The new Volvo C30, launched in Malta earlier this month, is based on the Volvo SCC - a modern, exciting concept car that was unveiled in 2001. A true challenger in the compact premium car segment, the C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty emphasis, such as the Volvo 1800 ES.
The C30 is a dynamic, functional two-door model that is tailor-made for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle. It has been developed to provide a sporty image and several innovative design solutions have been combined with lines that typify a modern Volvo.
The gently rounded front has several features that contribute to the sporty impression, such as the large, low grille, characteristic spoiler and short overhang. The headlamps are set high in the wings.
The sweeping silhouette of the body sides is emphasised by black wing extenders at each corner of the body and by the long wheelbase (2,640 mm). The characteristic shoulder is more rugged than on any other Volvo model, while the shoulder line conveys an impression of movement - even when the car is at rest.
The C30 can be complemented with a sporty skirt package, or accessory body kit. Certain body finishes can also be combined with different accessory kit colours. The modern, unique design of the rear end is an important element of the sporty image. The shape of the tail lamp clusters delineates the powerful shoulder profile, especially in the dark.
Wheel sizes start from 16-inch and new alloys are also available on option in sizes varying from 16-inch to 19-inch.
Inside, the tunnel console and the armrest match the dashboard's unique, floating centre console and with the same type of decor inserts. The aim has been to provide the highest possible feeling of quality while still increasing the flexibility and storage possibilities.
In the rear, the Volvo C30 is equipped with two individual seats instead of a conventional bench seat. The side panels are divided into two compartments. The space between the seats is occupied by a comfortable armrest and can also be used to load long, narrow objects.
The seat backrests can be folded down to provide a large, almost completely flat load floor. The backrests can also be lowered from outside (with the rear door open). The luggage compartment can be equipped with two different luggage blinds, a soft type that can be used with the backrests up or down, and a rigid type that is mounted behind the upright backrests.
Featuring the same design as in the new Volvo C70, the front seats are easy to fold down, making access to the rear even easier. Electrically operated front seats are available as an option. The 'bathtub' line around the dashboard and door panels is designed to provide a feeling of security and harmony.
The Volvo C30 also features the same characteristic, super-thin centre stack as in the Volvo S40 and V50. The C30 models comes with the same leather steering wheel as the Volvo C70, with a type of leather that feels more comfortable and provides a greater sense of quality.
Boda has been launched as a new, common base upholstery material for the Volvo C30, with Spring Green as a completely new upholstery colour. The look has been updated with, among other things, a new accent colour for the Off Black interior.
Safety
The Volvo C30 is equipped with a crash safety structure and advanced suspension. The gently rounded front is provided with a special spoiler under the bumper that helps to reduce the risk of leg injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist if struck by the car.
Other familiar Volvo safety features include side-impact protection (SIPS) and WHIPS (which helps to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision). The car can also be equipped with Bi-Xenon type headlamps.
The short overhang, generous track width and the relatively long wheelbase contribute to handling of the very highest class. The Volvo C30 also offers a number of systems for greater personal security, such as Keyless Drive (which enables the car to be started without a key).
Driveline and handling
The Volvo C30 is available with a wide choice of engines, from a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre, 100 hp variant to a five-cylinder turbo - the T5. The entry-level 1.6-litre engines come in a choice of both petrol and diesel, respectively of 100 and 109 bhp, and torque (pulling power) of 150Nm and 240 Nm, which are available locally from stock.
The other engines in the range consist of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4i petrol, and 2.0 and 2.4 diesels. The T5 has been given increased power output of 230 bhp. The manual gearbox is either a five-speed or a six-speed unit, and a five-speed automatic transmission (with Geartronic) is also available for the T5 model.
The torsionally rigid chassis and the powerful engines all contribute to the very sporty, harmonious driving experience offered by the C30 while an even sportier chassis is available as an option. All models (except the 1.6-litre petrol variant) feature electro-hydraulic steering that delivers a constant and precise steering force.
The C30 is also equipped with several of Volvo's electronic systems that contribute to even better stability and driving pleasure.
Environment
The new Volvo C30 has been developed with the greatest possible attention to environmental protection. Care for the external environment and providing the best possible environment in the car itself are both part of Volvo's environmental philosophy.
Volvo has also developed detailed procedures to minimise the environmental impact of the manufacturing and recycling processes. All Volvo cars are equipped with efficient exhaust gas treatment systems.
IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) - a system designed to reduce the quantity of particles and pollen entering the cabin with the incoming air - is available as an option. In addition, all fabrics and leathers are certified under ÖKO-TEX, an international standard guaranteeing that the interior trim materials are free of allergenic and noxious substances.
The Volvo C30 is produced in Volvo's Belgian plant in Ghent. Volvo aims to sell 65,000 C30s a year. The company estimates that Europe will account for 75 per cent of the model's buyers. The biggest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Britain, the United States, France, Sweden and the Netherlands.
