Volvo has been quite busy lately completely revamping its lineup of vehicles over the years. The days of the blocky, brick-like Volvo sedans and wagons are over. From the stylish XC90 to the luxurious S80 to the sporty C70, Volvo’s new and diverse offerings have covered almost all the bases from which customers can choose.
In a further attempt to strengthen its vehicle lineup, Volvo introduced the all-new C30 for 2008. The 2008 Volvo C30 T5 is essentially a two-door hatchback version of the S40, V50 and C70, but the only exterior part the C30 shares with these other cars is the hood. The C30 seamlessly blends coupe and hatchback characteristics without sacrificing the safety and luxury for which Volvo is known.
Alone, the 2008 C30 has one of the most unique designs on the market. While the rear glass hatch may evoke memories of an AMC Gremlin or Ford Pinto, the C30 conveys a sexy and sporty look that only a Volvo could pull off. The 2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 increases the C30's sporty stance using a striking two-tone paint scheme, gorgeous 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels and finishes everything off with large chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets. Our test car came in Cosmic White with the Java Pearl lower body accent.
Even from a distance, the all-new C30 is unmistakably Volvo. The broad shoulders that span from the front fenders back through the taillights give the C30 an athletic stance, while the blacked-out headlights gives a rather menacing look. The long side quarter windows stretch all the way back to the C-pillar and not only help provide a less claustrophobic rear seat than would be expected, but the design also helps to provide unobstructed vision from the driver's seat. Any cars that do manage to sneak into the C30's blind spot are easily detected by Volvo's optional ($695) Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) that uses small cameras mounted underneath both side mirrors to locate any rogue vehicles along side the car that the driver somehow missed.
All C30 models use a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine to drives the front wheels. The peppy engine produces 227 horsepower and 236 lb-ft without any of the turbo lag that plagues many other turbocharged engines. Our test car was equipped with the optional ($1,250) five-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that featured a fun-to-use manual shift mode. Proving that this drivetrain is no slouch, during our review the C30 still managed a little tire spin from the front Pirellis even with the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) turned on.
In addition to its sporty looks and powerful engine, the C30 Version 2.0 also adds Volvo’s Dynamic suspension, which offers a firm ride and a lower stance. The overall package Volvo has created in the C30 results in a small, fun-to-drive car that handles surprisingly well for a car its size. On curvy country back roads, the C30 confidently holds its line without any sign of understeer. From a driver’s point of view, the C30 has to be one of Volvo’s most entertaining vehicles in its extensive lineup.
Once inside the C30, the base interior offers a comfortable and plush environment. The instrument panel uses a soft, rubbery material and is contrasted by bright aluminum accents. While the aluminum inlay on the underside of the steering wheel seems oddly placed (and slightly uncomfortable in extreme hot or cold conditions), the aluminum-clad waterfall center stack, also used in the S40, offers an elegant and stylish touch to the C30's interior. Breaking up the aluminum look in the center stack are the stereo and HVAC controls that are positioned on what looks like standard household TV remote control.
Although leather is available in the C30, the standard seats use Volvo's textile/T-Tec upholstery that offers both a plush and rugged surface. The seven-way manual front seats provide excellent comfort and adjustable thigh and lumbar support, and the driver gets the added comfort of a tilting and telescoping steering column. Some front passengers found it difficult to recline the front seats using the dial as it does offer limited space between the seat and the door. Access to the rear seats couldn't be an easier (without adding an extra set of doors) with the release handle located on the upper edges of the front seats.
As expected from a coupe, rear passenger room is slightly limited for taller occupants. Riding on the same 103.9-inch wheelbase as S40, the rear bucket seats offer surprising headroom and legroom but passengers over six-feet tall may want to hurry and call “shotgun.” Behind the 50/50 split rear seat, the C30 can hold 12.9 cubic feet of cargo and with the seats easily folded flat, cargo space is increased to 20.2 cubic feet.
All occupants benefit from the 10-speaker, 650-watt audio system with Dolby Pro-Logic II. The system provides quality sound and is easily controlled from the steering wheel. The C30 Version 2.0 also gets Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary six-month subscription.
Unfortunately, the C30 has yet to be crash tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, but with standard safety features such as Volvo's Whiplash protection system (WHIPS), Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and a full array of airbags, the C30 is sure to match the high levels of safety consumers expect from Volvo.
The base MSRP for the 2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 1.0 starts at $22,950, while the upgraded Version 2.0 model starts at $25,700. Our moderately equipped model had an asking price of just over $29,000.
2008 Volvo C30 Pictures and Wallpapers
Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008
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