WE LIKE
1. Handsome, funky styling
2. Comfortable over long distances
3. Sharp enough to drive for those who'll consider it
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Weedy basic petrol engines
2. Poor access to the rear seats
3. Firm ride
Volvo's most imaginative car in years, the C30 gives buyers seeking an upmarket compact hatchback a viable alternative to the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. It's just a shame that it's so cramped in the back.
The C30's design is meant to combine the virtues of hatchback and coupe - and it certainly looks sleek and sporty thanks to the narrow windows and tightly sculpted back end, hallmarks improved by a 2010 facelift which makes the whole thing look funkier. The ethos behind the C30 is an idea that Volvo tried before in the 1980s 480 Coupe. The C30 is a vastly better car, but the back end bears an unmistakable resemblance to that of its unmourned predecessor.
Inside the cabin feels very Volvo, sharing trim and switchgear with the S40 and V50 that the C30 is based on. That means the clever "floating" central control panel and an excellent driving position. The downside is limited space for rear seat occupants, with access to the back feeling very awkward. No five door option will be available, but the boot is a reasonable enough size by segment standards.
It drives well, too, sharing the well-mannered driving dynamics of the S40 and V50. Slightly vague-feeling steering limits all-out confidence, but grip levels are high and the C30 stays predictable as the limits approach. A Sport chassis - new for 2010 - offers lower suspension and sharper steering, dynamic qualities that improve the C30's behavior on the road but are never enough to match up to even non-premium rivals like the Focus. Ride quality is quite firm though, which creates some choppy motion on rougher road surfaces.
C30 buyers certainly won't be short of engine choice, with 1.6, 2.0 litre four-cylinder motors and a turbocharged 2.5 litre "T5" at the top of the range. The basic engines lack much in the way of urge, but the five-pots are fast. Three diesels are also available, and the 1.6-litre DRIve models are impressively economical with lowly CO2 emissions.
Average
User reviews (9)
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Volvoguy27 January 2010
Really I wanted to give this car a 4.5 because it's kinda hard to get into the back seats, oh well it's the price you pay for having such a good looking car. Good gas milage for a Volvo
Report as inappropriateP-K Cooiman21 March 2010
I really dig this car. The funky styling and image sets it apart from all the other contenders in this segment. One mystery to me is...why did Fifth Gear give it 4 stars first and now only 3??! It is still the same car! (besides the facelift) Can you tell me why this is? Kind regards
Report as inappropriateyeti57504 September 2010
excellent, fun, stylish,safe,headturner reliable,all makes up for small bootspace.veeeery happpy.
Report as inappropriatePaul Buddery27 September 2010
4 stars or 5?? My DRIVe is generally brisk and frugal, though can feel a bit sluggish if you don't work the gearbox. And wind wistle at high speed round the door mirrors means laminated glass is a plus. But it's cool, comfortable, calming and crisp around the corners. A feel-good, as well as a look-good car, so 5 it is.
Report as inappropriatePaul Buddery27 September 2010
4 stars or 5?? My DRIVe is generally brisk and frugal, though can feel a bit sluggish if you don't work the gearbox. And wind wistle at high speed round the door mirrors means laminated glass is a plus. But it's cool, comfortable, calming and crisp around the corners. A feel-good, as well as a look-good car, so 5 it is.
Report as inappropriateColin Carter18 November 2010
Really great car. My C30 1.6D R design is 24months old and I have put 41,000 miles on since new. My wife and I drive to the Greek mainland twice a year, two days each way. I do all the driving, she navigates and pays tolls. I'ts a drivers car. I am in the motor trade and drive loads of cars and not many pass my initial test of would I like to drive this to Greece. As mine is the version with the Peugeot 4 cyl diesel, I am saving up to get the D3 5cyl 2ltr.flaills
Report as inappropriateCliff Woodthorpe08 April 2011
My last 4 cars were: Peugeot 406 executive, Focus ST, Astra VXR and now the D5 C30 R Design. I rate the C 30 as the best car I have ever owned and intend to get a D4 when the current C30 reaches 50000 miles in a few months. It's a fantastic car; 50 MPG and real mid - range power - it turns a few heads too. The only fault at 40000 miles was an air con regas but that's forgivable! I like to enjoy my driving, childishly leaving BMW 320 diesels in my wake but what the heck! Even at a standstill waiting to cross the Dartford bridge, this car is as good as it gets.
Report as inappropriateIan Jackson23 November 2011
I have a C30 1.6 D3 R Design. I am having problems with the car from cold. You have to wait approx 3 minutes for it to warm up before you pull away otherwise it is like a kangarroo. Volvo say this is NORMAL. Anyone got anycomments? Otherwis ethe car is great.
Report as inappropriateMr Ian Jackson29 December 2011
I love the car to bits BUT, the 1.6 D2 engine (I think is Ford) has a BIG problem from cold starting. You CANNOT drive straight off as it will stall and you will have to slip the clutch or sit and wait for 2 or 3 minutes for the engine to warm up enough to pull away smoothly. I have had this car taken into my Volvo agent for a week and they cannot cure it. I have been in touch with Volvo direct and they cannot cure it. They say it is a characteristic of the car. What a laugh! My cousin has a Ford Focus and this suffers the same. He is fighting with the local Ford agent to cure it. If 'Anyone' knows the answer please let me know :)
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