The new dynamic, sporty Volvo C30 was launched locally at the Valletta Waterfront on Wednesday evening. The C30 is the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's model range. With a compact and solid body, sporty chassis, and powerful engines, it offers a very dynamic driving experience.

"The compact format has not prevented Volvo from integrating much of what is best in the larger Volvo cars," David Gasan, managing director of Gasan Enterprises, said at the event.

"The fact that the Volvo C30 is fun and stimulating to drive is a result of its well-controlled body motions, quick steering response and predictable behaviour, meaning that it is easy to control, even in unexpected situations, which thereby contributes to safer driving."

The interior is functionally designed with smart refinement and offers an unexpectedly high level of comfort and flexibility, not least in the rear seat. Like all of the other Volvo models, the C30 has been developed to be a very safe car with the objective: best in class!

Thanks to its small size and well thought-out design, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. Otherwise, it is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars.

Despite its compactness, the Volvo C30 is capable of offering very comfortable and flexible interior space with a surprising big-car feel offering place for four adults. The front seats are ergonomically designed and offer a correct and relaxing seating position. It is easy to move the seat forward and backward for convenient access to the rear seat. The tapered design of the B-pillar also contributes to the easy entrance.

The rear seat has two separate seats and a foldable armrest is available for enhanced comfort. The seats are positioned somewhat towards the centre of the car to provide space and a good forward view.

The glass tailgate is very convenient and easy to open and close. It offers good access to the cargo compartment. To keep items in the cargo compartment from view, two load covers are available: a soft and a hard version.

The Volvo C30's special design, with the side windows at the right height, creates a panoramic view from all seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide a very good rear view, not least at an angle rearward. The tapered B-pillars also contribute to offer a clear view between the side of the body and the head restraint. This also gives the rear seat passengers a good view through the front side windows.

To make it easier for the driver to detect other vehicles in the blind spot at the side of the car, the Volvo C30 can be fitted with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). This system, which is an option, uses cameras mounted in the side door mirrors to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. A lamp near the mirror illuminates to alert the driver to increase the possibility that correct decisions are taken.

As a car importer, Gasan Enterprises feels that it is in duty bound to contribute towards offsetting carbon emissions created by cars. Mr Gasan mentioned how some weeks ago, the company joined international car manufacturers in their awareness to make motoring greener, a mission which tops the agenda of major institutions promoting a greener environment.

With that mission statement in mind, Gasan Enterprises initiated a campaign through which it is pledging to plant a tree with every car sold. This campaign is being held in association with the 34U campaign.