2007 Volvo C30 T5 First Impressions

Palma de Majorque -- Volvo is entering a new market segment: the 3-door coupes. Their new luxury model will battle against a select group comprised of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, Subaru WRX and MINI Cooper. With its awesome looks, welcoming interior and attractive price, the C30 T5 will no doubt put up quite a fight. As for handling, however, we will have to wait for an R-performance or all-wheel drive model, neither of which figures in the company's plans for the near future. It's a road test in bad weather that led me to this conclusion. I was looking to test drive the 2.4L base model, but it wasn't available. Considering the starting price and road manners of the T5, I believe that the C30 2.4 will prove to be outstanding thanks to a better mechanical balance on top of its natural beauty.