Character is vitally important to a car-buying purchase. It can come in the form of aesthetics: styling, interesting colors, mood lighting or quirky features. Then there's character in the form of driving: the sound of an engine, the power delivery of that engine or the way a car handles. Sometimes, you can prefer having no character at all, hence a Corolla purchase.
Character is obviously an unquantifiable X factor, but for younger car buyers, it's becoming increasingly important. Just look at many of the inexpensive vehicles being introduced nowadays, especially those just north of $20,000. Mini is the obvious culprit, but then there is a largely forgotten entry: the Volvo C30.
Perhaps this Swede's particular brand of character isn't appealing to the masses, but to these eyes, there's a whole lot to like. Especially with its bolder face, the C30 has a unique appearance that is most definitely different. The rear end in particular is like nothing else on the road -- well, except for its Volvo 1800 ES grandfather.
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The interior shares its design with the S40, V50 and C70, but that's no bad thing. The floating center stack is still incredibly cool looking and its controls are easy to use. Plus, the C30 gets additional personalization options, such as an iPod-like white finish for the center stack and multi-tone color combos (red carpet any one)? The look is decidedly Swedish, which as Britt Ekland and several Ikea couches have proven, is always a good thing.
Then there are practical issues. The back seat only seats two, but the seats are separate buckets and thus pretty comfortable. The wide split in those seats and the giant glass hatch also makes backing up the C30 a snap -- you'd have to have an unturnable neck to require a backup camera in this car.
Driving the C30 can be a tad underwhelming. If the Mazdaspeed3 represents the sport extreme in the hot hatch class and the GTI represents the well-rounded mid point, then the Volvo C30 would be at the comfort-oriented opposite end. Most of the controls -- steering, suspension, shifter -- feel like capably-tuned items that have been encased in marshmallow. The turbocharged five-cylinder is wonderful, however. Power delivery is ultra-smooth and very responsive, while its 0-60 time matches the GTI (6.9 seconds). As turbocharging becomes increasingly ubiquitous, it's nice to see that Volvo is still at the top of its game.
The C30 certainly isn't for everyone, but that's what character cars are like. I think that the stigma attached to Volvo is probably what has hurt the C30 thus far -- folks don't think to visit the maker of mom's station wagon for a hip, sporty hatch. They should, though.
-- James Riswick, Automotive Editor
By rsholland
on March 18, 2010
06:37 AM
I think this is one of the most appealing cars ever from Volvo. Just wish it was offered with AWD.
By dougtheeng
on March 18, 2010
06:42 AM
I've always enjoyed this car. I like how 'obscure' it is, and I would love to own one. Its going to be a contender for my next vehicle for sure. The photos included in this post don't really flatter it, but I find it quite good looking in real life.
By rick8365
on March 18, 2010
06:51 AM
I agree. I thought this car was sharp from when they first showed the concept(?) or drawings.....then again, I have always liked the P1800 line, especially the ES.
James, were you driving the car shown? It looks like a T5 with a sport oriented tire/wheel combo. I've thought that if I were to get one of these, I'd go for the T5 with some kind of sport package etc. Was the one you drove so equipped? It was marshmallowy?
I would also like to submit Malin Akerman as an additional example of Swedish is good.
By dougtheeng
on March 18, 2010
07:36 AM
"I would also like to submit Malin Akerman as an additional example of Swedish is good."
Raised in Niagara on the Lake --->>> Canada is good.
By sabastian
on March 18, 2010
08:09 AM
I've always really liked the C30, but as with all Volvo's I've driven, it seems like it could use a little (or a lot) more beef in the controls. The last S40 I drove felt like the steering was connected by rubber bands. At least there's always the engine!
By iskch
on March 18, 2010
09:21 AM
The C-30 is the alternative for a luxury oriented hatch class.
By blueguydotcom
on March 18, 2010
03:36 PM
Ho-hum car. Sorry, GTI is a better car for performance, comfort, seating. Cooper is better for dealer service and performance. The Volvo is an also-ran. Really after our experience with an S80 I'd sooner buy a GM product than go near Volvo again.
By slowloris
on October 19, 2010
10:12 PM
Isn't it being a slow seller in Europe and rest of the world? And besides, comparing these pictures I'd say this car when it's doors closed, likely not not create such air drag that possibly human ears could at some speed. He-he