3-day long-term test drive: 2009 Volvo C30 2.4i
Price as tested: CDN$32360
Total mileage through the test: 900km

When Volvo launched C30 a year ago, we were underwhelmed with its dynamic abilities even with the uplevel T5 form. We had a chance to put a less powerful 2.4i through the paces during a long-term test drive. Have it changed our mind after lived with C30 for a couple of days?

This 2.4 liter 5-cylinder 20-valve with 168hp and 170 lb/ft is the same one as in its C platform silibings, S40 and V50. Even though the powertrain is uninspiring when it comes to character and performance, it gave out a decent fuel economy number through the drive. An average of 10 liters per 100km with 80% freeway and only 20% urban driving. That’s from a company that’s never known for producing cars with good fuel economy, despite of all the environment friendly claims over the years. Volvo’s 5-speed Geartronic has decent overdrive ratio is an added bonus to this fuel consumption.

Volvo’s interior has always been known for its superb seats. C30 is no exception. While those seats are amazing for long journey, it felt short when it comes to playing around corners. The floating console’s ergonomics are decent if the storage space remains lacking. Under 30+ degrees of hot weather, its automatic climate control has worked relatively well with cold air conditioning.

However, the high liftover, narrow cut-off and dismal cargo space don’t help us loading luggage. While the swoopy styling looks neat, especially remind others of the legendary P1800 sports coupe. Its form-over-function doesn’t seem to match well with Volvo’s utilitarian image. The back seat is cramped for long trip.

Handling wise, its typical Volvo fanfare. Everything else is benign without any breakthrough chassis refinement. Ride quality is surprisingly good over the rough pavements and patholes.

C30 2.4i has nothing to stand out of its crowd. But there is where it begins. One has to upgrade to T5 in order to match its rivals like GTI, A3 2.0T and 128i. But T5 has nothing over those competitions when it comes to dynamic capabilites. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer the same kind of go-kart handling as its similarly priced Mini Cooper or value of Japanese sports coupes a.k.a Accord and Altima. What make it attractive is it has the usual Swedish flair and understatement appeal to those who want to own a Volvo hatchback, and that is the name of the game.