The C30, designed as a lifestyle car, is cheaper than the direct competitors from Audi and BMW, but seems a little pricey compared to the VW Golf. Fuel economy is pretty good unless you're looking at the T5 model, servicing is about average and the insurance group is sensible too. with the premium image, resale values will also be good.
The C30 may be the entry into the Volvo the range, but the premium feel is stil apparent. Dense, soft-touch plastics make up the fascia, the switches feel like they have the usual Volvo durability and it generally feels built to last. Volvo has a great record for producing reliable cars, and the ford group underpinnings back this up.
Volvo built its reputation on safety, and says that the C30 performs just as well as the larger models in a rear-end collision, despite the hatchback shape. Every model has 6 airbags, active anti-whiplash headrests and DSC, whilst an integrated stereo, deadlocking a VIN number shown under the windscreen for all to see should help to put off the criminals.
The Volvo C30 shares the same stylish dashboard with its floating centre console with the S40 and V50, and very nce it looks too, although the switches on it can be a little awkward to use. Anyone can get comfy by adjusting the seat and steering wheel to a wide range of driving positions.
There is generous head and legroom in the front seats for 2 large adults, and another 2 can slide into the rear, although there isn't the rear space of some of the more conventionally shaped rivals, and the rear seats are seperate, so no room for a little one in the centre. The boot is a decent shape but is on the small side and a little shallow, and the luggage cover can be awkward to use.
All Volvo C30s an MP3 stereo, climate control, alloys and electric windows, while SE models get audio buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control and plusher seat trims. Going to SE Lux trim gives heated leather seats and powerfold door mirrors. The new and popular R-Design Sport and SE Sport models get a stylish bodykit, aluminium dash, half leather sports seats and steering wheel.
The engine choice has a comprehensive amount of petrol units, starting with a 99bhp 1.6-litre, through 1.8 and 2.0 and tops out with the fire reathing 2.5 T5 unit from the Focus ST, which provides massive mid-range muscle. Diesel fans are offered a wide choice of 108bhp 1.6, 134bhp 2.0 and 178bhp 2.4-litre D5 units, with the 2.0 diesel being our choice.
Being loosely based on the Focus platform means the is a tidy handling car, particularly with the R design models and the sports suspension. The downside is a firm ride at lower speeds, but it never becomes uncomfortable. The steering is nicely balanced, but a little short on driver feedback - overall a good match for the character of the car.
The Volvo C30 is a refined car on motorways, cruising along nicely. a little wind noise does can be heard from the door mirrors, and road noise is audible if you have the larger alloys fitted. The petrol engines are quiet and refined, but the 2.0-litre diesel lets you know what sort of engine it is and the D5 can be a little rough if pushed.
