Review: Volvo C30

April 9th, 2010 by Cars Centre

The Volvo C30 provides strong lines and an aggressive print, two factors that promote its sporting image. The C30, with two doors and can accommodate four passengers, has a 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 260 horsepower. The modern and stylish design reflects several elements of the safety concept car (SCC, Safety Concept Car) from Volvo, while the glass tailgate is reminiscent of the classic Volvo P1800 ES.

“Our goal was to inject power to the Volvo C30 design concept and in high doses, thus achieving a sporty, compact structure,” explains design director of Volvo Cars, Steve Mattin. To that end, the wheels have moved toward the outer ends, greatly shortening the front and rear projections. The broad shoulders are hallmarks of Volvo design and add to the strong presence of the C30.

Volvo C30

Volvo’s legendary safety is well represented in the Volvo C30, using the structure and security solutions found in the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. Therefore, the Volvo C30 boasts the same safety standards than those found today in the Volvo S60 and Volvo S80.

From almost any angle, the Volvo C30 combines classic good looks P1800 ES and the car of modern security concept. The dynamic front court is characterized by angular headlamps and low, wide grille.

The rugged, wheel arches and sloping roofline of the C30 design concept give the car a striking silhouette that emphasizes the extreme drop shape of the greenhouse. The curvature of the rear shoulders is very pronounced and further emphasizes the pattern of the taillights in a horseshoe shape and the glass tailgate.

“This unique glass door is inspired both by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and the SCC concept car. The unusual light pattern design ensures its uniqueness: when we get on, never hesitate to what car it is,” said Mattin. As noted in detail the Volvo C30 colors are: “Quite White” and “Very Bronze”.

The interior reinforces the sporty of Volvo C30. The individual rear seats with generous room to stretch your legs make this car a true four-seater vehicle. The rear seats are slightly centered, which gives the passengers an aura of space, and good forward visibility. Behind the rear seats, passengers have room for all that your demanding activities require. The glass door allows easy access to the cargo area and excellent visibility.

“The space between the seats also reveals the Volvo slim center console, floating in the light, seen entirely from behind through the glass door,” explained Mattin.

The Volvo C30 was designed for a customer category that mostly uses the front seats. The space for luggage behind the glass door is designed for everyday loads such as briefcases and sports equipment, with the ability to incorporate much larger loads if one or both rear seats fold and lie flat.

An international quality audio system class is an important part in the life of the target population pointed to the C30. That is why the Volvo C30 has the luxury sound system from Volvo, with 5 digital ICE power amplifiers, 130 watt Alpine ®, Dolby ® Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 10 Dynaudio ® speakers Denmark.

With a length of 166.9 inches from front to back, the Volvo C30 is 9 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. For its 70 inches wide, barely wider than its sedan counterpart (0.30 inches).

Under the sculpted hood of the Volvo C30 is a turbocharged 5-cylinder, 2.4 liter. With an impressive output of 260 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, the engine with dual overhead camshafts produces 268 pounds feet of torque between 2,100 and 5,000 rpm. The car is equipped with a gearbox six-speed manual, very docile, which drives the front wheels.

The Volvo C30 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Some meaty fenders protect aluminum wheels, 19 inches, shod with Pirelli Corsa 225/35-R19 tires. The front brakes are Brembo four-piston calipers with aluminum calipers and the rear are ventilated Brembo disc brakes, 13 inches on each corner.

“The sporting driving characteristics are an essential element to attract this customer category. A car that radiates muscular agility has to stand by their skills when the driver is located behind the wheel,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, the C30 Project Director .