Cars Service

Preview Volvo C30

The first thing you notice about this 2006 SEMA concept is the blue paint and yellow racing stripe – a nod to the Swedish flag. Then, you see the quad fog lamps, evil-look headlights, and other exterior detailing. The big story is under the hood though – this concept puts out almost 400 horsepower courtesy of a belt-driven supercharger.





Its slammed to the ground with a coil-over kit, has big brakes to fill the enormous five-spoke rims, and a whole mess of stereo equipment to keep your passengers occupied while you blast down the back roads.

Sleek body design for good all-round view

The fact that the Volvo C30 is fun and stimulating to drive is a result of its well controlled body motions, quick steering response and predictable behaviour,” says Håkan Abrahamsson. “This means that it is easy to control, even in unexpected situations, which thereby contributes to safer driving.” In addition to the predictable driving characteristics, an unobstructed view is very important to preventive safety.

The Volvo C30’s special design, with the side windows at the right height, creates a panoramic view from all seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide a very good rear view, not least at an angle rearward. The tapered B-pillars also contribute, which offer a clear view between the side of the body and the head restraint. This also gives the rear Seat passengers a good view through the front side windows.

Range of engines from 100 to 220 hp

The new Volvo C30 has a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 100 hp, four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine, a clean and efficient four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel with 109 hp to the five-cylinder D5 and T5 turbo engines, providing 180 and 220 hp respectively.At 425 centimetres (167 inches), the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range - 22 centimetres (8,5 inches) shorter than the Volvo S40. “A car that exudes muscular manoeuvrability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel.

Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, regardless of whether you choose the 1.6-litre diesel or the T5 engine,” says Håkan Abrahamsson.Even in the base model, the Volvo C30 offers a high-class audio system – and true audiophiles can choose the Premium Sound system, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish Dynaudio®.

All engines have four-valve technology and double overhead camshafts, which contribute to the quick response and good high-speed characteristics. The most powerful petrol engine (T5) is turbo charged, and has very high and even torque from low to high engine speeds (320 Nm from 1500 to 4800 rpm). This makes the Volvo C30 very responsive, with willing acceleration.

Manoeuvrable and sporty to drive

Thanks to its small size and well thought out design, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. Otherwise, it is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars. A compact and solid body, a generous track width, and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to giving it inspiring and stable driving characteristics.

The chassis, with MacPherson front wheel suspension and a Multilink rear axle, is optimized to enhance fun to drive. High level of body control and precise response are key properties. A lowered sport chassis is available as an option. DSTC, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, is standard in most markets. Steering is electro-hydraulic (hydraulic for the 1.6-litre petrol), with a distinct and controlled steering feel. The range of options for the Volvo C30 includes a number of alloy wheels in sizes from 15 to 18 inches.

Styling for individualists and room for four adults

The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view.

The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate. The interior program has been designed to meet the target group’s taste for personal choices. Even the base program offers, for example, upholstery in three attractive colours.

The C30 is about “customised functionality”. There are a lot of possibilities for personalisation and the car has all the right and cleverly designed solutions that the people who choose this type of car want,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, who heads the C30 project.

News


Volvos new C30 coupe will beat rivals from BMW and Audi on price.

Prices will start at £14,750 for the most basic C30, and standard equipment will include climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, CD stereo, a stability programme and six airbags.

Five petrol engines and three diesel motors will form the engine range. Petrol choices will consist of a 99bhp 1.6, a 123bhp 1.8, a 143bhp 2.0, a 168bhp 2.4 and the range-topping 217bhp 2.5 T5. There will be three diesel choices: a 108bhp 1.6, a 134bhp 2.0 and a 178bhp 2.4 D5.

Each engine will be available in a choice of four trim levels – S, SE, SE Sport or SE Lux. SE models will cost £1500 more than the basic S models and add 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, front foglights and a trip computer. SE Sport versions add 18-inch alloys and a full body kit, while SE Lux versions get 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and leather upholstery. Both SE Sport and SE Lux models cost £1500 more than SE models.

Volvos pricing is aggressive when compared with rival Audis and BMWs. The entry-level car costs £765 less than the cheapest A3 and £1245 less than the most basic 1 Series. Neither the Audi nor the BMW has air-conditioning or side airbags, either.

Compare the likely best-selling versions, and the difference is even greater. The C30 2.0 D in SE trim will cost £19,295, whereas the similarly equipped Audi A3 2.0TDI SE will cost £1285 more at £20,580. The BMW 120d SE does provide standard parking sensors, but it costs £21,360, over £2000 more. Even the slightly lower-specification ES version costs £940 more than the Volvo.

The C30 is available to order now, and the first cars should arrive in UK showrooms in early 2007.