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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  Stand Out With A Volvo C30 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Grant - January 13 - 2:53 am

  I have had my C30, with automatic geartronic trans, for about a month now. The acceleration is incredible and the shifting is smooth. It can orner at a fairly fast speed and stay in control. I tinted the rear hatch window and the two rear passenger fixed windows with a dark tint. I tinted the two roll-up windows with a lighter tint and the car looks even more cool now.

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  Fun to Drive - 2011 Volvo C30
  By Florida Driver - August 24 - 5:03 pm

  This car made this 40+ old man feel like a teenager. It has all the fun of a kids-car without being a kids car.

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  Volvo Smooth - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Dave - August 11 - 9:36 pm

  This car is the perfect blend of styling, performance, safety and utility. The car has power when I need it (turbo engine), a hatchback for carrying cargo, all the Volvo safety features, and all the while looking great.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Volvo C30
  By wm - July 19 - 6:36 pm

  Caveat this review with the fact Ive only owned the car for a week, and Im still on a buzz from buying it. The manual is incredibly fun to drive, and very smooth. I highly recommend the R-design; its well worth the money. Cosmic Wht w/ Brwn body kit looks phenoml, but hard to find at a dealer. It is not a utilitarian vehicle, as the rear bumper is too high and big, and other cars offer more interior space, but its a great little sports car. More hp/less weight/better mpg than a V6 Mustang. Comfort inside is top notch. Driver views are very good. I did a 1300+ mile trip right after purchase and it holds 80mph easily at 2700rpm. It accelerates the same at 40mph as it does at 70. Fun.

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  2009 C30 great car - 2009 Volvo C30
  By scott fortune - June 21 - 4:26 pm

  My 2009 c30 is a very cool car and I have had it for almost one year. I get about 23 mph and have taken it from Jacksonville, Florida to ft. Lauderdale 2 times, for fun. The trip goes quickly and is very pleasant. My wife and I also own a 2008 Porsche Cayman s. We both often prefer the c30 because it is so much easier to drive... Easy and fun with room for groceries. I had 2 Volvo xc90s, dating back to 2004 or 2003. The c30 is much cooler and more fun. The dynaudio is an excellent option. I have automatic, leather, sunroof, Cruise, bluetooth, ipod compatible. I recommend it and would buy another one.

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  Driving for Fun - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Kathy - April 23 - 4:40 am

  I purchased my Volvo three months ago and find myself driving around town and listening to music, not going anywhere. I love the ride and the feel and the super good looks. So many people have commented on it! I get 26 mpg around town with an automatic. I am shorter than average and thought I needed to sit high to see well, but the C30 is positively panoramic. I feel great about my choice.

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  Still brings a smile to my face - 2009 Volvo C30
  By kevin - April 16 - 10:36 am

  After researching all small hatchbacks in the US market and test driving the Subaru Impreza WRX and the Mazda 3, I test drove the C30 and knew it was the one. (I also wanted to test the Audi A3 but the dealer did not have any in stock.) I use this car daily (23,000 miles in year one) both in heavy traffic and on the open road. It is very responsive and comfortable in all driving conditions. I chose the Geartronic transmission (auto+manual) due to heavy traffic and enjoy driving in both modes. This car has been great, and it gets lots of positive attention. Check out Volvos website - you can fully custom order your C30. Im so glad to have done so - havent seen a twin yet in 22000 mi!

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Scott - March 28 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car mainly because no other car looks like it and it has the power when you need it. I test drove several other cars but this one just got me from the first drive. I am 38 years old with a wife and 2 kids. I did not want the boring family car or the SUV. The wife has the SUV so we take her truck when we go out or travel. I travel about 70-100 miles per day so I need a car with good gas mileage. I am getting over 25 miles on mixed driving which is good for a turbo car. Volvo wanted a car where the consumer can customize the car with the options you want.

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  Most refined tuner car. - 2011 Volvo C30
  By jailhousemd - March 8 - 1:50 pm

  I realize that most people will not consider this a tuner car. It seems to have all the features of a Mazdaspeed, GTI, etc. This car is more comfortable than any other car that I have previously owned (GTI, Mazdaspeed, Civic Si). Nice that I can use 87 octane gas. MPG so far is a little better than 27 mpg/gallon combined. I believe it still needs to be broken in. Also, overall cost is really no different than a loaded GTI. By the way, I have leather, sunroof, and 100K Maintenance plan. I do believe that the Mazdaspeed is a little faster, but I am commuting not street racing.

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  One rockin hatch - 2009 Volvo C30
  By Colin - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  Great all-around car, exceptionally well-executed and excels at what it was designed to do -- turn heads! Love the power even with the auto trans, especially the down-low torque, and all the electronic goodies (Dynamic audio, sat radio, iPod). And oh, those Volvo seats! Incredibly comfortable on my 1-hr commute. My wife and I both get lots of compliments on the cars appearance, especially the all-glass hatch. I hate driving cars that everyone else has, and to date Ive only seen two other C30s on the road. Huge cache factor. Respectable gas mileage (23 mpg avg on a mix of city/hwy driving). And no need for premium! Get the R-design package, it really makes the cars appearance pop.