Volvo C30 Gets a Thumbs Up

Downsizing to smaller and more efficient transportation is no longer just a smart thing to do, it's becoming an economic necessity. Still, many hesitate taking this step because they assume that smaller means cheaper and less substantial. While such examples exist, that's not always the case these days, and it's safe to say that the small car market is rapidly evolving to offer plenty of diversity.

A case in point is the Volvo C30. This diminutive three-door hatchback is solid as a rock. Swedish automaker Volvo is known for building safe and practical vehicles that are anything but ordinary. The smallest Volvo offered in the North American market, the C30 offers the clean lines of Scandinavian design. While the front features familiar Volvo design cues, the rear is a sculpted complex junction of shapes that is quite distinct.

The C30 is unique under the hood as well. Power comes from an inline five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 lbs-ft of torque. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Geartronic automatic. Both combinations are rated at 19 mpg in the 2008 EPA city cycle, though the manual nets one better mpg than the automatic at 28 mpg on the highway. We had to drive the car pretty hard to average mid-twenty mpg as the EPA numbers suggest. A light touch in highway cruise mode pushed mileage over 30 mpg. We would like to see better fuel economy from a compact car, but considering the ample power, the trade-off is understandable. The C30 has a very generous 15.9 gallon fuel tank for a vehicle the EPA classifies as a compact car.

Part of the reason the C30 feels so solid is due to a base curb weight of 2,970 pounds. That extra mass gives the little Volvo a substantial feel that you won't find in many compact cars. On the road, the C30 delivers a firm ride and doesn't get blown around by semi trucks or a strong crosswind. That makes for a relaxed, confident demeanor that is appreciated on longer treks.

As you might imagine, with 227 horses available the C30 has plenty of punch. Acceleration from a stop to 60 mph takes just 6.6 seconds and a quick downshift will allow the little Volvo to zip around traffic when passing maneuvers are required. The power feels quite refined, with smooth delivery when and where you need it.

The C30 isn't as nimble as the MINI, Civic Si, or GTI, but overall handling qualities are quite pleasant. It will hustle along a two-lane road without complaint and is easy to handle and park in urban environments. When pushed, the Volvo exhibits mild understeer that makes it very forgiving. We did notice a fair amount of torque steer at times under hard acceleration.

Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control DSTC is just one of the many safety features you'll appreciate on the C30. We had a chance to drive the car on wet roads during a late spring thunderstorm and DSTC made the C30 easy to control, even in simulated emergency maneuvering conditions. The littlest Volvo is naturally loaded with safety features. Front and rear reinforced body sections are designed to absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. A side impact protection system, front seat side airbags, inflatable side curtains, and a whiplash protection system also protect passengers.

Like the MINI, the C30 can be ordered to suit your personal tastes in something like 5,000 different build combinations. The base entry price of just $22,950 is enticing, but going crazy with check boxes on the order form can quickly push the price past 30 grand and with everything it's more like $40,000. But then, Volvo never intended the C30 to be an economy car. Volvo is a premium brand and the C30 offers exceptional build quality. Clearly, downsizing doesn't always mean compromise.

The Good: Solid road presence, acceleration, build-quality
The Bad: A few more mpg would be nice
The Rating: 8 (out of 10)