People are getting hooked on Volvos – no doubt about it! The talented models that are rolling off Volvo’s showroom floors are exciting, and they are capturing the eyes of the sophisticated new car buyers. Volvo has freshened up the C30 model, and the distinctive, sweeping Coupe lines that form into the C30 Hatchback shape are gorgeous. The dominant, curved waistline accentuates the sporty Volvo C30 looks, while the roofline drops away sweetly towards the rear – almost in classical Porsche 911 fashion.

Four Volvo C30 models are available for 2012. They’ve all got the sexy looks but they cover the ground a little differently. Let’s take the Volvo C30 Drive for starters. Jump in one of these to take an amble along the beach front, and the C30 Drive is relaxed and quiet. A well sorted suspension soaks up the road undulations, the seats are superb and there is every high-tech gadget you’ll need for a pleasant day out. Four individual seats are available for all occupants and, yes, the rear seats are reclinable. For an additional cost you can have the front seats electronically adjustable and heated. Textile/T-tec upholstery is a modern fabric that covers the Volvo C30 Drive seats. Orange, red, green and black are some of the colour coding options for the upholstery and carpets, and – believe you me – they look superb. Sumptuous leather seats are also available as an option. Climate control and a humidity sensor are standard items. Audio sounds are provided via a high quality system. A rear-seat entertainment outlet is available, while all the standard electronic equipment like electric windows, steering wheel remote controls and cruise control are available with the C30 Drive base price. Under the hood of the C30 Drive is a sensationally economical 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. We’re talking a combined fuel economy figure of under 4 litres/100 km! Just as amazing, is the ultra low CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Start/stop, and brake energy technology are standard.

So what’s the Volvo C30 T5 S and T5 Lifestyle like. Lifestyle means full on luxury. We’re talking things like full on leather, rain sensors, Bluetooth communications, active bending lights, powered and heated front seats, and rear seat armrests. Volvo C30 T5 S means an incredible car that has all the luxury you really need – just not quite as lavish as the Lifestyle model. Riding the beach front in the Volvo C30 T5 models is just as relaxing. However, with 169 kW under the hood, what you have is very quick pick-up. Be careful though, or you’ll be showing off! The torque is incredible; 320 Nm is available from as low as 1500 rpm and is on song all the way up to 5000 rpm. A six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox are the two choices for the T5 for putting power to the rubber.

Now, travelling along the beach front in the Volvo C30 T5 R-Design probably means that you won’t be enjoying the scenery or the beach babes. I bet you’ll be more fixed on the stunning power of the 184 kW engine because this one is quick! Inside the C30 T5 R-Design cabin you’ll have heaps of luxury with plenty of sporty overtones to match the car’s sweet handling and power. A 0-100 km/h time of around 6 seconds can be expected.

Once you’ve experienced the new Volvo C30, you’ll want one. If you want to seat five people – no worries – buy the Volvo S40 instead.

The current Volvo C30 models include:

• C30 Drive (manual)
• C30 T5 S (manual)
• C30 T5 S (auto)
• C30 T5 Lifestyle (manual)
• C30 T5 Lifestyle (auto)
• C30 T5 R-Design (manual)
• C30 T5 R-Design (auto)

For any more information on the Volvo C30 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volvo dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Volvo Car Reviews