|
Design by Request |
2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 |
by
Alain Gayot |
In
short: A sporty, grown-up city car. |
There's
no doubt that everyone's minds are on fuel efficient
cars today. Some of us try to be politically correct and
might even drive a Prius, but let's face it; we still
want to be lively and arrive with a bit of style. The Volvo showroom might not be the first stop en route to buying your
next hip car, but you might be surprised with what the Sweden-based
company has come up with. The C30 is the perfect city car
that is not afraid to tackle some highway and a plethora
of other automobilian tasks.
Three-door hatchbacks have been
all the rage in Europe and around the world for decades,
but in the U.S., odd memories of the AMC Gremlin, Chevy Vega
and Ford Pinto put them in the horror category. We certainly
hope the C30 will make a bit of a difference. The three-quarter
rear view best shows off this not-so-little hip mobile. Coming
from the front end, you might mistake it for the Volvo S40
that’s it’s derived from. Yes, it’s only
got three doors, but you can fit four adults – no problem.
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 |
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It has a solid stance on the open road and it’s a charm to maneuver in
the city. It's not a racer at heart, but has plenty of pep to get you in
trouble with the law if you don’t watch it. It’s got a turbocharged
five-cylinder motor packing over 220 horses. The cabin is spacious and can be
enhanced with a suite of design options. This car is built for new generations
with iPod integration, massive sound systems and surf/tattoo-reminiscent optional
style patterns. It has a designer approach, the way shoes or sunglasses would
come. “It's actually more a car you buy with your heart than with
your head,” says designer Simon Lamarre.
The good thing is that it comes with Volvo's legendary safety systems.
The steel is reinforced with WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) and BLIS (Blind
Spot Information System). As part of the enhanced designed solution, you’ll
be able to tap into a solid accessories program to boot!
With the introduction of the C30, Volvo hopes to attract a whole new breed of
customers and those considering a Mini, a VW GTI and Audi
A3. We urge you to
check one out, up close and personal. Who knows, perhaps its design, sportiness
and fresh personality might seduce you. 
 Learn
more about Volvo
Overseas Delivery
Warranty/Service: Four-year/50,000-mile
basic, four-year/50,000-mile drivetrain, four-year/unlimited-mile
roadside, four-year/unlimited-mile
rust.
QUICK
SHEET |
Base Price: $25,700/As Tested: $26,745 |
Technical
Specifications |
Vehicle
type: two-door hatchback
Engine: T5 Five-cylinder turbocharged
Horsepower: 227 hp @ 5000
Torque: 236 lb-ft
Curb weight: 2,970 lbs
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length/Width/Height:
167.4/70.2/57 in
Turning circle: 34.9 ft
Brakes: ABS |
Safety: energy-absorbing
interior and front-end structure, dynamic
stability traction control, emergency brake
assist, driver head restraint, dual front airbags,
engine immobilizer
0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed: N/A
EPA City: 19
EPA Highway: 27 |
|
The
brand new Volvo C30 on the left, with its distinctive
rear deck, emulates the 1971
Volvo 1800ES Hatchback. The two cars are parked at
La Casa del Zorro Resort in Borrego Springs, California. |
Check
out Other Volvo Models
See
all of our Automobile Reviews
Visit
the Volvo Website
|
PJW062207 |
(Updated:
07/07/08 SCV) |
|
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