Volvo Debuts Creative C30 Premium Compact Hatchback at Detroit
For the past two years, Volvo has kept the media on its toes
concerning its forthcoming compact car, the C30. Its marketing departments have done everything from tease audiences with shadow-veiled photos to even scooping the car's debut on several well-known websites. With such tactics, you might consider the C30's story to be more in line with the supermarket tabloids! Nevertheless, the Swedish brand will finally be showing the finished product of its labours, the C30 Design Concept - a near-production version of the finished car, at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday morning.
The C30 Design Concept is a little bit different than the typical hatchback; Volvo is pitching it more as a hatchback-coupe with a sporty profile, and the use of two, rather than three doors, akin to some of its more unique designs from the past. The rear 'tailgate' - the third or fifth door in most hatchbacks, isn't present on the C30. Instead, it has two side doors and a very
big lift-open window for access to the trunk, a key design element of the SCC Concept Car, and a historic tribute to the quirky '80s 480 Coupe and P1800 ES wagon of the early seventies.
Like the SCC, the C30 puts a great deal of emphasis on the car's tail. Similar to of Volvo's wagons, the C30's tail lamps are vertical, stretching from its waistline right up to the roof, hugging the car's curvy, coke-bottle profile. However, because of its narrowing flanks, a trait borrowed from the 3CC electric concept car, the C30's tail lamps are much broader, and L-shaped. Together, the unique tailgate and lamps give the C30 a rear end that is sure to be remembered from first sight.
For the past two years, Volvo has kept the media on its toes
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| Check it out! The C30 is finally here... more or less. This Design Concept previews the finished car, set to debut this autumn. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada) |
The C30 Design Concept is a little bit different than the typical hatchback; Volvo is pitching it more as a hatchback-coupe with a sporty profile, and the use of two, rather than three doors, akin to some of its more unique designs from the past. The rear 'tailgate' - the third or fifth door in most hatchbacks, isn't present on the C30. Instead, it has two side doors and a very
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| New tail lamps are unique in style and shape. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada) |
Like the SCC, the C30 puts a great deal of emphasis on the car's tail. Similar to of Volvo's wagons, the C30's tail lamps are vertical, stretching from its waistline right up to the roof, hugging the car's curvy, coke-bottle profile. However, because of its narrowing flanks, a trait borrowed from the 3CC electric concept car, the C30's tail lamps are much broader, and L-shaped. Together, the unique tailgate and lamps give the C30 a rear end that is sure to be remembered from first sight.