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New Models
DRIVEN: Volvo’s Hot Little Hatchback
The entry-level C30 is both fun to drive and economical with the solid quality build expected from the Swedish automaker.
The Volvo C30 hatchback offers the Swedish spin on a sporty, premium hatchback. (Photo: Volvo)
It’s hard to look at Volvo’s pocket-rocket C30 T5 and not think of it as a Swedish-flavored alternative to the Volkswagen GTI in the hot hatchback category.
Not that that’s a bad thing. It most assuredly isn’t.
But once you spend some time behind the wheel, it’s obvious that the C30 T5 has got its own thing going on, and what it’s got going on is very good in its own right. This is a fun, frugal hatchback that delivers both lots of value and lots of smiles for the miles.
The C30 T5 is Volvo’s entry level hot hatch, priced at a very reasonable $24,950. For $2,500 or so more, Volvo offers up the slightly sportier C30 R-Design, which comes with fatter wheels and tires, fog lights, front and rear spoiler, different cosmetics and a chassis tuned more towards sport than comfort.
But the basic elements are the same in both models: under the hood is Volvo’s 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, which produces 227 horsepower with the help of a turbocharger. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, with 0 to 60 mph taking about 6.45 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic optional. All C30 models are front-wheel drive.
New this year are two comprehensive option packages, the $2,000 Premier Plus and the $4,400 Platinum. The Premier Plus includes a power glass moonroof, LED running lights, power driver’s seat with three-position memory, power front passenger seat and aluminum inlays. Step up to the Platinum package and you get all that plus a navigation system, premium sound system and Sirius/XM radio with a 6-month trial subscription. Our white tester had the Premier Plus trim.
There’s an awful lot to like about this little Volvo. As with all of the Swedish automaker’s cars, the build quality is superb, with the fit and finish suggesting a car of considerably higher price. Even with its base cloth upholstery – leather is optional – the C30 exudes an understated elegance.
The main attraction to the C30, though, is its size. With a length of 167.4 inches, the Volvo is nearly two feet shorter than a Honda Accord coupe, making it an excellent choice for drivers in urban markets where space is at a premium.
But here’s what’s really critical: While the Volvo C30 is very small on the outside, the cockpit easily accommodates two big people, at least in the front seats. I’m 6’4 and not slender, and there was more than adequate headroom, legroom and girth up front. Visibility was excellent, too: You won’t feel cramped in either of the front seats, and that’s a very good thing indeed.
Of course, the rear seats are considerably smaller and the hatch area isn’t big, either, but that’s not really the main reason you buy this car. If hauling ability is key, there are plenty of small crossovers on the market.
On the road, the C30 is fun to drive, especially on the twisty sections of road out in the country. I never got to push it past about seven-tenths, but the C30 was engaging to drive, with good steering feedback and a nimble feel, which you’d expect given its size.
If you live in an urban area with lots of stop-and-go-driving, the optional automatic transmission might be a better choice, as the springy clutch isn’t the ideal fit in tight city environs.
Nevertheless, the 2012 Volvo C30 T5 makes an awful lot of sense for buyers who value fun, frugality and the vibe of Swedish cars in general.
Details
Vehicle type: Four-passenger, two-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-5, 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual.
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches.
Overall length: 167.4 inches.
Curb weight: 3,200 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 21 city, 29 highway.
Tom Jensen is the Editor in Chief of SPEED.com, Senior NASCAR Editor at RACER and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. You can follow him online at twitter.com/tomjensen100.
Not that that’s a bad thing. It most assuredly isn’t.
But once you spend some time behind the wheel, it’s obvious that the C30 T5 has got its own thing going on, and what it’s got going on is very good in its own right. This is a fun, frugal hatchback that delivers both lots of value and lots of smiles for the miles.
The C30 T5 is Volvo’s entry level hot hatch, priced at a very reasonable $24,950. For $2,500 or so more, Volvo offers up the slightly sportier C30 R-Design, which comes with fatter wheels and tires, fog lights, front and rear spoiler, different cosmetics and a chassis tuned more towards sport than comfort.
But the basic elements are the same in both models: under the hood is Volvo’s 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, which produces 227 horsepower with the help of a turbocharger. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, with 0 to 60 mph taking about 6.45 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic optional. All C30 models are front-wheel drive.
New this year are two comprehensive option packages, the $2,000 Premier Plus and the $4,400 Platinum. The Premier Plus includes a power glass moonroof, LED running lights, power driver’s seat with three-position memory, power front passenger seat and aluminum inlays. Step up to the Platinum package and you get all that plus a navigation system, premium sound system and Sirius/XM radio with a 6-month trial subscription. Our white tester had the Premier Plus trim.
There’s an awful lot to like about this little Volvo. As with all of the Swedish automaker’s cars, the build quality is superb, with the fit and finish suggesting a car of considerably higher price. Even with its base cloth upholstery – leather is optional – the C30 exudes an understated elegance.
The main attraction to the C30, though, is its size. With a length of 167.4 inches, the Volvo is nearly two feet shorter than a Honda Accord coupe, making it an excellent choice for drivers in urban markets where space is at a premium.
But here’s what’s really critical: While the Volvo C30 is very small on the outside, the cockpit easily accommodates two big people, at least in the front seats. I’m 6’4 and not slender, and there was more than adequate headroom, legroom and girth up front. Visibility was excellent, too: You won’t feel cramped in either of the front seats, and that’s a very good thing indeed.
Of course, the rear seats are considerably smaller and the hatch area isn’t big, either, but that’s not really the main reason you buy this car. If hauling ability is key, there are plenty of small crossovers on the market.
On the road, the C30 is fun to drive, especially on the twisty sections of road out in the country. I never got to push it past about seven-tenths, but the C30 was engaging to drive, with good steering feedback and a nimble feel, which you’d expect given its size.
If you live in an urban area with lots of stop-and-go-driving, the optional automatic transmission might be a better choice, as the springy clutch isn’t the ideal fit in tight city environs.
Nevertheless, the 2012 Volvo C30 T5 makes an awful lot of sense for buyers who value fun, frugality and the vibe of Swedish cars in general.
Details
Vehicle type: Four-passenger, two-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-5, 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual.
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches.
Overall length: 167.4 inches.
Curb weight: 3,200 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 21 city, 29 highway.
Tom Jensen is the Editor in Chief of SPEED.com, Senior NASCAR Editor at RACER and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. You can follow him online at twitter.com/tomjensen100.
2014 Cadillac CTS
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