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2009 Volvo C30 Bottom Line

February 21, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the Volvo C30 to help you decide which reviews to trust and where opinions differ. We provide you with the best information, impressions, and details. The European car experts at TheCarConnection.com also studied other road tests of the 2009 Volvo C30 to put together this conclusive review.

Likes:

  • Confident handling
  • Good, strong acceleration
  • Visually pleasing
  • Sound build quality

Dislikes:

  • Radio and HVAC controls
  • Tiny backseat is like a 2+2
  • Disappointing cargo space
  • Bluetooth, satellite radio not standard

Buying Tips:


Chances are you won't see very many C30s on the dealer lot, and the ones available won't have very many options. Most of the more exciting options on the C30 require a $300 custom build charge and an advance order. But beware, they can drive up the price.

The Volvo C30 is the opposite of what TheCarConnection.com's team usually finds from Volvo products. The C30 is an attractive hatch with a unique, retro-styled rear end and lots of personality. Introduced last year, the C30 is the Swedish manufacturer's first modern foray into the world of premium compacts.

The nose of the C30 resembles a current S40 or V50, but it's the unique hatch glass and the broad shoulders of the rear fenders that give the car its distinctive stance.

The 2009 Volvo C30 is, in some respects, a truncated two-door-hatchback variant of the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, meaning you'll find a similar driving personality. The C30 utilizes Volvo's proven 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, here turbocharged and producing a healthy 227 horsepower.

Handling is solid and secure, but the C30 drives "bigger" than it is. In the opinion of members of TheCarConnection.com team, Volvo tends to engineer the edginess out of its suspensions. The wheelbase, a long 104 inches, is shared with the S40 and V50—which results in a good ride and surprisingly stable, relaxed high-speed cruising. In following, the C30 has a heft that make it feel more secure but less nimble than some small cars; the suspension is quite firm, though, resulting in jarring jolts over potholes and some boominess on coarse surfaces.

The C30 is a small package that looks anything but cheap. It shares its interior with the S40, including the floating center stack where the radio and climate system controls are located. The base sound system has 160 watts and is HD Radio compatible. Front seats are comfortable, but tall drivers might find themselves surprisingly short on space, as the sunroof cuts precious headroom. The rear seats—configured more as two separate contoured positions with scaled-down proportions—are snug, and adults will complain even if they can wedge in.

Volvo's lane-departure warning system is optional, but in typical Volvo fashion safety equipment is abundant, with side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control standard.

Although the C30 comes with a wide range of standard features, its options list is extensive, though it doesn't include all the features you'd expect. For instance, cruise control, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a Bluetooth calling interface—items now required by many buyers—are optional. Other options include a navigation system, high-end Dynaudio sound, HID headlamps, various wheel designs, and trims such as Nordic Light Oak.

For 2009 Volvo created a new R-Design model. Prompted by positive customer response for the limited edition C30 R-Design package introduced late in the 2008 model year, the C30 R-Design will be the top model in the range for 2009. Standard features include a special front grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, a sport steering wheel, sport pedals, and R-Design watch dial instrument cluster.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Volvo C30, also consider:

Reason Why:

TheCarConnection.com editors have previously tested all of the competitors for the Volvo C30. The two most relevant competitors are the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. Both are two-door hatchbacks that have sporty yet practical personalities. The Cooper is the extrovert of the group, seemingly always yelling, "Look at me, I'm cute!" Style aside, the turbocharged Cooper S will run circles around the C30 in terms of outright performance. The GTI is certainly more Germanic in character, and it handily outperforms the C30 dynamically and in straight-line acceleration. However, living with the GTI means you'll be seen as the driver of a VW Rabbit econo-car in the eyes of some, which makes it less appealing than the 2009 Volvo C30. The Audi A3 and TT lead in interior style, with the A3's wagon body style offering greater practicality than the Volvo C30 (interior volume and access to that space). Both Audis are more expensive than the hatchback Volvo. The BMW 1-Series is dynamically superior to the Volvo, but it is a completely different and more expensive animal. The Bimmer is also the only rear-wheel-drive entry in this group.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Volvo C30 connects "small" and "premium" in most of the right ways in an attractive, high-quality hatchback.

