Overview & Reviews

The Volvo C30 may seem like a drastic departure for the Swedish automaker famous for sedans and wagons shaped like big blocks of cheddar, but in reality, it's not without significant family ties. Two-door hatchbacks are certainly not what people think of when Volvo enters a conversation, and true enough, the company hasn't sold one in North America since the 1800ES coupe of the 1970s. But there's a missing link in the C30's design evolution, a car intended for American roads but ultimately never brought over here: the Volvo 480. Sold in Europe from 1986-'95, this hatchback reveals a bit more of the family genes.

Like the 1800ES and 480, the Volvo C30 is a small two-door coupe with a large glass hatchback that provides a distinctive look and abundant rear visibility. Like the 480, the C30 features four bucket seats, front-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine and handling that's sporty but not quite at hot-hatch standards. We're glad that Volvo has once again deemed us worthy of its spunky entry-level coupe.

Current Volvo C30
The Volvo C30 is a compact four-seat, two-door hatchback that's offered in two trims: base T5 and sportier T5 R-Design.

Standard equipment highlights for the T5 include 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and USB input. Stepping up to the T5 R-Design adds 18-inch wheels, a quicker steering ratio, a sport-tuned suspension, color-coordinated exterior trim, a unique grille, leather seating and blue-faced gauges. Each trim can be upgraded with the Premier Plus or Platinum option packages, which add features such as LED daytime lights, a power sunroof, power seats, driver seat memory, a navigation system and a premium 10-speaker audio system.

Mechanically, the Volvo C30 bears some relation to the recently discontinued S40 sedan and V50 wagon. Its suspension has been tuned to be firmer, but otherwise this is still a car designed with comfort and everyday drivability in mind. Think of it as a warm hatch, not a hot one. Nevertheless, the C30's standard turbocharged five-cylinder engine makes a healthy 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic optional. With the manual gearbox, the sprint to 60 mph takes just 6.6 seconds.

In reviews, our editors have commented favorably on the C30's spunky yet refined nature. It's sporty enough to satisfy most drivers, yet it retains a comfortable ride. We like the nifty "floating" center stack, too. We think the C30's low base price and lengthy options list should enable it to meet the needs of a variety of different buyers. Whether you're looking for Volvo safety at a budget price or a hip hatch, the C30 fills the bill. However, the numerous luxury options can elevate the C30 above 30-grand territory, and we're not sure it warrants that price.

Used Volvo C30 Models
The Volvo C30 debuted for the 2008 model year with different trim levels than the current car -- Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 -- but much the same available equipment. Two years later, cruise control and Bluetooth became standard and the previously available customization program essentially lived on through numerous options. Notably, the first year's navigation system was not as advanced as the hard-drive-based unit that came thereafter. Visually, the C30 hasn't changed much since, with the most prominent change taking place for 2011 when the grille and headlights were revised and enlarged to resemble other models in the Volvo lineup. Other than lacking Bluetooth audio streaming, a standard security alarm and LED running lights, these later C30s are similar to the current car.

User Reviews:

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  Great little car - 2009 Volvo C30
  By D - September 20 - 9:23 pm

  We bought a C30 on our return to the US after a few years overseas. Previously wed owned a 2003 VW GTi and a 2001 Porsche Boxster but now we only need one car. The C30 has everything we require -- more refined than the VW and, okay, not a Porsche but much cheaper to run. Space is fine for the two of us and the performance is more than good enough. When we bought it the trip computer software had not been loaded. The dealerships salespeople said it wasnt available on the manual. This simply was not true and the mechanics at the dealership installed it in a few minutes when we took it for its first service.

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  Engineering defect - 2008 Volvo C30
  By lucia5 - September 1 - 4:36 am

  I love driving this volvo, I love it more than the GTI I used to own. BUT the severity of the damage done from an engineering defect with the oil separator has me question volvos reliability. Heres what to do if this happens to you. If you hear a hum that progressively gets louder as the engine warms up, NOT a belt squeal. STOP the car and IMMEDIATELY shut the engine off. Have the car towed to your mechanic or dealership. If you do not stop the car immediately youll ruin the seals in your engine, the crankshaft, timing belt and possibly other parts.

