Vehicle: 2007 Volvo C30 T5 with Sport and Dynoaudio Packages
Price as tested: CDN$37910

Performance: Since C30 is based on the same platform as S40 and V50, it doesn’t come as a surprise they share the same powerhouses. The base engine is an adequate 2.4 liter 5-cylinder DOHC engine with 168hp and 170 lb/ft of torque. Or the T5, which is also a 5-cylinder but comes with a turbo. Its good for 218 horses and 236 lb/ft of torque. The best thing about Swedish turbo engine is the amount of low-end torque, in T5 disguise, it arrives as low as 1500 rpm all the way till 4000 rpm. There is only a slight turbo lag but its acceptable due to T5’s high-pressure turbo unit. On the other hand, its standard 6-speed close ratio stick shift has the best shift feel in Volvo to date. However, the throws still long and clutch take off isn’t what it should be. If I have to choose, I would get the optional 5-speed Geartronic. Despite Volvo Geartronic’s awkward manumatic movement, it remains a more sensible choice due to more efficient shifting. As well as more suitable for Volvo product’s cruiser character.

Handling: Its not the 1st day Volvo claims they have produced dynamically impressive car that would put smile on driver’s face. Unfortunately, all those have failed to produce the excitement one expects from an equivalent Audi and BMW. C30, on the other hand, its a big step forward, dynamically speaking. Platform wise, its setting is closer to the wonderful Mazda3 and European Ford Focus than its underwhelming S40/V50 silibings. Despite that, its turn-in sharpness and body rolls have remained very much a Volvo. That means benign when reaching and into the limits instead of providing exhiliration as those Mazda3 and Focus. However, the driving feel is a huge step forward. The steering still feels detached and chassis somewhat numb. Everything else feel more connected instead of completely isolated as in previous Volvos. There remains lots of understeer when pushed, while Volvo’s DSTC or Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, works as instrusive as all Volvos I have ever driven. The steering feels sharper and more precise. If I have to describe C30’s sport chassis’s overall dynamics. I would said it has reached Mazda3 Sport’s 60% and Focus’s 50%, that is a very high praise for Volvo’s chassis engineers. Just think of it as a plushier Mazda3 with Swedish flair, then you get the C30!

Brakes: Volvo’s braking system never failed to impress me despite of my criticisms of dynamic qualities. With EBD, ABS and standard 4-wheel discs, C30’s braking system has to be the best effort from Volvo to date. The stopping distance is short and ABS doesn’t kick in unnecessarily even in pouring Vancouver weather. Best of all, the bite and grabbing points are easily modulated.

Interior: The most significant difference between C30 and S40/V50 is the lower driving position. The rest of the interior is typical S40 deal. There are 4 large knobs to control the stereo and automatic climate control, while everything else on the center stark falls readily into hands. The same drawbacks of S40 apply to C30. Its awkward to put anything else behind the floating console, as well as the infocenter tends to wash out under sunlight.

For a hatchback, its easy to get in and out of the backseat. Both the head and legrooms are acceptable.

With a high loading floor and sloppy side sills, it doesn’t have a versatile loading space. The saving grace is the fold down rear seats that create more usable space.

Conclusion: The C30 is a very significant car for Volvo brand. Its not only will bring younger customers into their showroom, it will also show its peers that Volvo is capable of producing a worthy premium hatchback. When it comes loaded, its price is similar to the last Mini Cooper S we tested recently. But C30 comes out as a plushier and classier package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VOLVO C30
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5