Volvo C30: Quebec styling with European influences
Quebec boasts an impressive array of car designers. Among them, Ralph Gilles, who designed the Chrysler 300 and Audi's Dany Garand. At Volvo, Simon Lamarre was entrusted with the mission of designing the C30 and the result is beyond interesting. For once, the emphasis has been placed on styling and performance and not solely on engineering!
Volvo's distinctive style
From its size, to its hatchback to its style, the Volvo C30 ("C" for charisma) was clearly designed for the European market. It will, no doubt, find acceptance in Canada, but sales to U.S. motorists that are less open to small station wagons may be more of a challenge. Volvo, meanwhile, hopes the C30 will represent 10 percent of its sales.
The C30 is 22 cm shorter than the S40. Its styling is unique and very sporty. From the front, the vehicle's grill clearly says it's a Volvo, with a bit of a frown – an impression created by the C30's distinctive hood design and headlight placement. It comes equipped with 17 inch wheels (and optional 18 inch wheels) to support its sporty look. Its sloping roofline combined with its very pronounced rear shoulders are said to mimic the v-shaped hull of a speed boat. The car is also distinctive from the rear with high-mounted tail lights and a uniquely shaped glass hatch.
Two models, no diesel
The Volvo C30 will offer only two models in Canada, both featuring the same 5-cylinder engines found in the S40. A diesel model will be available in Europe but once again the Canadian market is being overlooked on this front. While Volvo says its decision is based on weak demand, I believe a diesel vehicle would interest many Canadian buyers. To quote a famous film, I say "Build it and they will come!"
The C30 2.4i is equipped with a 5-cylinder 2.4-litre 168 horsepower engine, with peak torque of 170 lbs.ft, and a 5-speed manual transmission. The C30 T5 also has a 5-cylinder engine, however it is a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 218 horsepower and peak torque of 236 lbs.ft. The T5 normally comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, however both the T5 and 2.4i can be fitted with an optional 5-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
A comfortable interior
The C30's interior features typical Volvo-style elements including a signature steering wheel (a little too bulky for my taste) and a "floating" centre console that was first introduced on the S40. Interestingly, this console can be personalized with optional interchangeable panels available in an iPod imitation white! Along with safety, Volvos are also synonymous with comfort and the C30 is no exception. The carmaker's new vehicle offers both room and comfort for 4 passengers.
Music enthusiasts will no doubt be thrilled to learn that both C30 models are equipped with a 650-watt Alpine sound system featuring MP3 playback for the very first time. MP3 playback, however is not available in the 2.4i base model – a rather unfortunate situation for a vehicle that pretend to be luxurious. The C30 deserves another thumbs-down for its navigation controls mounted behind the steering wheel. The set-up is cumbersome and far from intuitive. The remote control provides a more practical alternative but that option also creates a distraction.
On the road
Our first encounter with the Volvo C30 left us with some immediate impressions about the vehicle's characteristics. The C30 T5, our test vehicle, is a pleasure to drive. Its soundproofing is adequate and its suspension offers a comfortable ride without compromising sporty handling. Its 218 horsepower engine and 6-speed manual transmission provides ample power and responsive acceleration. The optional automatic, however, inhibits the vehicle's performance with lesser power.
In aggressive driving situations, the T5 displayed understeering behaviour, especially on slippery roads. The extra weight of the T5 engine is partly to blame as were our vehicle's Continental tires – i.e. not a wise choice. Apparently, C30s that will be sold in Canada will have better tires. The less powerful and lighter 2.4i model should be less impacted by these problems. Unfortunately, the C30 is only available in front-wheel drive. According to Volvo, the extra weight of an AWD power train would have interfered with the C30's dynamics. The few hundred kilometres spent behind the wheel of the C30 hasn't managed to convince me of the true sportiness of this new vehicle, especially compared to its previously mentioned rivals. However, the C30 handles reasonably well and offers a pleasant and comfortable drive.
Overall, I admit that I am enthusiastic about the C30. Though praiseworthy, the performance is not as superior as Volvo would lead us to believe and perhaps falls short of that offered by its rivals. But most of all, the C30 offers style, a very functional interior, and of course, reliable safety features. After all, it's a Volvo!
Summary:
Test vehicle: Volvo C30 T5 2007
Price range: $27,495 to $31,995
Test vehicle price: $37,895
Freight: $850
Options: DVD system ($2,500), Sport kit ($3,400)
Standard warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
Competitors: Audi A3, Mercedes B-Class, MINI Cooper, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI
Strengths:
- Inspired styling
- Well-manufactured interior
- Legendary safety
- Well-balanced handling
Weaknesses:
- T5 understeering behaviour
- Certain optional equipment not included as standard
- Non-intuitive navigation system
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