2008 Volvo C30 Review

The new 2008 Volvo C30 brings a sporty edge to Volvo's lineup, and the hatchback has a unique interior treatment with four bucket seats; in back they fold flat to expand the cargo capacity from 12.9 cubic feet to 20.2 cu ft.

In the U.S., the new C30 comes only in powerful T5 guise, with a 227-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine. It has front-wheel drive, and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic with Geartronic manual selection.

The C30 comes in two main trims, called Version 1.0 and Version 2.0. Version 1.0 is very well equipped compared with other vehicles in its price range; standard features include air conditioning, keyless entry, leather trim, steering-wheel audio controls, and a 160-watt, eight-speaker sound system. Version 2.0 builds on that with the Dynamic Chassis Control system for better handling, larger "Atreus" 18-inch alloy wheels, polished exhaust pipes, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a 650-watt Dynaudio sound system with ten speakers and Dolby surround sound.

Stand-alone options include a power moonroof, leather upholstery, and on Version 2.0, a navigation system and power driver's seat. A Climate Package available on both models adds heated front seats, headlamp washers, and Rainsensor wipers.

The C30 is the only Volvo vehicle to offer the Custom Build ordering process. For a $300 charge, customers will have a chance to build and order their own car with 17 exterior colors and 12 interior color combinations, plus additional options and accessories. Examples of these additional options include automatic climate control, a blind spot information system, rear park assist, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control, and several different styles of inlays and trims.

Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are standard on all C30s.
The 2008 Volvo C30 is an all-new sporty two-door hatchback model. It's closely related mechanically to the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, but is much smaller, and therefore it promises to be considerably perkier to drive. see less