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the Volvo C30 to help you decide which reviews to trust and where opinions differ. We provide you with the best information, impressions, and details. The European car experts at TheCarConnection.com also studied other road tests of the 2009 Volvo C30 to put together this conclusive review. Likes:Confident handlingGood, strong accelerationVisually pleasingSound build qualityDislikes:Radio and HVAC controlsTiny backseat is like a 2+2Disappointing cargo spaceBluetooth, satellite radio not standardBuying Tips: Chances are you won't see very many C30s on the dealer lot, and the ones available won't have very many options. Most of the more exciting options on the C30 require a $300 custom build charge and an advance order. But beware, they can drive up the price. The Volvo C30 is the opposite of what TheCarConnection.com's team usually finds from Volvo products. The C30 is an attractive hatch with a unique, retro-styled rear end and lots of personality. Introduced last year, the C30 is the Swedish manufacturer's first modern foray into the world of premium compacts. The nose of the C30 resembles a current S40 or V50, but it's the unique hatch glass and the broad shoulders of the rear fenders that give the car its distinctive stance. The 2009 Volvo C30 is, in some respects, a truncated two-door-hatchback variant of the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, meaning you'll find a similar driving personality. The C30 utilizes Volvo's proven 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, here turbocharged and producing a healthy 227 horsepower. Handling is solid and secure, but the C30 drives "bigger" than it is. In the opinion of members of TheCarConnection.com team, Volvo tends to engineer the edginess out of its suspensions. The wheelbase, a long 104 inches, is shared with the S40 and V50—which results in a good ride and surprisingly stable, relaxed high-speed cruising. In following, the C30 has a heft that make it feel more secure but less nimble than some small cars; the suspension is quite firm, though, resulting in jarring jolts over potholes and some boominess on coarse surfaces. The C30 is a small package that looks anything but cheap. It shares its interior with the S40, including the floating center stack where the radio and climate system controls are located. The base sound system has 160 watts and is HD Radio compatible. Front seats are comfortable, but tall drivers might find themselves surprisingly short on space, as the sunroof cuts precious headroom. The rear seats—configured more as two separate contoured positions with scaled-down proportions—are snug, and adults will complain even if they can wedge in. Volvo's lane-departure warning system is optional, but in typical Volvo fashion safety equipment is abundant, with side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control standard. Although the C30 comes with a wide range of standard features, its options list is extensive, though it doesn't include all the features you'd expect. For instance, cruise control, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a Bluetooth calling interface—items now required by many buyers—are optional. Other options include a navigation system, high-end Dynaudio sound, HID headlamps, various wheel designs, and trims such as Nordic Light Oak. For 2009 Volvo created a new R-Design model. Prompted by positive customer response for the limited edition C30 R-Design package introduced late in the 2008 model year, the C30 R-Design will be the top model in the range for 2009. Standard features include a special front grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, a sport steering wheel, sport pedals, and R-Design watch dial instrument cluster. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Volvo C30, also consider:MINI CooperVolkswagen GTIBMW 1-SeriesAudi TTAudi A3Reason Why:TheCarConnection.com editors have previously tested all of the competitors for the Volvo C30. The two most relevant competitors are the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. Both are two-door hatchbacks that have sporty yet practical personalities. The Cooper is the extrovert of the group, seemingly always yelling, "Look at me, I'm cute!" Style aside, the turbocharged Cooper S will run circles around the C30 in terms of outright performance. The GTI is certainly more Germanic in character, and it handily outperforms the C30 dynamically and in straight-line acceleration. However, living with the GTI means you'll be seen as the driver of a VW Rabbit econo-car in the eyes of some, which makes it less appealing than the 2009 Volvo C30. The Audi A3 and TT lead in interior style, with the A3's wagon body style offering greater practicality than the Volvo C30 (interior volume and access to that space). Both Audis are more expensive than the hatchback Volvo. The BMW 1-Series is dynamically superior to the Volvo, but it is a completely different and more expensive animal. The Bimmer is also the only rear-wheel-drive entry in this group. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Volvo C30 connects "small" and "premium" in most of the right ways in an attractive, high-quality hatchback. TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the Volvo C30 to help you decide which reviews to trust and where opinions differ. We provide you with the best information, impressions, and details. The European car experts at TheCarConnection.com also studied other road tests of the 2009 Volvo C30 to ...

Other Choices:

TheCarConnection.com editors have previously tested all of the competitors for the Volvo C30. The two most relevant competitors are the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. Both are two-door hatchbacks that have sporty yet practical personalities. The Cooper is the extrovert of the group, seemingly always yelling, "Look at me, I'm cute!" Style aside, the turbocharged Cooper S will run circles around the C30 in terms of outright performance. The GTI is certainly more Germanic in character, and it handily outperforms the C30 dynamically and in straight-line acceleration. However, living with the GTI means you'll be seen as the driver of a VW Rabbit econo-car in the eyes of some, which makes it less appealing than the 2009 Volvo C30. The Audi A3 and TT lead in interior style, with the A3's wagon body style offering greater practicality than the Volvo C30 (interior volume and access to that space). Both Audis are more expensive than the hatchback Volvo. The BMW 1-Series is dynamically superior to the Volvo, but it is a completely different and more expensive animal. The Bimmer is also the only rear-wheel-drive entry in this group.

Next Steps:

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See the Volvo C30 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (4 total)

  1. By  c30 — best hatchback #1, Posted: 5/10/2009

    perfect car

    Good-looking, classy small hatchback; solid and safe; comfortable and fun to drive.

  2. By  c30 — best hatchback #2, Posted: 5/10/2009

    perfect car

    Good-looking, classy small hatchback; solid and safe; comfortable and fun to drive.

  3. By glenda graham #3, Posted: 9/9/2009

    I was at a dealership in Warren Ohio and was treated very poorly. Volvo makes a great car but the dealership was very unprofessional and I left without a car I was lied to and wasted 4 days and never purchased a car due to the sales personal. I will never refer this dealership to anyone nor will I purchase a vehicle from them. I hope you look into this matter. I'm sure I am not the only one who was treated this way. Thank you Glenda

  4. By Ohio Buyer #4, Posted: 10/21/2009

    Glenda,
    Suggest you visit Byers Volvo in Columbus. A bit of a drive but you can strike a great bargain on a C30 there. They are a high volume dealer with no hassle negotiating. I called them direct and test drove 2 out of 4 available cars before making a decision. I bought from them after shopping all dealers within 150 miles and drove down to pick out and purchase the car from Akron. Bought a silver metalic '09 in May with sun roof and manual transmission for $21,500! Absolutely love the car! The price was lower than a used stone black basic '08 with automatic I'd test driven in Akron the month before that had 8,000 miles on it. They also had great financing available 4.24% with no upfront fees.

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