The C30 is a dynamic, functional two-door model that is tailor-made for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle. It has been developed to provide a sporty image and several innovative design solutions have been combined with lines that typify a modern Volvo.
The gently rounded front has several features that contribute to the sporty impression, such as the large, low grille, characteristic spoiler and short overhang. The headlamps are set high in the wings.
The sweeping silhouette of the body sides is emphasised by black wing extenders at each corner of the body and by the long wheelbase (2,640 mm). The characteristic shoulder is more rugged than on any other Volvo model, while the shoulder line conveys an impression of movement - even when the car is at rest.
The C30 can be complemented with a sporty skirt package, or accessory body kit. Certain body finishes can also be combined with different accessory kit colours. The modern, unique design of the rear end is an important element of the sporty image. The shape of the tail lamp clusters delineates the powerful shoulder profile, especially in the dark.
Wheel sizes start from 16-inch and new alloys are also available on option in sizes varying from 16-inch to 19-inch.
Inside, the tunnel console and the armrest match the dashboard's unique, floating centre console and with the same type of decor inserts. The aim has been to provide the highest possible feeling of quality while still increasing the flexibility and storage possibilities.
In the rear, the Volvo C30 is equipped with two individual seats instead of a conventional bench seat. The side panels are divided into two compartments. The space between the seats is occupied by a comfortable armrest and can also be used to load long, narrow objects.
The seat backrests can be folded down to provide a large, almost completely flat load floor. The backrests can also be lowered from outside (with the rear door open). The luggage compartment can be equipped with two different luggage blinds, a soft type that can be used with the backrests up or down, and a rigid type that is mounted behind the upright backrests.
Featuring the same design as in the new Volvo C70, the front seats are easy to fold down, making access to the rear even easier. Electrically operated front seats are available as an option. The 'bathtub' line around the dashboard and door panels is designed to provide a feeling of security and harmony.
The Volvo C30 also features the same characteristic, super-thin centre stack as in the Volvo S40 and V50. The C30 models comes with the same leather steering wheel as the Volvo C70, with a type of leather that feels more comfortable and provides a greater sense of quality.
Boda has been launched as a new, common base upholstery material for the Volvo C30, with Spring Green as a completely new upholstery colour. The look has been updated with, among other things, a new accent colour for the Off Black interior.
Safety
The Volvo C30 is equipped with a crash safety structure and advanced suspension. The gently rounded front is provided with a special spoiler under the bumper that helps to reduce the risk of leg injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist if struck by the car.
Other familiar Volvo safety features include side-impact protection (SIPS) and WHIPS (which helps to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision). The car can also be equipped with Bi-Xenon type headlamps.
The short overhang, generous track width and the relatively long wheelbase contribute to handling of the very highest class. The Volvo C30 also offers a number of systems for greater personal security, such as Keyless Drive (which enables the car to be started without a key).
Driveline and handling
The Volvo C30 is available with a wide choice of engines, from a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre, 100 hp variant to a five-cylinder turbo - the T5. The entry-level 1.6-litre engines come in a choice of both petrol and diesel, respectively of 100 and 109 bhp, and torque (pulling power) of 150Nm and 240 Nm, which are available locally from stock.
The other engines in the range consist of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4i petrol, and 2.0 and 2.4 diesels. The T5 has been given increased power output of 230 bhp. The manual gearbox is either a five-speed or a six-speed unit, and a five-speed automatic transmission (with Geartronic) is also available for the T5 model.
The torsionally rigid chassis and the powerful engines all contribute to the very sporty, harmonious driving experience offered by the C30 while an even sportier chassis is available as an option. All models (except the 1.6-litre petrol variant) feature electro-hydraulic steering that delivers a constant and precise steering force.
The C30 is also equipped with several of Volvo's electronic systems that contribute to even better stability and driving pleasure.
Environment
The new Volvo C30 has been developed with the greatest possible attention to environmental protection. Care for the external environment and providing the best possible environment in the car itself are both part of Volvo's environmental philosophy.
Volvo has also developed detailed procedures to minimise the environmental impact of the manufacturing and recycling processes. All Volvo cars are equipped with efficient exhaust gas treatment systems.
IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) - a system designed to reduce the quantity of particles and pollen entering the cabin with the incoming air - is available as an option. In addition, all fabrics and leathers are certified under ÖKO-TEX, an international standard guaranteeing that the interior trim materials are free of allergenic and noxious substances.
The Volvo C30 is produced in Volvo's Belgian plant in Ghent. Volvo aims to sell 65,000 C30s a year. The company estimates that Europe will account for 75 per cent of the model's buyers. The biggest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Britain, the United States, France, Sweden and the Netherlands.