are only two—are just tolerable. The
interior is mostly well-finished, with a slender center stack that resembles a piece of bent-wood Swedish furniture, with
an open space behind it. Most radio and climate controls are small buttons clustered in a thin strip.
Rear visibility is good straight back, but it is compromised to the sides. Storage space is so-so unless you fold down the rear seatbacks, which creates a generous cargo hold.
CR’s take. The C30 is a stylish package that’s easy to live with, but it is more fun to look at than to drive. Many competitors are more entertaining and give you more for the money.
Discuss Volvo in the Cars forum. Read about Volvo in the Cars blog.
Initial impressions. A pleasant hatchback, the C30 is not as sporty as its chief competitors. Handling is sound but not as nimble or precise as that in the more entertaining GTI and Cooper. The steering isn’t as quick or communicative either. But the C30 is relatively quiet, and the firm ride isn’t too stiff. The powertrain delivers strong acceleration, and the clutch and shifter of our six-speed manual felt light to the touch. We’ve been averaging 23 mpg, which is not great for cars in this class, but unlike most turbocharged cars, the C30 uses regular fuel.
Rear visibility is good straight back, but it is compromised to the sides. Storage space is so-so unless you fold down the rear seatbacks, which creates a generous cargo hold.
CR’s take. The C30 is a stylish package that’s easy to live with, but it is more fun to look at than to drive. Many competitors are more entertaining and give you more for the money.
Discuss Volvo in the Cars forum. Read about Volvo in the Cars blog.
