Introduction
The 2008 Volvo C30 may seem like a drastic departure for the Swedish automaker famous for its sedans and wagons shaped like big blocks of Västerbotten cheese, but in reality, it’s not without significant family ties.
True enough, there hasn’t been a two-door Volvo hatchback sold in North America since the 1800ES coupe of the 1970s, but there’s a missing link in the C30’s design evolution. The Volvo 480 was a car intended for American roads but was ultimately never brought here, instead being sold solely in Europe from 1986-’95.
Like the 1800ES and 480, the Volvo C30 is a small two-door coupe that features a large glass hatch that provides a unique look and abundant rear visibility. Like the 480, the C30 also sports four bucket seats, front-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine and handling that, while sporty, doesn’t quite meet hot-hatch standards. Unlike the vaguely Japanese-looking 480, the C30 bears some family resemblance to Volvo’s current crop of sedans and wagons — specifically, from the front and inside where it’s almost identical to the S40 and V50, with which it shares a platform. With its funky hatch and snazzy interior options, though, the C30 definitely scores higher on the “cool” meter than its siblings.
Compared to sport hatchbacks like the Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper S, the 2008 Volvo C30 leaves much to be desired in the fun-to-drive category. So while the C30’s not quite a hot hatch, it is certainly as much of a hip hatch with its unique styling, interesting interior trappings and customizable features. Plus, the C30 will certainly appeal to those looking for Volvo safety at an affordable price (provided one goes easy on the options). That said, its numerous à la carte options can raise the price toward the $30-grand plateau, close to larger, more luxurious offerings.
| Chassis | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/disc |
| Tires F-R: | n.a. |
| Driveline: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Engine | |
| Type: | Turbocharged Inline-5 |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 154 (2521) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 218(163) / n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 236(320) / 1500-4800 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Exterior | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 167 × 69.5 × n.a. |
| Weight lb (kg): | 1347 (2969) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph s: | 6.2 |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 149 (240) |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | 23/44 (8.7) |
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