Vehicle Overview Volvo took a play out of Mercedes-Benz’s book with the entry-level C30 hatchback, which is based on Volvo’s compact S40 sedan. Like Mercedes’ recent C230 coupe, the four-passenger C30 has abundant safety features and a high-output engine. The running gear should help establish the C30 as a hot hatch to the tune of a Volkswagen GTI or Mini Cooper S, and — like the baby-Benz — it will also try to duck the image of entry-level luxury cars being underpowered and meagerly equipped.
The C30 marks Volvo’s third S40 spinoff; others include the V50 wagon and C70 convertible. The S40 is related to several cars built under parent company Ford’s umbrella — among them the Mazda3 compact car and Mazda5 minivan.
The C30 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in mid-summer 2007.
Exterior Up front, the C30 holds a traditional Volvo face with an upright, diagonally bisected grille. Dark fender overhangs flow toward the air dam, and from most front angles they dominate the C30’s stance. Eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are available.
Much like the C30 concept introduced at the Detroit auto show last January, the two-door C30 holds a large glass hatch in back. Volvo says it lends an open feel to the interior; bystanders can see the center dashboard controls from behind.
At 167.4 inches long, the C30 is slightly longer than the GTI. The redesigned Mini Cooper is nearly two feet shorter. Front and rear overhangs are significantly smaller than the S40’s.
Interior Volvo says four adults can fit inside the C30. Rear bucket seats are positioned slightly inward of the front seats, allowing more forward visibility from the backseat. Up front, the dashboard looks much like the S40’s, with an ultra-thin center panel incorporating climate and audio controls.
Dual-zone automatic climate control and a CD audio system with an auxiliary MP3-player input are standard. A 650-watt, 10-speaker audio system is optional.
Under the Hood The S40’s optional turbocharged engine, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder, comes standard in the C30. It generates 227 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque, the latter figure available as early as 1,500 rpm. A six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission is available.
Safety Side-impact and side curtain airbags are standard, and Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System is optional. BLIS uses a camera mounted next to each side mirror to warn drivers of nearby cars.
A standard Intelligent Driver Information System uses steering, accelerator and brake sensors to determine when a situation demands full driver attention. It can delay non-essential instrument alerts until the excitement passes.
