2011 volvo c30

From the front, it's easy to peg the 2011 Volvo C30 as a truncated, hatchback version of the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. In back, this truly stylish, sporty Volvo looks to Volvo's 1800ES 'shooting brake,' from the early 1970s, for inspiration, with a smaller, rounded, blacked-out hatch opening.

It's sophisticated and laid-back—a bit of a necessity, given the lower roofline—and it has the now-familiar Volvo 'floating' center stack, a thin panel housing radio and climate controls, with storage space just behind.
The interior is obviously sacrificed a bit for the style, and the low roofline. The cargo space is a bit disappointing, too.

The highlight of the lineup, at least visually, remains the style-centric R-Design model, which includes different front and rear aerodynamic work; a sport suspension; Pirelli performance tires; special 'Midir' wheel design; xenon HID headlamps with Active Bending Light; and a hard-drive-based nav system with live traffic. Options on the C30 lineup include a moonroof, leather upholstery, a climate package, and a preferred package with rain-sensor wipers and headlight washers.

Sweden’s tumultuous auto industry dutifully and consistently cranks out modestly conservative, refined sedans – but occasionally a wicked little something sneaks through the cracks and reminds us that those Nordic dwellers like a little spice in their lives. Enter the refreshed 2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design.

Volvo tossed its stodgy image aside and started to build outlandish bright yellow turbocharged wagons with Alcantara-covered seats and a Porsche-massaged five-banger. Slotted below the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, the C30 takes its general flair from Volvo’s iconic P1800 ES three-door wagons that debuted back in 1972. To rectify this stylistic confusion, Volvo gave the C30 a far more daring front fascia for 2011.

Our test C30 featured the sport-oriented R-Design trim level, which adds a full body kit, partial-leather seats, a sporty steering wheel, a sport suspension, a few additional upgrades and $2,350 to the base C30 T5. All C30s in the United States come with Volvo’s ubiquitous 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder (which means T5 in Volvo-speak) and either a six-speed stick or (as tested) a five-speed automatic.

Stiffer springs, mono-tube dampers and stiffer steering bushings are designed to make the C30′s nature more overtly sporting than on the standard comfort-oriented suspension. The new fascia gives way to oversized flared fenders – black on standard models, painted on R-Designs – and new alloy wheels.
The side profile is remarkably conservative, owing to the C30′s unmodified original design, while the tail continues to delight with its small glass hatch and high-mounted tail lamps. The C30 is a rare sight on North American roads, but we were pleasantly surprised to see a degree of camaraderie among Volvo hatchback owners. Volvo-typical firm but comfortable front seats offer full power adjustment for both the driver and passenger. Included with the R-Design package is a slightly-too-big three-spoke sport steering wheel that nonetheless has perfect, well-placed padding.

That flowing center stack contains a multitude of buttons that are, mercifully, mostly repeated on the steering wheel in simpler fashion. The remote control-style center stack buttons control every function related to the car’s audio and HVAC systems; with the exception of headlamp controls, the dashboard is otherwise button-free, resulting in an intentionally stark atmosphere.
The steering is sharp and direct, if short on road feel, while our tester’s 18-inch Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires were unwilling to relinquish traction during hard cornering.

During our week of testing, we saw highway numbers just above the 30 mpg Volvo quotes and city figures pretty much on par with the company’s 21 mpg number. Overall, we averaged around 23 mpg.

The 2011 Volvo C30 ranks 8 out of 10 Upscale Small Cars. With a redesigned front end that brings a fresh new look, the 2011 Volvo C30 continues to offer Swedish styling in a compact package. Shoppers seeking a sportier driving experience or value may want to look elsewhere. Though the standard turbocharged five-cylinder engine puts out a healthy 227 horsepower, some of the C30’s handling dynamics -- like brake pedal and steering feel -- are criticized by the press for offering little driver feedback.

What might be the C30’s biggest drawback is its price. Style-conscious shoppers will be hard-pressed to find a better-looking alternative to the Volvo C30. However, a slew of competitors provide more value and driving excitement.
Should more space be needed, MINI offers the Cooper S Clubman.
Although not a luxury hatch, the Mazdaspeed3 offers many luxury options and shares its platform with the C30. It costs nearly $5,000 less than the Volvo and offers more space and doors.

The 2011 Volvo C30 is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design. The R-Design C30 features an R-Design exterior styling kit and unique suspension settings that most reviewers have criticized for ruining the ride quality.