2011 Volvo C30 Review The 2 011 Volvo C30 isn't your typical "hot hatch." Power comes from Volvo's familiar turbocharged ...
2011 Volvo C30 Review
The 2011 Volvo C30 isn't your typical "hot hatch." Power comes from Volvo's familiar turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which cranks out a healthy 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.
The "2011 Volvo C30 "is a four-seat, two-door hatchback offered in two trim levels. The base T5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable seats, a trip computer, cruise control, a 50/50-split-folding rear seat, 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. The T5 R-Design trim level adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sport-tuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio, sporty exterior trim, partial leather upholstery, blue-face gauges and metallic interior trim.
The Climate package includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers.
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 2011 Volvo C30 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front seats with whiplash protection. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is optional.
The C30 is a fun car to drive. Our test model came with a five-speed automatic transmission, but I've driven a C30 with the available six-speed manual, and that's the model I strongly recommend if you want a sporty driving experience. The transmission has a manual-shift mode, though, so you can shift using the console-mounted gearshift. It has a stiff suspension, so there's basically no body roll, and the car feels planted to the road. As you'd expect from a small car with a stiff suspension, you feel the bumps in the road. Our test model was a T5 with a standard chassis and optional 18-inch wheels. You can also get an R-Design model with standard 18-inch wheels and a stiffer sport suspension, but I'd take that version for a long test drive before buying it; the R-Design might be too stiff to live with in a place with rough roads. Sure, it's more practical than a two-seat roadster, but this isn't a family car — unless everyone in your family is smaller than 5-foot-2, packs light and enjoys snug accommodations. Child Seats
Speaking of families, we installed some child-safety seats to see how they fit. A booster seat fits easily, and the seat belt is well-placed. There's not enough room lengthwise for an infant seat unless the front passenger seat is moved forward, but a rear-facing convertible seat fits without moving the front seat.
The rest of the car looks pretty much the same, and I have to admit, I've always been a fan of the car's design. There are two trim levels of the Volvo C30: T5 and R-Design. Our test model had this appearance package.
I like how the R-Design model looks, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want the stiffer R-Design chassis if I intended to drive the C30 every day around Chicago. See all the standard safety features here. (Our test model topped out at nearly $33,000.)
It's sporty, but not a high-performance sports car. Sometimes you just want a car that's comfortable, performs reasonably well and looks good.
Shoppers seeking a sportier driving experience or value may want to look elsewhere. What might be the C30’s biggest drawback is its price. Style-conscious shoppers will be hard-pressed to find a better-looking alternative to the "Volvo C30". However, a slew of competitors provide more value and driving excitement.
Should more space be needed, MINI offers the Cooper S Clubman.
Although not a luxury hatch, the Mazdaspeed3 offers many luxury options and shares its platform with the C30. It costs nearly $5,000 less than the Volvo and offers more space and doors.
The 2011 Volvo C30 is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design. The R-Design C30 features an R-Design exterior styling kit and unique suspension settings that most reviewers have criticized for ruining the ride quality.
COMMENTS