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:

• 

  This is what I was looking for - 2009 Volvo C30
  By FormerTruckOwner - April 16 - 11:13 am

  Ive only had this car a few weeks, but was looking for almost 2 years. Drove a truck. Was perfect when I got it, but now I have wife, kids, dog, and commute. I needed a practical car, but needed to carry the family on occasion, carry the dog, make dump runs, tow, and be comfortable day to day. Id also like something fun that had a little power, but not a huge engine. I knew I wanted a small luxury type car, but they are almost absent in the USA. Especially in a hatchback (for the dog). But in looking at the Mazda 3, I found out about the Ford C1 platform and the fact that the Mazda, Volvo, and European Ford Focus are built on it. This is the car I was looking for. Nothing else fit

• 

  What About the Breaks? - 2011 Volvo C30
  By jbreach - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Great looks and peppy engine but what about the breaks. Brought it back to dealership twice wondering why oh why doesnt this car have a firm break pedal. Why must I travel halfway down before breaks engage and when they do why does it feel so choppy? Is this a Volvo trademark because if it is I sure dont want or need it. This one very important aspect has left me lukewarm on this car and wondering if I made a $25k mistake which I will now regret until I trade it in.

• 

  My Baby - 2008 Volvo C30
  By drsherry - February 25 - 2:26 am

  "Baby" drives like a luxury car, which took a little getting used to (heated leather seats, smooth steering, quiet engine, etc). She can take off like a space rocket, especially going uphill, pushing me back into the seat. It makes me laugh right out loud--as does the incredible sound system! The BLIS system is very useful, as are the front and rear fog lights. The backseat is suprisingly roomy. Overally, Im very happy.

• 

  Wow, definitely worh every penny! - 2008 Volvo C30
  By efrazier - February 11 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased this car after looking at a SRT4 Caliber and a Mazda Speed 3. I was just about set on the Mazda when I found this car by accident, as soon as I saw it and started researching it was a done deal without the test drive. Then I drove it...wow! This car is probably one of the most well balanced cars I have ever owned..even better than a BMW! I have no faults with this car whatsoever from an engineering perspective. The power, handling, comfort and design of the car are all superb! Once I drove it I was done..no need to drive anything else because nothing else compares. I actually cant wait to take it on a long trip.

• 

  Stay AWAY from C30 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By Stacy26 - January 21 - 7:30 am

  This car has awful wind noise over 40 MPH. I have had the doors adjusted, seals replaced and the noise seems to get worse. I can only turn the radio up so loud. Before you buy check out a volv c30 users forum- it is the #1 problem. Volvo seems quiet on the subject, but it seems to be a design flaw. And I have had it aligned more times (at the dealership and not under warranty) than I think is necessary (3) and it still has a tremendous amount if road noise. It is fixed when I first get it back, but after 5,000 miles out it goes again.

• 

  2011 C30 R-Design - 2011 Volvo C30
  By Volvo Driver - December 16 - 11:03 am

  We traded in our 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD for this new C30. The C30 is even more fun to drive than the S40 was. I was concerned about ride stiffness from the R-Design with the lower profile tires but while the ride is firmer it is not uncomfortable at all on the roads we drive daily. Our choice of styling was confirmed when a new VW GTI that still had the paper tags on it had the driver and two passengers admiring the C30 when we were running side by side on the expressway.

• 

  Forget Mini check out Volvo - 2011 Volvo C30
  By Lauren - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I thought I loved my 2007 Mini S convertible, but 2 weeks after warranty ran out I had to pay $500 on maintenance after I had just spent a $1000 replacing my run flat tires, I decided to get out before I spent well more than that car was worth...I am so glad that I did. My 2011 C30 is refreshing and my passengers love the upgrade. It is the perfect car for me. I am in my early 30s married with no children, so I rarely have back seat passengers (a must for this car). This car so sophisticated with out being boring or stuffy. Fun, fast and fabulous, I dont understand why more people arent in love... thats okay because I love having a car that makes a statement the individual.

• 

  Fun and Safety - 2008 Volvo C30
  By chefdude - November 3 - 8:20 pm

  Oh what fun it is to ride... knowing youre surrounded by all those safety features! Had the C30 for a month and love it. The seats are unbelievably comfy and the front legroom is spacious (if no one is in the back seat). If you have a dog check to see if he can get climb up the hatch because is quite high off the ground. Power and handling are super. Engine and transmission feel responsive yet flexible; can shift from 2nd straight to 6th gear on freeway, no problem. Clutch is easy to push, wont fatigue leg. Stock stereo is powerful and has aux input for any mp3 player. Cabin storage a little tight but helps with clutter. Altogether a nice car, Im very happy with my purchase.

• 

  The real deal - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JJay - October 24 - 9:23 pm

  I was looking at the Mazdaspeed3 and while searching the internet, the C30 came up. I went to the local Volvo dealership and the test drive changed my mind. The car is fast, smooth, and well built. This car rides like a luxury car until you press on the accelerator and thats when the car reveals the power within. Gas mileage is good unless you have a habit of flooring the pedal.

• 

  Great Car for A Great Price - 2010 Volvo C30
  By dugan001 - September 18 - 11:53 am

  My 2nd Volvo, other is a 2001 s60, and am very pleased. Purchased the base model in Feb of 2009, and for some reason dealer took 6k of the sticker price. Love the car, drives great and is very fun to drive around town. The 5 speed auto is very smooth however when I want to have better performance I use the auto shift feature which manually controls the shifting. Car has all the options I would want, iPhone and Bluetooth work without issues. I have 5K miles on it and have had no issues. Highly recommend this to anyone considering a mini, which is more expensive and smaller.