Strengths

Stylish design inside and out; turbocharged performance and handling; a great mix of luxury and performance; a standard of the Volvo safety tradition.

 

Changes

Following its 2008 U.S. introduction, the 2010 Volvo C30 carries over from 2009 with no notable changes. The base version is still the T5, while the step-up trim in known as the R-Design. The Custom Build option from 2009, however, is no longer available.

 

Value

With its distinctive glass rear hatch and blackout trim, Volvo's C30 has a much sportier appearance than any other vehicle in Volvo's line. Two bucket seats are standard for backseat passengers, rather than the more commonplace 3-seat bench. Suggested retail price for the T5 manual starts just over $24,000. Mileage is 21 city and 29-30 highway across the lineup.

 

Overview

The 2010 Volvo C30 is available in two trims: the base T5 trim and the upscale R-Design. The 2010 Volvo C30 is mechanically related to the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, but it is smaller and delivers a sportier yet smooth ride. The C30 uses the same platform as the S40, V50 and C70.

All C30s in the United States derive their power from a 2.5L turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine, which delivers 227 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 236 pounds-feet of torque all the way from 1500 to 5000 rpm. All C30s are available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 5-speed automatic with Geartronic.

The C30 hatchback has a unique interior configuration that utilizes four bucket seats. The back seats fold flat to expand cargo-carrying capacity to 20.2 cubic feet.

The C30 comes standard with six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, whiplash protection, side-impact protection, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Options available on all trims include climate control, navigation system, keyless entry, premium sound system, fog lamps, power and heated seats, leather seating surfaces, HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, moonroof / sunroof and a Garmin portable navigation system. Available packages include the Blind Spot Information System Package, Climate Package, Preferred Package and Multimedia Package. The base T5 comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels while the R-Design comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels.

All R-Design trims come standard with fog lamps and leather seats.