Volvos used to be purchased almost exclusively by college professors and other intellectuals. The reliability of these austere-looking cars did more to entice such rational buyers than the power of American muscle cars like the Challenger and Camaro.
Today, the boxy Scandinavians are no more. Even before Ford took over, in 1999, Volvo had already tried to appeal to a wider, more diversified and, most importantly, richer audience by creating more dynamically shaped vehicles.
The automaker decided to target the same buyers as German rivals BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. But elevating a mainstream car to the premium ranks isn't done overnight.
Wanted: Swedish compact
In order to speed up the process, Volvo came up with affordable luxury models like the S40/V50 duo. Now, there's a new entry-level model: the C30 hatchback.
Positioned as a "trendier", classier alternative to the MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI, the C30 is no people's car -- make no mistake about it. With a base price of $27,495, the youngest and smallest member of the Volvo family does not suit every budget.
The lineup includes two trim levels: 2.4i (as tested) and T5. The former is powered by a 2.4L, 5-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine that's transversally mounted. Producing 168 horsepower, it's the same unit that you'll find in the S40 and V50. Meanwhile, the latter gets a 2.5L, 5-cylinder, turbocharged engine generating 227 steroid-packed horsepower.
Precise manual gearbox
My tester featured a 5-speed manual transmission (standard with the 2.4i). Gear ratios are nicely calculated, the shifter is precise and the clutch is both flexible and easy to modulate. Buyers can also select an optional automatic transmission with Geartronic manual mode for $1,500.
Throughout the road test, which took place in late January, the C30 showed a significant thirst for fuel, averaging 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers on Quebec's snow-covered roads. Fortunately, the engine makes do with regular -- not premium -- gasoline.
Today, the boxy Scandinavians are no more. Even before Ford took over, in 1999, Volvo had already tried to appeal to a wider, more diversified and, most importantly, richer audience by creating more dynamically shaped vehicles.
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| Volvo wants to make the C30 a "trendy" pick. |
The automaker decided to target the same buyers as German rivals BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. But elevating a mainstream car to the premium ranks isn't done overnight.
Wanted: Swedish compact
In order to speed up the process, Volvo came up with affordable luxury models like the S40/V50 duo. Now, there's a new entry-level model: the C30 hatchback.
Positioned as a "trendier", classier alternative to the MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI, the C30 is no people's car -- make no mistake about it. With a base price of $27,495, the youngest and smallest member of the Volvo family does not suit every budget.
The lineup includes two trim levels: 2.4i (as tested) and T5. The former is powered by a 2.4L, 5-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine that's transversally mounted. Producing 168 horsepower, it's the same unit that you'll find in the S40 and V50. Meanwhile, the latter gets a 2.5L, 5-cylinder, turbocharged engine generating 227 steroid-packed horsepower.
Precise manual gearbox
My tester featured a 5-speed manual transmission (standard with the 2.4i). Gear ratios are nicely calculated, the shifter is precise and the clutch is both flexible and easy to modulate. Buyers can also select an optional automatic transmission with Geartronic manual mode for $1,500.
Throughout the road test, which took place in late January, the C30 showed a significant thirst for fuel, averaging 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers on Quebec's snow-covered roads. Fortunately, the engine makes do with regular -- not premium -- gasoline.
 |
| The C30 is powered by a 2.4L, 5-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine. |