VOLVO C30 Review

Summary:

What we like: Excellent road manners, Spacious interior, it's a Volvo

What we don't like: Controversial rear styling

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VOLVO C30 review in detail:

The Volvo C30 has an varied mix of innovation and tradition in its styling. The rear end has a prominent large glass tail gate, flanked by slim vertical tail-lights that taper up towards the roof, like no other vehicle on the road. This controversial styling definitely ensures the little Volvo stands out from the competition.

There is excellent interior space for up to four adults, but no more! There is no fifth seat belt, which is a bit unusual.

There is plenty of front leg and head room and good rear legroom, although the sloping roof will be a nuisance to tall people.

The C30 comes with a choice of two five-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.5-litre turbo charged and a naturally aspirated 2.4. A 2.5-litre turbo diesel will be added late in 2007.
The 2.4-litre C30 LE comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the turbo T5 and the upcoming D5 diesel, both get a six-speed. All models have five-speed automatic with a Tiptronic manual override function.

The C30 T5 is a pleasure to drive, with exact steering and extremely good road grip.

The six-speed manual gearbox is excellent, with a small, sporty gear lever and concise short-move changes.

The C30 has a clean and neat dashboard layout. The centrepiece is Volvo's clever floating centre console that made its debut in the Volvo S40 sedan. Only around two centimetres thick, the curved slimline unit can even be customised to suit the individual owner.