Volvo first introduced us to the evocatively styled C30 back in 2007. Now updated for 2010, the revised C30 lineup includes two new models.
Volvo says the C30 has successfully provided access to younger buyer segment. Expanding that concept, the company has secured product placement in the Twilight movie franchise – the C30 is car of choice for lead character Edward Cullen.
With five models, four engines and a near endless list of interior options to please the fussiest of people, the C30 covers all the bases.
New to the C30 range is the ultra economical Stop/Start C30 DRIVe. The DRIVe will have you achieving class leading fuel economy of only 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres whilst emitting only 99 grams of C02 per kilometre – that’s virtually the same as Ford’s remarkable Fiesta Econetic. The DRIVe is the first purpose- built eco model introduced by Volvo in Australia. If the take-up of the DRIVe model is successful, expect to see Volvo introduce a DRIVe variant across all Volvo models.
The other new C30 on the block is the T5 R-Design - the turbocharged hot hatch boasts a sportier look that is supported by enhancements to suspension and steering.
Majority of the facelift has been undertaken on the front of the car. With new headlights that trail back towards the new mudguards and a lower, sportier front end. The new honeycomb grill puts the C30 among the newer styled Volvo makes like the XC60 and XC70.
The original rear end was styled on the iconic P1800 of the1970’s and the updated 2010 model sticks with that tradition. A rounder and more softer rear bumper and lower panels make the rear end look sportier and the ride height lower without actually changing ride height.
If the standard 16inch Convector wheels don’t excite you then maybe you will love the 80’s-inspired optional 17inch Styx White alloy wheels as we did. Making sure that the C30 stands out further, Volvo have increased the number of exterior colours to thirteen by adding two additional new colours to the mix - Orange Flame (pictured) and Lime Grass Green. Open the door of the C30 and step inside to a spacious and comfortable interior. Volvo designers have looked far and wide for inspiration for the upgrade and one of the standouts is the Oyster Burst Deco texture for the centre stack and door panel. The grey to white fadeout is inspired by the Swedish Hagstrom guitars made famous by Elvis and Hendrix.
The C30 has a safety list that is a long as your arm – dual front and side airbags, full length curtain air bags and Side Impact Protection System (SIPS).
Adding to the excellent safety list is Volvo’s Emergency Brake Light system. The system is automatically engaged once the car is travelling over 60km/h. If the vehicle is involved in an emergency braking situation the system flashes the stoplights five times per second until the car slows below 10km/h. Once the vehicle has slowed to below 10km/h, the hazards lights are automatically activated. The hazards can be turned off manually or will automatically stop if the car reaches over 10km/h.
Power comes from a choice of either two petrol or diesel engines. The first of the five-cylinder petrol engines is the 2.4 litre 125kW/230Nm found in the C30 S. Whilst the second is a 2.5 litre Turbo 169kW/320Nm is found in the T5 and T5 R-Design. Four transmission option are available.
The diesel engine in the DRIVe is the 1.6 litre turbo diesel that delivers 80kw and 230Nm. Whilst the 2.0D turbo (100kW/320Nm) which is found in the C30 2.0D
Priced from $34,950 for the base model manual through to $48,650 for the range topping C30 T5 R-Design, the C3 offers a different European alternative in the prestige hatchback segment.
