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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  Dare to Be different - 2011 Volvo C30
  By kandrew68 - March 15 - 3:56 am

  2011 C30 R-design auto. Drives sporty, has adequate power, very unique shape, interior is one of a kind, decent stereo, bluetooth works flawlessly, USB port picks up all music on USB drive. This car is a real roomy for its size. With rear seats folded it has plenty of cargo room – more than a MINI or CRZ. Road noise is above average but somewhat expected with 18 in wheels/tire combo and a smaller car.

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  Fun all around - 2008 Volvo C30
  By bas3 - December 15 - 10:04 pm

  Purchased my C30 in 2008 as a Dealer promotional model (traded in a 2004.5 S40). Now has around 70k miles and is holding up well. One issue- HVAC fan was replaced under warrenty before 15k miles. Excellent commuter vehicle with enough zip to manuvre in heavy (Chicago) traffic with confidence. Very comfortable long range cruiser (I take at least eight 8+ hour trips each year) even with three in the car. Plenty of leg room in back for 6 footers even on long trips, though taller passengers might end up feeling cramped after a few hours. Fuel economy is average (I get about 23/ 24 mpg in city and stop and go rush hour traffic, up to about 26/ 27 for long freeway cruising). FYI, auto tran.

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  after a year some issues - 2009 Volvo C30
  By jasper - November 12 - 12:56 am

  Just over a year with low mileage, ~12000. R-Design has great styling. The dash is a bit bland and more color could be added in the dash console lighting. Gas mileage is not quite what I expected, (6 speed manual) ranges from 31 to 21 (depends on time of year and how I drive). The front end on the RDesign is also poorly engineered. There is nothing you can do to prevent scraping when going up small upgrades (my driveway for example). This causes the rubber on the underside to hang down, quite an eyesore.

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  Unique and fabulous - 2008 Volvo C30
  By rwisem - September 30 - 4:36 am

  Fell in love with the design and the test drive clinched the deal. Ordered custom built. Terrific to drive, comfortable and quiet, but is a tiger when you step on it. The sound system may be the best stereo Ive ever owned and I dont have the 10 speaker Dynaudio set up

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  C30: rare, wonderful, comfortable, and so attractive - 2013 Volvo C30
  By coloradocarnut - September 27 - 9:59 pm

  This is really a lovely car. We purchased the last 13 new in July14. Auto trans, T-5. Did TONS of research beforehand. We are a Toyota/Honda family, so European is a departure, with trepidation. We have the Premier Plus package, not R-Design. Thus far, the car is beyond expectations; a joy to drive, beautiful to look at, and well made. Its QUIET inside, very powerful, and so different. You wont see them often, which is nice too. Its not a high performance hatch, and thats good, because we didnt want that. For those w/o kids, and a different hauling vehicle, this is a great commuter that spoils with luxury, is safe, and gives you confidence. No problems so far.

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  poor gas mileiage - 2009 Volvo C30
  By joel k - July 15 - 2:33 pm

  This is aquality car that fun to drive.

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  C30 T5 6M - 2011 Volvo C30
  By cafepost - May 21 - 11:40 am

  I love love love this car. I do not understand why there are not more of these on the road. Ive only seen three. Its fast and so much fun to drive. Cute. Stylish. Comfortable. Affordable. Ive done Japanese. Ive done American. I wanted to do European this time and I did good by choosing this one.

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  Volvo Smooth - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Dave - December 22 - 9:23 pm

  This car is great. It zips around like a sportster, while being extremely comfortable, smooth riding and safe. It has average acceleration and fuel economy if you accelerate at 2,500 - 3,000 rpms. But hammer down the gas pedal and at 5,000 - 5,500 rpms you are getting a thrust of acceleration. Of course that thrust comes at a price of lower fuel economy.

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  Roadster with practical side - 2008 Volvo C30
  By wadlust - November 29 - 3:59 am

  I bought C30 four and half years ago used with 20K. The handsome external design expresses my style well. It is practical (overall small size, with easy back seat conversion to increased cargo volume), well balance (power and mileage), and simple inside. I used it to transport tools and materials for home improvement, to take my dog to the park, to go skiing (roof ski rack), and to go on hikes from trail heads far into the Washington state Cascade mountain roads. This car does all of this at good mileage, reliable services, and sporty feel. At 85K, so far I have had door auto lock relays replaced on warranty (it was locking door without command to do so). Windshield was replaced at 60K.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Volvo C30
  By New C30 Owner - November 16 - 8:40 am

  Not the fastest thing out there, but no slouch. Nice balance between comfort and performance. Will do the daily commute in style while still offering some great spirited driving when the whim strikes. Can work as a family care for small families. My kids love riding in it. Cargo is small, but 3 Staples copy paper boxes fit in a single layer with the seats up. Not huge space, but very usable. Width will allow a McLaren folding stroller to just fit. Great storage around the spare tire for all those things you should have like jumper cables and ice scrapers but dont need just floating around the car. Basically a well thought out little luxury car.