Volvo C30 T5

Swedish Style for the Sanguine Kind

Pop quiz! What car brand is known for its safety? Chances are your answer is probably Volvo. Even a 5th Grader knows that! And rightly so, as this Swedish carmaker has carved itself a strong brand recognition by offering some of the safest automotive to the public. Its models garnered numerous awards from IIHS to ENCAP.

However the perception of Volvo cars while safe offers little in terms of excitement and energy. Sure there were some spiced-up models like the 850 T5 or the recent 300hp S70R. What Volvo is missing in their model line-up is a vehicle that reaches out to the 25-35 year-old genre. Being part of Ford’s PAG (Premium Automotive Group), Volvo receives the financial backing otherwise not possible to develop a new model cost effectively. Thus is born the C30 premium sport hatch designed by Canadian Simon Lamarre. The C30 will fill the void for the above buyers and also allow newcomers to the Swedish brand and hopefully build a loyal customer base.

The styling of the C30 can be traced back to the Volvo SCC and later 3CC concept cars. Despite that, production model is toned down while still maintaining a curvy and stylish exterior, a departure from the traditional box-shaped Volvo models. The C30 shares a shortened (~22cm) platform of the S40/V50. From its swept-back headlights to the distinct rectangle front aprons, one would be hard-pressed to distinguish the C30 from an S40. However from the B-pillar back, the C30 tapers off seductively into a glass hatch flanked by twin-towering taillights. Its rear quarters flares out enveloping the rear wheels providing an athletic stance. The result is a strikingly stylish hot-hatch. When I first saw early pre-production model of the C30, I thought it surely can’t be for North American consumption. Sure it works in Europe where Vuitton or Armani are born. This car is too chic for the super-sized blocky SUV consumer here. Afterall, we are only beginning to accept IKEA into our homely lifestyle.

Its straight forward gauges and floating centre console is directly off the S40 sedan. My C30 tester comes with the base audio system which sounded fine. For those who crave maximum audio experience,

Volvo offers a crackling 10-speaker Dynaudio option. Despite the many Chiclet-sized buttons, I was able to easily work the HVAC and radio settings. Control dials were large and well spaced. Great for those wearing winter gloves. In addition, there is a menu-driven system that allows the driver to pre-configure the audio and even turn-off the DSTC. This by the way comes standard even on the base C30.

In general the C30’s cabin is pleasant with minimal hard-plastics found on window controls and the rear window trim. The driver is surrounded by large windows providing great peripheral view. The ’08 model will even come with an indicator to warn its driver about cars straying into the C30’s blind-spot. Now that is a smart safety feature. The unique T-tec fabric that clothes my tester offers good grip and with its wetsuit-like material repels liquid effectively. Brilliant! Leather is of course an option but the T-tec is such a good conversation starter. Volvo opted to not install bench seats for the rear occupants instead two bucket seats are found in the C30. I find seating at the rear comfortable especially with the existence of a centre arm rest. It feels like I am in a small executive jet. The small glass hatch allows one to open it without having to take a few steps back. So rear cargo access is easy even in a tight space. Having said that, don’t expect the cargo volume to match that of the V50 despite sharing the same platform. One can still toss in a bicycle in there with the seats folded.

My turbocharged 218hp T5 C30 provided good pulling power from stop. At idle, the engine is quiet. It cruises comfortably over regular roads and with this higher-output model (base is 2.4l 168hp), overtaking maneuvers at highway speeds was a breeze. I felt that the 5-speed automatic didn’t change gears as smoothly as I would like. And if you are opting for the T5, it is probably a good idea to get the 6-speed manual for maximum enjoyment. Being a turbocharged car, there is no perceptible turbo whine, credit to Volvo’s NVH tuning. I would prefer that the twin-exhaust to provide some vocal excitement during acceleration instead of a muted gruff.

Just as IKEA introduced us to unique furniture names like the Billy bookcase and the Poäng chair, 16” CELEUS alloys are equipped on my C30. One can option for the masculine sounding 17” ZAURAK too. I can almost hear Björn say “No you can’t just call them 5-spoke mags, sir”. Coupling with MacPherson front with multi-link rear suspension, the C30 offers sporting dynamics. Diving into a negative-cambered corner, the car exhibited some front-end push. I can feel the nose dipping down due to the heavier turbo-engine & soft springs. Punching the accelerator at the apex of the corner shoved 236lb-ft onto the front-drivetrain resulting in the tires scrambling for grip. The same soft suspension and taller sidewalled tires did however absorb frost heaves on the country back roads admirably. An alphabet soup of braking technology ensures good stopping prowess. The brakes were progressive and easy to modulate during my spirited drive on the countryside.

The C30 is positioned at the growing premium hatch segment with competitions from the Audi A3, VW GTi, and BMW’s MINI. I am impressed with the bold styling of this junior Volvo. In terms of total driving satisfaction, perhaps Volvo should spend more time turning up the Sports dial a notch higher. As a hot-hatch, I would like to see more driver feedback. It is a comfortable runabout in the city with strong legs for cross country jaunts especially with the T5 model.

Quick Facts