Wait, it gets better. Occupants are treated with typical Volvo seats, which means that comfort is well above average. Sure, the base model relies on a big manual knob for seatback adjustments, but this barely counts as a shortcoming. The rear seats offer the same level of comfort and, on top of it all, a surprising amount of legroom -- more than what the exterior dimensions suggest. As with every other coupe, however, rear seat access requires a few body contortions. Fortunately, a power-assisted device helps you slide the front seat forward.
Under the hood
The C30 comes with a choice of two powertrains. Our tester was fitted with a 218-hp 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that I found flexible and pleasant. You never feel the slightest turbo lag, while on-the-fly accelerations are convincing and unhesitatingly performed, even with the optional automatic transmission.
The standard 6-speed manual gearbox remains a better tool to exploit the potential of this compact mill. Precision is good and you can shift from first to sixth while constantly reaching the top of the powerband. And since the transmission is so smooth, operating the stick is easily done with the tip of your fingers, almost effortlessly. The clutch, which I found a bit high, is the only thing that prevents a totally fluid motion.
Interestingly, the ride is comfortable even though the little C30 sits on 17-inch wheels and factory tires that are way too sporty for a normal use. On the other hand, the steering is slightly over-assisted and lacks the feedback of a real sporty car.
Premium pricing
Although the C30 starts at $27,495, you have to pay an additional $4,500 to get your hands on a T5 model ($31,995 $). Select the most popular options, such as heated seats, a premium sound system and a sport chassis to improve the car's responsiveness, and you're well beyond $41,000! At this price, you obviously get a dynamic and comfortable little car, one that is not so sporty but still very fun to drive. The C30 arrives like a bit of fresh air for young urban drivers, leaving its mark both in the city and the countryside.
Efficient T5 engine
Roomy interior
Modern-looking dashboard
Anonymous steering
Slightly high clutch
Peculiar styling
Expensive
Pricey options
photo:Volvo
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| The interior is refined and nicely executed. |
Under the hood
The C30 comes with a choice of two powertrains. Our tester was fitted with a 218-hp 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that I found flexible and pleasant. You never feel the slightest turbo lag, while on-the-fly accelerations are convincing and unhesitatingly performed, even with the optional automatic transmission.
The standard 6-speed manual gearbox remains a better tool to exploit the potential of this compact mill. Precision is good and you can shift from first to sixth while constantly reaching the top of the powerband. And since the transmission is so smooth, operating the stick is easily done with the tip of your fingers, almost effortlessly. The clutch, which I found a bit high, is the only thing that prevents a totally fluid motion.
Interestingly, the ride is comfortable even though the little C30 sits on 17-inch wheels and factory tires that are way too sporty for a normal use. On the other hand, the steering is slightly over-assisted and lacks the feedback of a real sporty car.
Premium pricing
Although the C30 starts at $27,495, you have to pay an additional $4,500 to get your hands on a T5 model ($31,995 $). Select the most popular options, such as heated seats, a premium sound system and a sport chassis to improve the car's responsiveness, and you're well beyond $41,000! At this price, you obviously get a dynamic and comfortable little car, one that is not so sporty but still very fun to drive. The C30 arrives like a bit of fresh air for young urban drivers, leaving its mark both in the city and the countryside.
 |
Roomy interior
Modern-looking dashboard
 |
Slightly high clutch
Peculiar styling
 |
Expensive
Pricey options
photo:Volvo
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