Sometimes a double take is in order.
Luxury automaker Volvo's latest entry, the front-wheel-drive C30, bears little resemblance to the quintessential Swedish sedan or wagon. It's completely out-of-the-box thinking and styling for an automaker that for too many years carried the 'box' theme through many of its exterior designs.
While not terribly cutting edge from an exterior styling stand point, Volvo vehicles for much of the past forty years carried a reputation for safety that was the envy of the industry. As time marched on, many automakers followed Volvo's lead, adding a myriad of safety features which consumers and government regulators were now asking for. As the safety-gap narrowed, the Swedish Automaker, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Co. since 1999, took the next logical step by leaving the box behind and taking a big style step forward.
In the late 1990s, Volvo shook things up from a marketing standpoint by designating coupes with the "C" title and sedans with the "S" prefix. About the same time styling became less restrictive with pleasing-to -the-eye results. A few years later in 2002, the cross country (XC) line signaled Volvo could build a sport utility-like vehicle with smooth curved edges built around its reputation for safety. With the all-new-for- 2008 C30, that formula is now available in a compact size.
Pleasant, sporty looks with a huge rear glass hatchback make this vehicle hard to miss. The Volvo logo and two side doors only add to the double take.
With narrow headline housing surrounding a traditional grille in front, the rear takes on a unique look with prominent tail lamps flanking the long glass hatch.
Two trim levels and one engine are available. The powertrain is an inline, double overhead cam, five-cylinder 2.5-liter turbocharged engine cranking out 227 horsepower. Six-speed manual transmission comes standard and five-speed automatic transmission with geartronic (manual shifting mode without a foot clutch via a tap of the transmission shifter between the front seats) is a $1,250 extra. Fuel economy lists at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with manual transmission and one mile less per gallon on the highway with an automatic. Keep in mind these are 2008 estimates, subjected to different testing standards than 2007 and prior models. The 2008 estimates are generally one to two miles less per gallon than calculations from previous years. Premium 91-octane fuel is required.
A Volvo C30 T5 1.0 edition starts at $22,700 while a T5 2.0 model checks in a few thousand dollars more at $25,700. With the 2.0 trim, one gets larger 18-inch wheels and an advanced sound system. Prices exclude a $745 destination charge. Be forewarned extras add up in a hurry. Our 2.0 test car added cruise control, fog lamps, automatic transmission and metallic paint along with a few other extras for a total price of $29,350. Final assembly of the C30 takes place in Belgium.
Volvo takes a smart approach by marketing this as a four seater. Two bucket seats in back are comfortable and headroom is decent. Leg room is adjustable depending on how far back the front bucket seats are positioned. Both the driver and passenger front bucket seats slide forward and back on tracks easily once the backrest is tilted forward. Front seat belts are mounted on the inside "B" pillar and can get in the way when maneuvering into the back. Both rear seat backs fold down, creating a larger cargo area. Long, slender side back windows are static and do not open. A temporary spare tire stows beneath the back cargo area.
The instrument panel contains two circular analog gauges with the speedometer and fuel information to the left. Both the glove box and storage bin between the front bucket seats are diminutive. Two cup holders and a hand operated parking brake are also between the bucket seats. In addition, a small nook to stow a cell phone is near. As with the recently redesigned XC70 mid-size crossover and other Volvo offerings, a small purse or other storage bags may be stored behind the long, narrow center console.
Front windshield wipers activate from a right-side steering column stalk. The rear wiper activates by pushing a toggle switch at the end of this stalk. Power windows for the two doors are found on the driver's arm rest near controls of the power side view mirrors. Power locks are above near the small door handle.
The ventilation system, part of the long, slender center console, is uniquely Volvo. One of three ventilation zones is selected by pushing buttons visually representing three different sections (head, body, legs) of the human torso. A circular dial to the left controls fan speed while a right dial monitors temperature. Stereo functions include dials for volume and station changing are above.
Side view mirrors include blinker strips which illuminate when the turn signal stalk is activated; a great feature starting to appear on more and more American-badged vehicles. The two side handles are strap-like and body colored.
Volvo has not forgotten its commitment to safety. For a compact-sized vehicle, the list of features is quite substantial. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake distribution, energy absorbing impact structure and a whiplash protection system with padded head restraints along with a myriad of air bags including side curtain bags for both rows and driver and front passenger side-impact air bags are all standard.
The C30 is a capable-riding compact, not a sport-tuned offering such as the MazdaSpeed Mazda3 five-door sports wagon. However, the C30's turbo-charged five-cylinder provides more than adequate power when merging onto the highway. The engine and exhaust tone is refined, not overpowering. The larger glass rear hatch provides good road visibility when looking in the rear-view mirror or turning your head to see what's behind. The inline, five-cylinder engine provides potent get up and go in this under-3,000-pound vehicle. Ease of handling is made pleasant by a speed-dependent, power assisted rack and pinion steering.
Beware. It's also priced higher than many other three-door hatchbacks. A front-wheel-drive 2007 MazdaSpeed Mazda3 four-cylinder turbo starts at $22,340 with more standard features.
Drivers would be hard pressed to find a three-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback this good looking. Volvo is no longer style deprived.