Volvo C30

With the C30, Volvo made its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars. The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, gave a young and dynamic group of customers "a Volvo of their own".

The car offered buyers a contemporary look with a proud heritage, as the Volvo C30 displayed clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty pedigree, such as the Volvo 1800 ES. Anyone who recalls the acclaimed Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognise the exclusive and convenient glass tailgate.

The grille of the C30 had a unique pattern with the enlarged iron mark in the centre. Viewed from the side, the pronounced wheel housings and the sloping roof gave the C30 a fast silhouette that is further enhanced by the markedly boat-shaped side windows. This look was created through the narrowing roof and the wide shoulders. The shoulders at the rear were powerfully rounded and accentuated by both the horseshoe-shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps and the glass tailgate.

Interior-wise, the C30 offered room for four adults thanks to the two separate seats in the rear, with generous head- and legroom.

Thanks to its small size, the Volvo C30 was very nimble to handle, even in limited space. A very torsionally rigid body, a wide track and a relatively long wheelbase all helped to give the C30 responsive and stable driving characteristics.

The C30 was also a successful race car for Volvo, with the company competing both in the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with a C30 prepared by Volvo Polestar Racing.

Technical Specifications
Model: C30

Produced: 209,674 (as of 31 December 2012)

Body: 3-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in line DOHC, 1,999 cc ; 5-cylinder in line DOHC, 2,521 cc; 4-cylinder in line SOHC turbo diesel, 1,560 cc; 5-cylinder in line DOHC turbo diesel, 1984 cc
Transmission: 5- or 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes all round
Dimensions: Overall length 427 cm, wheelbase 264 cm.

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 Volvo C30 is a dynamic and functional two-door model that is tailormade for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle.

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 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 Volvo 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).

Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

Brief background to the C30

The Volvo C30 Project

Volvo C30 Design Concept

C30 Polestar Concept

First photos of the new Volvo C30

C30 concept cars at the 2006 SEMA show

C30 UK Prices and Specifications

Young, dynamic people with intense lives get "a Volvo of their own"

Compact Volvo loaded with driving pleasure and first–class safety

C30 Technical Specifications. August 2006 (PDF)

Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv and Burton Snowboards