Pros and cons*
Pros
Comfortable front seats, great seating position and visibility, sufficient power, well-calibrated suspension and unique design come together to strike a perfect balance in the Volvo C 30. What's more, a sportier R-Design version is available.
Cons
As it can only accommodate four passengers, function has been sacrificed for form in this 3-door hatchback. The difficult rear-seat accessibility, limited cargo room, and imprecise steering are definite liabilities.
Price
The base T5 FWD model starts at $29,500. It is equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers.
The Premier, at $31,500 comes with standard electric sun roof and power driver seat.
The PremierPlus version, which starts at $32,900, is equipped with standard keyless start feature, and bi-xenon directional headlights.
For $35,500, you can get a Platinum version which is equipped with standard Premium Sound audio system and navigation package.
The R-Design model starts at $38,800. It distinguishes itself with a firmer suspension, specially-designed alloy wheels, performance tires, R-Design sport steering wheel and pedals, as well as an R-Design black eggcrate grille. Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum packages are also available for this model.
Fuel Economy
Manual-transmission equipped models consume 10.2 L/100 km in city tests and 6.8 L/100 km highway. The 2013 Volvo C30 will consume an estimated 10.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway when equipped with the automatic transmission.
Exterior Styling
The Volvo C30 has a very unique design. Its huge rear glass and bulging rear fenders give it a fresh, youthful look. The front grille and headlights give away its Swedish origins. This neat little hatchback, which was designed by Quebecer Simon Lamarre, remains fresh and current. A number of options are available for those who want to add their own personal touch.
New and improved for 2013
2012 marked the first year where certain design elements were updated from the original 2006 model. The front grille, reminiscent of the S60 sedan, and enlarged front air inlets give it a sportier appearance.
2013 also saw the introduction of standard rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers. A selection of new wheels and exterior paint colours has also been added to the options list.
Drivetrain
A 5-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 litre engine that produces 227 hp can be found under the hood. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo capacity
There is an available 233 litres of luggage space with the seats in the upright position, or 524, when lowered, which is more than the MINI Cooper, but less than the Volkswagen Golf.
Safety
This 3-door coupe is equipped with six airbags, stability and traction control, intelligent driver information system, electronic brake distribution, and various Volvo interactive safety systems.
Comparable Models
Audi A3, MINI Cooper S, Volkswagen Golf GTI
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.618
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.620
www.volvocars.com
Pros
Comfortable front seats, great seating position and visibility, sufficient power, well-calibrated suspension and unique design come together to strike a perfect balance in the Volvo C 30. What's more, a sportier R-Design version is available.
Cons
As it can only accommodate four passengers, function has been sacrificed for form in this 3-door hatchback. The difficult rear-seat accessibility, limited cargo room, and imprecise steering are definite liabilities.
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Price
The base T5 FWD model starts at $29,500. It is equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers.
The Premier, at $31,500 comes with standard electric sun roof and power driver seat.
The PremierPlus version, which starts at $32,900, is equipped with standard keyless start feature, and bi-xenon directional headlights.
For $35,500, you can get a Platinum version which is equipped with standard Premium Sound audio system and navigation package.
The R-Design model starts at $38,800. It distinguishes itself with a firmer suspension, specially-designed alloy wheels, performance tires, R-Design sport steering wheel and pedals, as well as an R-Design black eggcrate grille. Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum packages are also available for this model.
Fuel Economy
Manual-transmission equipped models consume 10.2 L/100 km in city tests and 6.8 L/100 km highway. The 2013 Volvo C30 will consume an estimated 10.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway when equipped with the automatic transmission.
Exterior Styling
The Volvo C30 has a very unique design. Its huge rear glass and bulging rear fenders give it a fresh, youthful look. The front grille and headlights give away its Swedish origins. This neat little hatchback, which was designed by Quebecer Simon Lamarre, remains fresh and current. A number of options are available for those who want to add their own personal touch.
New and improved for 2013
2012 marked the first year where certain design elements were updated from the original 2006 model. The front grille, reminiscent of the S60 sedan, and enlarged front air inlets give it a sportier appearance.
2013 also saw the introduction of standard rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers. A selection of new wheels and exterior paint colours has also been added to the options list.
Drivetrain
A 5-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 litre engine that produces 227 hp can be found under the hood. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo capacity
There is an available 233 litres of luggage space with the seats in the upright position, or 524, when lowered, which is more than the MINI Cooper, but less than the Volkswagen Golf.
Safety
This 3-door coupe is equipped with six airbags, stability and traction control, intelligent driver information system, electronic brake distribution, and various Volvo interactive safety systems.
Comparable Models
Audi A3, MINI Cooper S, Volkswagen Golf GTI
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| Photo: Volvo |
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.618
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.620
www.volvocars.com
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