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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  2008 C30 2.0 - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JT79 - August 1 - 1:50 pm

  Great all-around sporty car. I was particularly impressed by the build quality and ride of the vehicle. From my research I knew that it was a going to be a quick and versatile little car, but I was blown away by just how well it was put together and how well it rode on the highway. The suspension is a perfect blend between performance and luxury. Its not quite as nimble as a Mini Cooper or GTI but it doesnt beat you up nearly as much either and it blows either of those cars away in terms of power and power delivery.

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  Great Car - 2008 Volvo C30
  By elm2450 - July 17 - 3:16 pm

  Built to last. Tight body and reliable. Comfortable, safe, and fun to drive. Got all bells and whistles and do not miss the luxury machines the C30 replaced. Great look with alot eyes taking note.

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  Thumbs Up on the C-30 - 2011 Volvo C30
  By gitmogrunt - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is the first brand new Volvo I ever owned. I traded in a used 2006 S-60 for the 2011 C-30 and we love it. It handles very well, and has great response. It comes with a service package that cant be beat.

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  New C30 is having many issues - 2009 Volvo C30
  By davido - June 28 - 11:53 am

  Decided to trade my 2006 S40 for a new C30. Since Ive had the car, the passenger airbag light shows that the airbag is not on sometimes when passengers sit there. The first time I was told nothing was wrong with it, but it surfaced again. At the same time I noticed an oil leak in my garage. The car has 500 miles on it, and I wish I had the one with 85,000 that I traded in. This time, they told me that the airbag issue was a software upgrade problem (not sure why they didnt do this before delivering to me or last time it was in). Oil is from the oil cooler.

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  Drive to Believe - 2011 Volvo C30
  By BarentsBlu MA - March 6 - 1:40 am

  I use to be a SAAP 95 owner. After 10 great yrs, I was looking for another reliable and stylish car. I did consider the Acura TSX, Mini and Audi GTI. I am so glad I got the Volvo C30 instead. As a previous SAAB owner, I really like the drive of the C30 and the thoughtful European design. And, it costs less than 30K!

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  I love my 1st Volvo - 2008 Volvo C30
  By JohnRae - February 27 - 6:03 pm

  Ive had my car a little bit over a year now and still love it. Very fun to drive and has the power to overtake other cars if ever needed. The suspension is a bit stiff but handles very well. The styling is one of the main reasons I bought the car. Its unique, sporty, and classy all in one. A real eye catcher. Its nice to have a car that you dont see at every other stop light. My small list of gripes for this car is: 1. The passenger side seatbelt rattles a bit when driving. 2. At times would like to have more trunk room. But i just fold my rear seats down normally if i need more space. 3. Would be nice to have the trip computer come standard instead of having to pay extra for it.

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  Mistake ? - 2011 Volvo C30
  By kandrew68 - February 13 - 7:08 am

  WIND NOISE - drive it and pay carefull attention and make your own informed decision. The C30 has major wind noise issues. This gas milage is aslo poor - 21 in combined city/highway driving. After 3 months and 1300 miles, had to take the car into the dealer - hissing noise under hood. Leaking either coolant or refrigerant. Only good thing so far is it comes with 5 year 60-month bumper-to-bumper warranty and it looks COOL. If only my wife had chosen a another car or I had waited for the LEXUS CT-200! So buyer beware.

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  Still Luvin It - 2008 Volvo C30
  By C30Grant - December 17 - 9:50 pm

  I have about 18,000 miles on my 2008 C30 and still love it. No significant problems. Its great to have a unique sporty car thats not seen everywhere, such as the Mini or VW GTI. There are a lot of aftermarket performance parts that owners are tricking-out their C30s with now. Id suggest a used 2008 or 2009 with low miles on it. Same exact powerful engine for both years.

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  This is a great little car!! - 2010 Volvo C30
  By Jessica - December 8 - 10:26 pm

  I am really impressed with my C30. It has the 6-speed, climate package, and sunroof. It handles well in snow and rain so far. I am averaging 28 mpg between highway and small town driving. I took it on a 2000+ mile road trip, and even with all the time in the seat, both my husband and I were comfortable. It does great in mountains, in 6th gear you can still accelerate going up hill w/o having to downshift. Everyone that sees it loves it. I have a 2010 with the previous style headlights (leftover from last year). I like that style better though so I was glad when I found one! Mine has the off black interior and the metallic titanium paint, and it looks great in that color!

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  Perfect driving dinamic - 2012 Volvo C30
  By 1ptbijou - September 21 - 9:24 pm

  This is my first Volvo, I was looking for a drivers car and this is it. The driving confort and position is superb. The power is very good at low RPM, the 2.5 L. turbo has a lots of tork at only 1500 RPM. and no turbo lag. If you are looking for a reliable European car, this is it, the ride is very confortable for our bad roads. I selected the 16 wheels for that reason. I just drove from Vermont to Nova Scotia in 12 hours non stop with zero back problems. I dont understand why this car is not selling more as mine was the price of a Civic SI and Volvo is having huge promotions with 5years waranty and free maintenance 0% finance and $5000. off.