Background to the Volvo C30

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Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

New features, Volvo C30, model year 2008 - brief summary

New features, Volvo C30, model year 2009 - brief summary

Launch
Launched in 2006, the new Volvo C30 is based on the Volvo SCC – a modern and exciting concept car that was unveiled in 2001. A true challenger in the compact car premium segment, the Volvo C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty emphasis – such as the Volvo 1800 ES. The C30 is a dynamic and functional two-door model that is tailormade for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle.

Design
The Volvo C30 has been developed to give a sporty image. Several innovative design solutions have been combined with lines that typify a modern Volvo

The gently rounded front has several features that contribute to the sporty impression, such as the large, low grille, chararacteristic spoiler and short overhang. The headlamps are set high in the wings.

The sweeping silhouette of the body sides is emphasised by black wing extenders at each corner of the body and by the long wheelbase. The characteristic shoulder is more rugged than on any other Volvo model, while the shoulder line conveys an impression of movement – even when the car is at rest. The Volvo C30 can be complemented with a sporty skirt package, or Accessory Body Kit. Certain body finishes can also be combined with different accessory kit colours. The modern and unique design of the rear end is an important element of the sporty image. The shape of the rear light clusters delineate the powerful shoulder profile, especially in the dark.

In the rear, the Volvo C30 is equipped with two individual seats instead of a conventional bench seat. The side panels are divided into two compartments. The space between the seats is occupied by a comfortable armrest and can also be used to load long, narrow objects. The seat backrests can be folded down to provide a large, almost completely flat load floor. The backrests can also be lowered from outside (with the hatch open). The luggage compartment can be equipped with two different luggage blinds – a soft type (standard in certain markets) that can be used with the backrests up or down, and a rigid type that is mounted behind the upright backrests. Featuring the same design as in the new Volvo C70, the front seats are easy to fold down, making access to the rear even easier. Electrically operated front seats are available as an option. The ‘bathtub’ line around the dashboard and door panels is designed to provide a feeling of security and harmony. The Volvo C30 also features the same characteristic, super-thin centre stack as in the Volvo S40 and V50.

Safety
The Volvo C30 is equipped with basically the same safety systems and chassis characteristics as the Volvo S40 and V50. Examples include the crash safety structure and advanced suspension. The gently rounded front is provided with a special spoiler under the bumper that helps to reduce the risk of leg injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist if struck by the car. The C30 also comes with familiar Volvo safety features, such as side-impact protection (SIPS) and WHIPS (which helps to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision). The car can also be equipped with Bi-Xenon type headlamps.

The short overhang, the generous track width and the relatively long wheelbase contribute to handling of the very highest class.

The Volvo C30 also offers a number of systems for greater personal security, such as Keyless Drive (which enables the car to be started without a key).

Drivline and handling
The Volvo C30 is available with a very wide choice of engines, from a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre, 100-hp variant to a five-cylinder turbo developing all of 220 hp. The diesel engines are available in four and five-cylinder variants, the livliest of which is a five-cylinder, 2.4-litre unit with an impressive 180 hp output. C30 models designed for the Swedish market can also be equipped with an ethanol-burning engine. The manual gearbox for the Volvo C30 is either a five-speed or six-speed unit, while a five-speed automatic transmission (with Geartronic) is also available for the T5 model. The torsionally rigid chassis and the powerful engines all contribute to the very sporty and harmonious driving experience offered by the model while an even sportier chassis is available as an option. All models (except the 1.6-litre petrol variant) feature electrohydraulic steering that delivers a constant and precise steering force. The C30 is also equipped with several of Volvo’s electronic systems that contribute to even better stability and driving pleasure.

Environment
The new Volvo C30 has been developed with the greatest possible attention to environmental protection. Care for the external environment and providing the best possible environment in the car itself are both part of Volvo’s environmental philosophy. Volvo has also developed detailed procedures to minimise the environmental impact of the manufacturing and recycling processes alike. All Volvo cars are equipped with efficient exhaust gas treatment systems.

IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) – a system designed to reduce the quantity of particles and pollen entering the cabin with the incoming air – is available as an option. In addition, all fabrics and leathers are certified under ÖKO-TEX, an international standard guaranteeing that the interior trim materials are free of allergenic and noxious substances.

Production
The Volvo C30 is produced in Volvo’s Belgian plant in Ghent.

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