The C30 is built on the Focus chassis and the designers have done an even better job with it. Aimed at the 'hot-hatch' market, the car is offered with a range of engines: a 100bhp 1.6ltr and a 125bhp 1.8ltr from the Ford Zetec family, a 145bhp 2.0ltr from Mazda, and a 170bhp 2.4ltr and 220bhp T5 2.5ltr from Volvo itself (the latter with a turbo is much the same engine as used in Ford's Focus ST). Diesels are a 1.6ltr/109bhp, a 2.0ltr/136bhp and a 2.4ltr, five-cylinder turbodiesel.
Engines are combined with either a 6-speed manual box or a 5-speed Geartronic box. Both work well, but the auto isn't available with paddles as the Audi version is.
The car is nicely put together with mostly good quality materials, but there are a few areas that are disappointing. The majority of parts are tried and trusted Ford parts so reliability should not be an issue.
The driving position is good, with visibility surprisingly clear considering other cars in this market. Steering is good although a little more rubbery than the Focus. A handy addition is the system that tells the driver if there is something coming into the blindspot.
The car has the plain glass hatch reminiscent of the 480 and the P180 of 'The Saint' fame.
Consumption figures are not great, with the 1.6ltr diesel lump claimed to do 57mpg. Emissions are good but get worse as you go up the power levels. Insurance is in groups 9 to 16.
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Volvo C30.