The C30 is the entry model to the Volvo range and is a worthy competitor to other European Hatchbacks
Bored with your Golf? Over your Audi? Sick of your BMW? The Volvo C30 is a stylish and worthy adversary to its more popular rival European hatchbacks.
Powered by a choice of five cylinder 2.4-litre petrol or diesel engines or a sprightly 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol, the three door C30 looks good on the outside and inside offers a surprising amount of space.
Entry to the C30 range is the S model priced from $34,450 or LE derivative priced from $38,450 – both powered by Volvo’s 2.4-litre five cylinder petrol engine that delivers a useful 125kW at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 230Nm at 4400 rpm. The LE gains leather seats with electric adjustment, power mirrors with round lighting and upgraded audio and air conditioning systems.
The D5 model, priced from $42,450, has the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet, delivering 132kW and 350Nm.
Rounding out the C5 lineup is the rapid T5 model with a turbocharged petrol powerplant good for 169kW and 320NM.
The C30 shares its platform with other Ford family stable mates the Ford Focus and Mazda 3. But there is no mistaking the looks of Volvo – the C30’s glass rear hatch and Volvo-centric front end allow it to stand-out from other hatchbacks.
And while the Volvo is only available in a 3-door configuration, those clever Swedish designers have done a great job and opening the doors provides easy access to either the front or rear seats.
Once inside, you are greeted with a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior – even in the rear. For the driver, the steering wheel adjusts for rake/reach and contains controls for the audio system and cruise control. All other controls are logical and well-placed – in the Volvo way.
No surprise that the C30 is strong on safety – it’s a five-star European crash test performer. Stability control is standard on the T5 and optional on other models.
