The Volvo C30 was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, although the marque announced that the new model would not be available in the United States until 2008. Volvo Cars of North America made the announcement only nine months after the unveiling of the C30 Concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
Innovative design features of the new Volvo C30 include an eye-catching frameless tailgate made of glass, along with the traditional Volvo wide shoulders and powerful stance. Steve Mattin, Design Director for Volvo Cars, explains: “The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following.”
The new, front-wheel-drive C30 is capable of producing 218 bhp, and is powered by a 5-cylinder, inline, turbocharged engine with peak torque at 236 lb/ft. Impressively, it measures just 167 inches from nose to tail, making it the smallest vehicle in the Volvo range, at almost 8.5 inches less than the Volvo S40 model. However, it still retains the same 103.9-inch wheelbase found in the S40, the effect of which is to push the wheels towards the very ends of the car. Hakan Abrahamsson, project leader for the C30, explains: “A car that exudes muscular manoeuvrability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel. Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering.”
Inside, the Volvo C30 is equipped with a 160-watt audio system as standard. For audio enthusiasts, there is the option to upgrade to a Premium Sound System, which is similar to the critically acclaimed system fitted to the new C70 model. This features an Alpine 5x130W ICE power amplifier, 10 speakers from the Danish loudspeaker specialists Dynaudio, as well as Dolby pro Logic II Surround. This amounts to an incredible total output of 650 watts.
In terms of safety, the C30 remains true to its manufacturer’s reputation in this area. Features include BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) – a revolutionary setup which enables the driver to identify other vehicles in the blind spot which would have been previously invisible. It also boasts the same multi-steel structure found at the front end of the Volvo S40 and V50 models, and safety is further enhanced by the inclusion of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. Other standard Volvo safety features include WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) and SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), Inflatable Curtain and side airbags.