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 Assuming
you are the product director of Volvo. You want to attract younger,
first-time customers to your brand. What you have on hand is a S40
sedan, which was derived from Ford Focus and Mazda 3. So, the most
logical move is to convert the S40 into a smaller and cheaper
hatchback. But then you realize it will inevitably compete with the
mainstream hatchbacks. In order to make it more upmarket, you can
inject the Scandinavian styling to the car, you can carry over the
outstanding safety designs from S40, you can name it as "C30" to
pretend it to be a coupe.
 Mechanically,
C30 is very close to its sister. Volvo did not alter the 2640mm
wheelbase, just chopped off the boot and saved 220mm of length. All
powertrains are carried over, including 1.6-liter 100hp, 1.8-liter
125hp and 2.0-liter 146hp four-cylinder petrol engines, 2.4-liter 170hp
and 2.5-liter Turbo (T5) 220hp five-cylinder petrol engines, 1.6-liter
110hp and 2.0-liter 136hp turbo diesel fours and 180hp 2.4-liter turbo
diesel five (D5). The same goes for all transmissions. Engines by
engines, C30 won't be much cheaper than S40. However, as the hatchback
is around 70 kilograms lighter, buyers are more likely to purchase
smaller engines than the S40. That's how it attracts younger customers.
The more stylish look is another reason why it can lure young buyers.
Viewing from the front, C30 is unmistakably a twins sister of S40.
Well, that's not a bad thing, as I always love the unique shape of S40.
However, from B-pillar rearward it starts differing from the sedan.
Most modern hatchbacks look bulky because they want to carry a lot of
luggage and offer a lot of cabin space. C30, the coupe-pretender, is
willing to sacrifice interior volume for a more dynamic look. You can
see its passenger compartment narrows towards the tail – no problem, as
it has only 2 individual rear seats. This reveals a pair of broad
shoulders, hence a sporty appearance. The hexagonal glass tailgate is
another stylish feature.
 Inside,
the front passengers can see the same minimalist dashboard and the
famous "floating console" as in S40. Rear passengers can see them too,
because the two rear seats are close together. Everywhere in the cabin
is pleasing – the seats are comfy, the ergonomics is excellent and the
visibility is superb. Volvo is the last breed of cars favouring low
shoulder lines. This pay off in its all-round visibility. The hexagonal
glass tailgate also provides excellent view rearward. Moreover, the
tapered rear passenger compartment moves the C-pillars inward and
eliminates the blindspots for rear quarter view. Sitting in C30 feels
so different from regular hatchbacks. We have to praise Volvo's
attention to details.
 The
same praise also goes to its safety design. Although C30 is the
smallest and cheapest Volvo, it is equipped with the same safety
features as S40, such as a vast crumple zone up front, SIPS side impact
protection structure, curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front seats and
ESP stability control are all standard. As for optional equipment, if
offers a blindspot sensor.
On the road, C30 is also good to drive, if not as fabulous as its
cousin Ford Focus. It feels more agile than S40, partly thanks to the
shorter length, partly because the seats are mounted lower. The 3-door
body feels rigid. Little wind and road noise can enter the cabin. The
suspensions, firmer than Volvo's usual practice, damp bumps fluently.
The steering is not as communicative as Focus but linear and weighs
adequately. The handling is confidence inspiring, with good grip, good
body control and safe understeer at the limit. That said, it is not in
the same league as Focus or BMW 1-Series. However, it is unquestionably
the best sorted Volvo chassis to date. More interesting to drive than
Audi A3 too.
 As
before, the Ford-sourced 1.6 and 1.8 Zetec engines are reasonably
refined, but decent performance needs at least the Mazda 2.0 MZR
engine. Volvo's own inline-5 are most favourable, thanks to the musical
5-pot rhythm and extra smoothness. The 220hp T5 is expected to do 0-60
in 6.4 seconds. Just don't see it as a hot hatch, because Volvo hasn't
tame torque steer completely.
However, the best buy is likely to be the smaller engines. They are
much cheaper and still offer the same tasteful design, unique seating
environment, fine handling and ride and excellent safety. In the
increasingly unify automotive world, C30 gives us fresh air to breath.
Well done Volvo ! |