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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  Very Enjoyable. - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Rob S. - August 31 - 3:13 pm

  It gets a lot of looks! It gets up and goes as soon as you get around 3500 RPM. Im use to cars with much larger engines however this car motors effortlessly without much engine noise. The controls are easy to manage and the upgraded sound system is great! A must have! The only one thing I dislike is that you feel every bump in the road. Otherwise great car.

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  Great Combo - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Young 40 - July 18 - 2:26 am

  I spent many hours on the internet and many weeks preparing to buy this car. Our family has a minivan and needs an Accord but this car won me over big time. There are many practical reasons to get a Honda, but the C30 adds so much to my driving experience while maintaining a sense of class that it became a perfect fit. I am 40, but not ready to drive a 40 year old no matter how much "sense" it makes. The C30 has a simple but well built and easy to use interior. The exterior styling is very unique. The T5 mated to the MT is the way to go. Almost got the AT at wifes request but the MT was too fun to drive and brought the car to life even more. Chose the 2.0 for styling and audio reasons.

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  Industrial Chic - 2010 Volvo C30
  By TwelveCrows - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the Ford C1 platform. Prior to my C30, I owned an 04 Mazda 3s; I loved it. But as much as I did, it pales in comparison to the C30. It is more comfortable and more solid with a more powerful and responsive engine. Other than the wind noise coming from the side mirrors, the cockpit is quiet-isolating the road noise and allowing the driver to hear that throaty growl when the foot presses to the floor. The automatic transmission is smooth- though Ive only used the manual shift feature once. The only problem here is that 227 hp driving front wheels can sometimes make the tires slip- with heavy acceleration like pulling out into traffic. The GTI doesnt have this issue.

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  Best in Class, Value and Otherwise - 2009 Volvo C30
  By Paul - June 14 - 7:26 am

  Strangely, this exquisite, sophisticated car is being overlooked in rankings because its drive isnt quite as "fun" as other cars. Meanwhile, it has twice the warranty of the far less dependable VWs, and has a solid reputation for reliability and has best in class safety. Being a grown up, I value those two aspects far more than the fun factor, which to me is represented well enough by the zippy engine, which, btw, is the same engine you get on most of the more expensive Volvos, so its a deal at this price. The C30s cost of ownership due is extremely low due to the expanded warranty package that makes it much more like buying a BMW, but for much less money. Best value anywhere.

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  Great Car - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Owner1983 - June 5 - 4:16 pm

  After owning a Ford Focus and a Pontiac Vibe, this is by the best hatchback I have owned. I fell instantly in love with the unique design the moment I saw at an auto show. Anyone who loves attention will love this car, I couldnt count how many times people stop me to ask me about my car plus the looks, stares, and pointing. Ive only had one issue so far. The shifter would bind up, but it was covered by warranty and its been smooth ever since. Acceleration is great, handling is superb, interior is simple and comfortable, MPG is nothing too spectacular but still good. Also, it handles decently in the snow, but in SE PA we never really get that much snow anyway.

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  Tons of Fun - 2008 Volvo C30
  By BB - April 21 - 5:33 am

  Lots of zip! Handles great! Grabs the road! Comfortable! Good mileage! Gets lots of compliments! Great price! Overall - great buy!

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  2 years later - 2008 Volvo C30
  By lgibsonjr - February 27 - 2:10 am

  I purchased my C30 new in December 2007. Over two years later I still love this car. If it werent for routine maintenance I wouldnt know how well the service department at my Volvo dealer operates. My C30 still delivers in the city and on the highway. Im 49 years old, have had alot of cars, but this has to rate as my best yet.

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  C30 T5 R-Design WOW - 2009 Volvo C30
  By SAAB 9-2X owner - February 23 - 11:03 pm

  I currently own and drive an 05 SAAB 9-2X Aero loaded with everything sport & winter packages etc. etc. I test drove a fully loaded C30 T5 R-Design last Friday. It was similar to my SAAB-aru in handling and quickness but has a quieter ride and with more safety features. I was very impressed with everything about this car. I especially liked the six speed manual trans.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Volvo C30
  By jersite - December 2 - 12:15 am

  Have had my 2011 Volvo C30 for a little over a month now and overall, really love the car. The styling is amazing, handling great, seats the most comfortable Ive ever sat in (heated seats a huge bonus) and great fun to drive. Other high points are bluetooth which works amazingly well, iPod integration, and great visibility. Only drawbacks (and minor at best), huge, oversized key, so-so mileage and difficulty accessing rear seat. All that said, I would recommend the C30 to everyone.

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  Great Drive - 2008 Volvo C30
  By sweethome - November 18 - 3:16 pm

  Terrific car. Went in to replace my 2001 Cross Country with the new model, wasnt crazy about the feel, and ended up testing the C-30. Cant believe I went from all that space to this 2-dr hatchback. What a good decision. With the back seats down, I can put my golf clubs, my wifes golf clubs and all the luggage we would ever need for a long trip. Comfort, ride, sound, all spectacular, and you gotta love the BLIS - no more neck craning to find that truck hidden in my blind spot. In my travels on the east and west coasts and the south, I have yet to see another C-30 on the road, so the uniqueness is a plus as well. People do stare.