Volvo C30 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 21 April 2010
This is Volvo's first hatchback for some time and it's a car that's designed for younger buyers than are usually associated with the Swedish carmaker. It's available only as a three door which gives it a sporty look, but does little for practicality. The rear seats are cramped and difficult to get to, while the unusual shape of the rear tailgate means the boot isn't very user-friendly. But it's comfortable on the move and refined with a high quality cabin plus there's a wide range of engines available including the sporty T5. The DRIVe range of 1.6-litre diesels launched late in 2008 results in low emissions and running costs, while the second phase of DRIVe models, launched in mid-2009, offers an ultra-low 104g/km car using optional stop-and-start technology.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

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£15,005 - £24,075

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£5,347 - £19,813

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Distinctive styling, good choice of engines, low emissions DRIVe version available

Poor rear passenger space, awkward to access boot with ugly load cover, steering lacks feel

This is Volvo's first hatchback for some time and it's a car that's designed for younger buyers than are usually associated with the Swedish carmaker. It's available only as a three door which gives it a sporty look, but does little for practicality. The rear seats are cramped and difficult to get to, while the unusual shape of the rear tailgate means the boot isn't very user-friendly. But it's comfortable on the move and refined with a high quality cabin plus there's a wide range of engines available including the sporty T5. The DRIVe range of 1.6-litre diesels launched late in 2008 results in low emissions and running costs, while the second phase of DRIVe models, launched in mid-2009, offers an ultra-low 104g/km car using optional stop-and-start technology.

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