2011 Volvo C30 Sports Coupe Review
2011 Volvo C30 Sports Coupe
By Bob Hume, 27th August 2011
Review by Time Saunders. Edited by Bob Hume.
How to target a cash rich younger audience? This is question on the minds of many business people particularly during tough economic times.
Some companies have decades of experience of tackling this issue. Volvo, the Swedish car manufacturer for instance. Back in 1957 it introduced its first sports coupe with the sole aim of widening its appeal. And the sleek lines of the attractive P1800 secured it a prime-time slot in the cult ‘60s crime drama The Saint, with Roger Moore behind the wheel. Not bad for a first attempt and one that was to help it tug at the heart-strings of the young. A wise move for a manufacturer typically associated with the affluent over-50s.
2011 New Volvo C30 Sports Coupe
However it was the revolutionary (if slightly ugly) 1800ES of 1972 with its all-glass boot that evolved from the P1800, which gave Volvo designers inspiration for years to come. A similar design was used on the Volvo 480 and this has followed through to today’s C30 which was introduced in 2007. The glass boot concept has proved so popular that Citroen, Peugeot and Toyota, have all 'borrowed' the design for their city cars, the C1, 107 and Aygo respectively.
Inside the Volvo’s reasonably-sized boot is a bit of an awkward and fragile cover for hiding belongings but my wife prefers this to a standard parcel shelf as it easily covers virtually any load such as our daughter’s pushchair.
There are two things I particularly like about the C30 Sports Coupe. The first is its quirky and original looks, which make it stand out from the competition. And second is Volvo’s uncompromising commitment to safety.
New Volvo C30 Sports Coupe
When pulling in after overtaking it is necessary to look over your left shoulder to ensure the road is clear. Usually I am met with a blind spot because of a rear pillar blocking my vision but not in this Volvo. The rear windows are pleasingly large and the rear pillars out of the line of sight.
The same is true of the front windows meaning that when I look over my right shoulder before pulling out, there‘s also a clear view. Additionally, the C30 is fitted with all the other usual safety features such as four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), traction control system and front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear crumple zones, and a stiff occupant cell. Not surprising then, that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the C30 its highest rating of ’good‘ in front, side, rear and roof strength tests.
Inside, there‘s choice because not only are you given an electric tilt/slide glass sunroof, there‘s air conditioning, too. It so often happens that manufacturers only fit air-con forgetting that drivers might not always want to use it for reasons of economy or the environment.
2011 Volvo C30 Sports Coupe interior
Unlike most cars, the ignition is on the left of the steering wheel and the handbrake is a little too far away from the driver for comfort – in fact it‘s quite close to the front passenger. The driver would benefit from a rest for their left foot, too.
The black leather interior is comfortable and the dashboard centre console, which houses the radio and CD player is modern and ultra-thin, just like a plasma television – quite a feat of technology to incorporate all the electronics in such a wafer-thin design.
The C30 D3 2-litre tested is also incredibly frugal, Volvo claiming that it can deliver up to 72mpg and I can‘t dispute this. Performance doesn‘t suffer either because it will press on, if required. The six-speed box is smooth and the cruise control is one of the easiest I have used. It‘s an excellent and engaging driver‘s car given to nimble overtaking. A competent vehicle, it takes high-speed cornering in its stride.
2011 Volvo C30 Sports Coupe
Parkers, the car experts, say: “This is Volvo‘s first hatchback for some time and it‘s a car that‘s designed for younger buyers that are not 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.”
Considering the C3 is the entry-level Volvo, it‘s very impressive and an excellent alternative to a Volkswagen Scirocco.
> At a glace - Volvo C30 Sport
New price range £14,995 - £24,595
Used price range £5,918 - £18,056
Facts at a glance:
2-litre D3 150 R Design Geartronic tested
Price: £22,810
Power: 148bhp
Economy: 72mpg (extra urban)
0-60mph: 9.4secs
Top speed: 130mph
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