Rising fuel prices and higher government miles-per-gallon requirements have created a demand for smaller cars from both consumers and automotive manufacturers. At the same time, we expect even the smallest of vehicles to meet the strict safety qualifications we demand when transporting our family and friends. A persistent issue with compact and subcompact vehicles is how to make a small car safe and good looking. The solution from Volvo, who is renowned for being a leader in automotive safety, was to build a small hatchback off the proven S40 platform and morph styling clues inspired by the classic 1800ES from the 1970s. The result is the 2010 Volvo C30.
First introduced as a 2009 model year, the C30’s aggressive stance comes from its dramatic proportions. It sits on the same wheelbase as the S40 sedan, but looses 8.8-inches off the rear along with 200 lbs. This helps push the wheels out to the edges leaving short overhangs. The rear taillights sit on broad shoulders and run up the sides of the glass tailgate in a similar fashion to the XC60 and XC90 crossovers. From the front you clearly recognize the C30 as a Volvo with its distinguishable grille and hood. The shape of the rear hatch is what brings out the 1800ES flare.
The 2010 Volvo C30 comes in two trims: 2-door T5 Hatchback ($24,950) and 2-door R-Design Hatchback ($27,150). The R-Design includes body kit front and rear spoilers, unique split premium leather front seats with embossed R-Design, aluminum inlays, R-Design floor mats with accent piping, sport pedals, watch dial instrument cluster, 3-spoke steering wheel, 3.5-inch polished exhaust tail pipes, unique grille with matte silver surround and matted silver accented exterior mirrors.
Volvo is known for building exceptionally safe cars so you might not expect its list of specifications to generate performance rated numbers. Both versions come with a 5-cylinder turbo-charged 2.5-liter engine rate a respectable 227 horsepower that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive. An automatic transmission is available for $1,250. The C30 with its turbo-charged engine actually produces straight line numbers that are as fast as or faster than the Mini Cooper S, Honda Civic Si, and Volkswagen GTI. That’s a bonus – safety and performance.
The interior follows tradition with its S40 sedan brother and is comfortable and delivers a sophisticated styling. Volvo has a futuristic “floating” center stack that is an ultra thin silver trimmed panel housing the radio and climate control systems. An almost hidden storage area lies behind the stack. The optional smart electronic key transmits a signal allowing a “dummy” key to be used to start the vehicle, while the main key remains in your pocket or purse. Our model came with the preferred package that includes a power glass moon roof, keyless drive, and power front seats.
Room for improvement:
Rear passenger seat room is limited
Cool Features:
Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance for the first 3-years or 36,000 miles
Personal settings for locking, audio and climate control
HD Radio with USB and AUX inputs
Ok, I keep mentioning safety so I suppose I should share some of the 2010 Volvo C30’s safety features. As you would have expected, even though the C30 is a small 4-passenger car, it is still loaded with standard safety features including: 4.3-point safety belt pretensioners, child safety seat latches, dynamic electronic stability traction control, head/side/passenger air bags, cage/high strength steel, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and remote keyless entry.
In Summary – The 2010 C30 is a fun-to-drive small car that extends Volvo’s safety reputation to the two-door category and for some that might be reason enough to buy the C30. My test vehicle had the R-Design trim adding to the sportiness of the vehicle. If you aren’t looking for a cargo hauling vehicle then you will adjust to the 12.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, which can expand to 20.2 cu.-ft after dropping down the rear seat. If you are in the market for a small sporty car designed with safety in mind – then the 2010 Volvo C30 is worthy of consideration.
For more information and a complete list of features and specification go to www.autofastracks.com.
Specifications
2010 Volvo C30
Base price: $26,950 as driven: $33,500 (including destination and optional equipment)
Engine: 2.5-Liter 5-cylinder
Horsepower: 227 @ 5000
Torque: 236 pound-feet @ 1500 rpm
Transmission: Automatic Transmission with Geartronic
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
Cargo space: 12.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3200 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
EPA mileage: 30 highway, 21 city
Wheel Base: 103.9 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles Powertrain Limited
Also consider: Honda Civic Si, Mini Cooper S, and Volkswagen GTI