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  The Anti Lemming Mobile - 2008 Volvo C30
  By RapidRick - July 16 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased my C30 OSD in Mar, picked it up & drove it in Sweden over Memorial Day and picked it up again in Tampa in July. The car is a stunner and draws rave reviews from folks, especially the younger crowd, but plenty of wiser enthusiasts have forced me to chat with them about it. The turbo comes on smooth and fast. Going 115 in this car is like going 30 in my great ZTW. Real easy to bust way over the speed limit, if you dont pay attention. Mine is in matte Gold, which the factory said there were not many made, and supposedly thats the only car Volvo makes that you can get in matte gold (?)

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  Brilliant Automobile - 2011 Volvo C30
  By modcookieparty - July 15 - 7:42 pm

  This car is absolutely fantastic. Ive had the R-Design for about 6 months now and love driving it. The handling is very tight and the acceleration is good for its class. The body styling sets you apart from the crowd and the interior styling is comfortable and very functional. The ability to customize features and options hits the mark. The only drawback is that the exterior r-design styling features seem a bit flimsy - well see how they hold up over time. I couldnt be happier with this car - at least until the polestar version is available.

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  Just got a new one! - 2008 Volvo C30
  By wulfy - May 11 - 6:43 pm

  I love the solid "thunk" sound when a door closes. The rear seats are hard to get into, but with them down, the back is suprising roomy. Yes, it will run on either premium, regular or I guess "mid-grade". For your 1st 1000 miles, get a full featured premium. Then after, you can use regular for getting around town or Premium if you want performance. This car has plenty of ooomph. Unless you are street racing you dont need more. It manuevers like a dream.

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  Wow - 2008 Volvo C30
  By annabelle - April 10 - 12:26 am

  I struggled between getting a Mini Cooper S and this car, and couldnt be happier with my choice. Add fun factor to smoother ride, a powerful motor, great sound system and easy to use. Suddenly, I love to drive! And lets not forget ergonomic seats (great on long drives) and good trunk space, especially with seats down - fit a massage table, luggage for two, gifts and a large reclining beach chair no problem!

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  So far so good!!! - 2010 Volvo C30
  By Franky - March 28 - 11:40 am

  Got one of the last 2010s with the old front design. Love the car. Ride is stiff but not as stiff as my old 07 GTI. Engine is strong and satisfying, got it with a 6spd manual. Interior materials are really nice, but a little rattly (more so than girlfriends S40). Stereo and navi are superb, and everyone looks at it on the road...really unique!! No reliability issues so far, the car has a decent exhaust note, and it actually handles really well!! The seats are superb and they look great with the contrast stitching. I found the car to be sluggish with the automatic but quite powerful with the manual trans. Would buy it again if I had to do it all over.

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  Volvo has outdone itself - 2008 Volvo C30
  By volvosmith - February 16 - 7:33 am

  Volvo has outdone itself in the styling department. I get people coming up to me all the time asking what I am driving and how do I like it? I have nothing but praise for this car from a person who has owned three Volvos of old and a Mercedes before this wonderful example of Scandinavian design. The Version 1 comes standard with a lot of features so I really did not feel the need to add anything much extra. Driving this car is a blast with great power. Get the manual transmission. You wont be sorry. And the whirling sound of the inline 5 turbo is fantastic. The build quality is on par with the competitors and the structure is as stiff as the old Mercedes, maybe better.

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  Wheeeee! Fun and luxury. - 2008 Volvo C30
  By lola - January 21 - 11:16 pm

  I havent had this much fun with a car since I traded in my 72 Volvo 144 for a 1982 Rabbit. Acceleration in 3rd gear pushes me back in the seat and Im practically giggling when I have the excuse to lean on the gas to merge onto the highway. Once there, its incredibly quiet, 6th gear keeps the revs down, and handling is reliable and predictable. I got the non-sports (1.0) model and the ride is very comfy. This car is great. Its got the original tires which arent great in snow, but theyre not bad either. Mileage depends on how you drive (duh). I can push it some and still get the 20 mpg the EPA promises. Ive only had it for 1000 miles; Im infatuated.

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  Hands down fantastic auto - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Yoquiero Unapatada - December 4 - 11:00 am

  The C30 handles beautifully. Fast. Super zippy! I live in Los Angeles, where quick acceleration is part of the traffic landscape. The design of the C30 is purely amazing! Also, many people are under the impression that this vehicle costs more than 40k. These things matter to a 40 yr old like me..