The all new Volvo C30 two door hatchback goes on sale in the US later this year as a 2008 model. Unlike the usual Volvo family car which typically appealed to buyers above forty, Volvo has given the C30 more style and more speed and also a sporty look with which Volvo hopes to attract younger customers.
The C30 utilizes the S 40 T5's power train-a 2.5 liter 218 horsepower turbocharged inline-5 and it has a six-speed manual transmission(a five speed automatic will be optional). It generates 216 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 pound -feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,800 rpm.The C30 is quick, going from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.It has a top speed of 146 mph(149 mph for the manual version).
It seats four with individual bucket style back seats that are moved a bit towards the center to provide forward visibility around the front seats.The front as well as rear seats are comfortable. However cargo space is somewhat limited, only 8.2 cubic feet with the seats up. but with the rear seats folded it increases to 30.9 cubic feet.
The interior will be familiar to Volvo drivers. The distinctive 'floating' console is present as part of the design.In addition to standard front, side ,and side curtain airbags, the C30 protects with seat belt pretensioners for all four seats,a whiplash protection system(WHIPS), a side impact protection system(SIPS), and dynamic stability traction control(DSTC).
Car audio enthusiasts are certain to appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160 watt stereo system. Also available is a Premium sound system with a digital 5 x130 W 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 650 watts.
The C30 offers a Custom Build ordering process with 17 different exterior colors and 12 interior combinations. Its starting price is around $23,000. It has been designed under the supervision of Peter Horbury and was his last car for Volvo before he left to join Ford in North America.
The C30's nearest competitor in the US is likely to be the Volkswagen GTI, which is similarly priced and has similar specifications as well. Other competitors are the Audi A3, Mazda 3, and the Mini Cooper S.
The car is already on sale in Europe and will be available from this month in the US as a 2008 model.Volvo says its compact dimensions are suitable for driving and parking on cramped city streets. Although fuel economy could have been better, the features it offers, along with the Volvo quality are likely to make the car a winner.
