Volvo C30 Coupe 2007 - Present

The Volvo C30 is the Swedish car makers entry into the small family car market, an area that has been dominated by both Ford and the German car makers for some while now. The C30 shares some chassis parts and engine options with the Focus which gives it something of a running start.

Inside the car the cabin offers great levels of comfort and detail. The seats are extremely supportive and remain comfortable for even the longest journey. The leg and head room is generous for both front and rear seats and the sense of space is somewhat exacerbated by the excellent views available throughout the car. The back seats are divided into two definite seats so there's no real chance to take a fifth person in the C30.
Being a three door car, rear passengers have to climb in the back, a process that is hindered by the electric seats, the system is too slow to be anything but inconvenient and the fact that it doesn't remember where the seat started makes the whole thing seem an unnecessary complication, or technology for the sake of it.
The trim levels are good from the most basic model and all feature the Dual-zone climate control as standard.

On the road the C30 is a competent performer with decent manners and predictable handling. It copes well on country lanes and will gobble up motorway miles with ease. It isn't quite as good as most of it's rivals but that is a reflection of how exceptional the Focus, Golf and A3 really are. The C30 is very well set up for road holding and passenger comfort, it will move between the corners and straights with assured poise.

The engine options are pretty good. The entry level petrol option is the 1.6 and is adequate but little more. The nearest to a hot hatch in the range is the 2.5 turbo version which is the same engine as the Focus ST and is a great performer. The power is smooth and evenly distributed across the rev range, offering a 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. The diesel engines start with the disappointing 1.6 which never really offers enough pull, the 2.0 model is a vast improvement and is a much more rewarding drive. The D5 turbo diesel is only available as an automatic but still returns 45 mpg. The disappointing 1.6 diesel offers the best fuel figures at 57 mpg but as the 2.0 weights in with 49 mpg it's probably the pick of the bunch.

The Volvo C30 is a good small car. The fact that it is only available in a three door model will probably mean that it won't prove to be a hit with families as it doesn't offer enough flexibility. However if you're looking for a small hatchback that is less run of the mill and want something that's as home in the countryside as it is on the motorway then the C30 is well worth a look.

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