2008 Volvo C30 Review | Buyer Guide
Volvo Builds a Pocket Rocket
Who would have thought that Volvo would build a pocket rocket? Certainly not me. But the powers that be at the Swedish automaker wanted to attract younger male customers, and so the C30 came into being. The C30, in its upscale 2.0 guise, is ready to do battle with the paragons of youthful enthusiasm, like the Volkswagen GTI and the MINI Cooper S. Of course, if you prefer something less high strung, Volvo offers the base model of the C30, the 1.0.
The C30 is based on the Volvo S40 compact sedan, but is over eight inches shorter and 300 pounds lighter. The same the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbo that drives the S40 also propels the C30. With less weight to pull, the C30 is quicker. Volvo claims that it can get to 60 mph in a little over six seconds.
Like the GTI and the MINI Cooper, the C30 has a feisty look about it. My 2.0 test car, with 18-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and ground-hugging bodywork seemed ready for street combat. The interior was less aggressive, but attractive in a low-key way. Two-tone seats and brushed silver trim livened up a charcoal colored cabin. Particularly pleasing was the slender center control panel that flowed from the dash and curved gracefully into the console.
The C30 seats four, with bucket seats, fore and aft. Those up front get manual height adjusters, which should assist short drivers, but tall folks might wish for more seat travel. The rear seats have adequate head and legroom for small adults and children. Access is good, since the front seats slide forward when a backrest is released. However, the doors are long and heavy, and getting into any seat can be difficult in a tight parking space. A large glass hatchback door secures a 12.9 cu-ft storage area that easily expands when the rear seat is folded down.
Volvo encourages buyers to personalize their cars. This is a feature that has worked well for Toyota’s youth brand, Scion. But in the Volvo system, customers pay a $300 access fee for the privilege of ordering special paint, or a host of other options, and unlike Scion, where add-ons are installed at the port, C30 options are done at the factory, for the most part. This means customers wait eight weeks or more for a special order—a potential turn-off.
Those who choose the C30, with or without options, will find it to be a lively performer. The turbo engine cranks out 227 horsepower and pulls well, whether it is hooked up to the six-speed manual or the five-speed automatic. Those ordering the 2.0 model get a sport suspension, which delivers crisp handling, like that of a Volkswagen GTI. But the ride quality leaves something to be desired—it’s ultra firm. This car telegraphs every little bump in the road to your backside.
If you want a car that is still quick, but one that won’t jar your kidneys all the time, you might consider the 1.0 model. The suspension is not as stiff, and the handling is not as sharp, but the ride is much better.
Pricing for the C30 1.0 starts at $23,445. The 2.0 begins at $26,445.
Snapshot Review
Quick to 60
Feisty Look
Sharp Handling (2.0)
Harsh Ride (2.0)
