2011 Volvo C30 Review
The 2011 Volvo C30 isn't your typical "hot hatch." Power comes from Volvo's familiar turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which cranks out a healthy 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.
The "2011 Volvo C30 "is a four-seat, two-door hatchback offered in two trim levels. The base T5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable seats, a trip computer, cruise control, a 50/50-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The T5 R-Design trim level adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sport-tuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio, sporty exterior trim, partial leather upholstery, blue-face gauges and metallic interior trim.
The Climate package includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers.
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 2011 Volvo C30 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front seats with whiplash protection. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is optional.
The C30 is a fun car to drive. Our test model came with a five-speed automatic transmission, but I've driven a C30 with the available six-speed manual, and that's the model I strongly recommend if you want a sporty driving experience. The transmission has a manual-shift mode, though, so you can shift using the console-mounted gearshift. It has a stiff suspension, so there's basically no body roll, and the car feels planted to the road. As you'd expect from a small car with a stiff suspension, you feel the bumps in the road. Our test model was a T5 with a standard chassis and optional 18-inch wheels. You can also get an R-Design model with standard 18-inch wheels and a stiffer sport suspension, but I'd take that version for a long test drive before buying it; the R-Design might be too stiff to live with in a place with rough roads. Sure, it's more practical than a two-seat roadster, but this isn't a family car — unless everyone in your family is smaller than 5-foot-2, packs light and enjoys snug accommodations. Child Seats
Speaking of families, we installed some child-safety seats to see how they fit. A booster seat fits easily, and the seat belt is well-placed. There's not enough room lengthwise for an infant seat unless the front passenger seat is moved forward, but a rear-facing convertible seat fits without moving the front seat.
The rest of the car looks pretty much the same, and I have to admit, I've always been a fan of the car's design. There are two trim levels of the Volvo C30: T5 and R-Design. Our test model had this appearance package.
I like how the R-Design model looks, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want the stiffer R-Design chassis if I intended to drive the C30 every day around Chicago. See all the standard safety features here. (Our test model topped out at nearly $33,000.)
It's sporty, but not a high-performance sports car. Sometimes you just want a car that's comfortable, performs reasonably well and looks good.
Shoppers seeking a sportier driving experience or value may want to look elsewhere. What might be the C30’s biggest drawback is its price. Style-conscious shoppers will be hard-pressed to find a better-looking alternative to the "Volvo C30". However, a slew of competitors provide more value and driving excitement.
Should more space be needed, MINI offers the Cooper S Clubman.
Although not a luxury hatch, the Mazdaspeed3 offers many luxury options and shares its platform with the C30. It costs nearly $5,000 less than the Volvo and offers more space and doors.
The 2011 Volvo C30 is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design. The R-Design C30 features an R-Design exterior styling kit and unique suspension settings that most reviewers have criticized for ruining the ride quality.
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