Model Overview: 2008 Volvo C30

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

C30 T5 Version 1.0: $22,700

C30 T5 Version 2.0: $25,700

Destination: $745

The all-new Volvo C30 is the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's model range. With its solid body, dynamic chassis, coupled with a current strategy that calls for a single engine offer of the powerful turbocharged T5 engine, it offers a very dynamic driving experience. The interior, which is functionally designed with a number of smart refinements, offers an unexpectedly high level of comfort and flexibility. And, like all of the other Volvos, the all-new C30 has been developed to be a very safe car. In the U.S., the new C30 is available in a well-equipped Version 1.0 and the attractively styled Version 2.0.

The new C30 is the only Volvo to offer total free will through its special Custom Build ordering process. A one-time charge of $300 opens up a staggering array of options, accessories, exterior colors and interior combinations. The Custom Build special orders open up 17 exterior colors and 12 interior color combinations. With so many choices, it will be hard to find any two C30s that are exactly alike, especially when the laundry list of over 30 individual options is considered.

Thanks to its small size and well-thought design, the Volvo C30 is as fun to drive as it is to admire. It is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars: a solid body with generous front and rear tracks and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to giving it inspiring and stable driving characteristics. The chassis, with MacPherson front wheel suspension and a Multilink rear axle, is optimized to provide outstanding control and precise response to the driver's inputs.

With a promise to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience, both versions of the C30 are powered by a turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate that the new C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and weighs around 320 pounds less than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. But while the C30 may be shorter, there is still plenty of room for four adults and all their stuff.

The Volvo C30 offers a comfortable and flexible interior with a surprisingly airy feel and generous amounts of room for four adults. Like all Volvo seats, the front seats are ergonomically designed and offer outstanding comfort and support. It is easy to move the seat forward and rearward, for convenient access to the rear seat. The tapered design of the B-pillar also contributes to the easy entrance.
           

The rear features bucket-style seats that are positioned somewhat towards the center of the car to provide an exceptionally good forward view. This also provides space for storage in the side panels. To provide maximum interior flexibility, the rear seat backrests individually split and fold flat. Folding can be easily done when standing behind the car as well as from the passenger compartment.

Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose (standard on Version 2.0) a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio®. Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Both systems come standard with an auxiliary audio jack for connecting MP3 players, and an in-dash CD that can playback MP3 and WMA format music files.

While style and performance are important to the C30 buyer, safety remains at the cornerstone of Volvo's brand values. The new C30 features Volvo's patented front structure. Divided into zones, the frontal structure incorporates different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed. To ensure that each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel. Different steel grades also are used in the rear to help protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.