Name: Volvo C30 Review
Item: Volvo C30
Author: Gumtree.com

First launched back in 2007, the Volvo C30 is a vehicle that straddled the boundary between a sporty coupe and a hatchback, and it was eventually discontinued by the Swedish manufacturer in 2013. It’s a four-seater compact car with the subtle sense of style that distinguishes many smaller Volvo vehicles, rivalling many more prestigious alternatives with its slick design and comfy interior. It’s an appealing choice for a younger buyer who doesn’t need to squeeze too many extra people or bags in the back.

View the Volvo C30 model page to learn more.

What we think about the Volvo C30

The Volvo C30 is a stylish car that provides plenty of power in a small package.

Pros

Strong, unique aesthetic

Good headroom and legroom inside

Quality interior fit and finish

Quick engines

Diesel engine offers good efficiency

Good safety rating

Cons

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Slightly outdated, particularly in the cabin

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Handling could be better

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Small boot

The C30 is a compact hatchback car, though it was described as a coupe by Volvo due to its three-door, four-seater layout. Its entry-level engine is a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel unit and it can provide around 74 mpg. Available trim levels include the SE, the SE Luxe and the R-Design.

Driving performance of the Volvo C30

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The Volvo C30’s handling isn’t the most impressive, but you will notice some positive aspects. It has a high level of agility, even considering its smaller dimensions, so it should be easy to manoeuvre around city streets. You can even enjoy twistier country roads, as it has highly responsive steering that resists understeer, with a decent amount of grip. There’s a bit of body roll, though, and you also won’t get as much feedback from the wheels as you might want. Suspension can also be a little harsh over bumpy terrain.

Safety and reliability of the Volvo C30

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

When it was crash-tested by the Euro NCAP in 2009, the C30 scored the maximum five stars out of five for safety. An impressive 91% score was awarded for the protection of adults on board, while child protection was scored at 78%. Volvo is a manufacturer known for safety innovations, so the C30’s onboard tech is impressive even for a car that’s a decade old. As standard you’ll get curtain airbags, a whiplash protection system, Isofix, all round seat belt pretensioners and stability control

Under the bonnet of the Volvo C30

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Volvo initially intended the C30 to appeal to sportier-minded drivers, and its engine lineup is one of the areas where you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Its basic four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol unit can provide up to 113bhp. This will get you to 62 mph from standing in around 9.5 seconds. If you need a little more efficiency, it’s worth opting for the 1.6-litre diesel engine, which has a 0-62 time of 11.5 seconds. At the top of the range, there’s a powerful 2.5-litre petrol unit that cuts the 0-62 race down to 6.7 seconds.

What you'll find in the Volvo C30

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Volvo C30’s blend of streamlined sportiness and compact hatchback style makes it one of the more distinctive cars in its class. It has a pronounced shoulder that makes it look most like a coupe when seen in profile. From behind, it looks a little more squat and pedestrian, but the huge teardrop-shaped rear lights are an undeniably bold touch that is sure to win many people over. The front end is also impressive, with a wide honeycomb grille and large lower vents.

Comfort and interiors in the Volvo C30

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The interior of the Volvo C30 is a mixed bag. The cabin itself is big enough for adults, with plenty of legroom and a decent amount of headroom, and the fit and finish of the plastic and leather materials is excellent. However, it can often be difficult for passengers to get in and out of the car, particularly those sitting in the back. Another downside is the boot, which doesn’t offer much space and is awkwardly designed.

What features you'll find in the Volvo C30

Our Features Rating7 / 10

As a car that hasn’t been renewed since 2012, infotainment equipment is limited in the Volvo C30, and you’ll need to purchase a separate device to link up your iPhone. Upgrades are quite generous elsewhere, particularly when it comes to design tweaks. With the R-Design version, you’ll get bespoke bumpers, side skirts and tailpipes, as well as aluminium inlays on the dashboard. There are also a number of different sound systems available, including one with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and ten loudspeakers.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Volvo C30

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The most basic engine in the Volvo C30 is the 2.0-litre petrol unit. This will provide you with around 37 mpg, which is about average considering its power output. CO2 emissions are quite steep, at around 177 g/km. Buyers who prefer diesel will find that the cheapest engine available for the last C30 was a 1.6-litre unit, offering decent fuel economy figures of around 67 mpg. Its CO2 emissions are around 114 g/km, which isn’t too bad.

Running costs of the Volvo C30

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Choosing the diesel engine for the Volvo C30 could see you making some serious savings in the long term. This is particularly true if you live in London, as the unit’s lower CO2 emissions will mean you’re entitled to congestion charge exemptions, which could recoup the extra money you pay for it within a few months. The different C30 variants fall between insurance groups 14-34, with the T5 R DESIGN Lux 3d model in the top group.

Our verdict of the Volvo C30

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

Though it might be a little long in the tooth now, the Volvo C30 still has eye-catching style, and its engine power is worth checking out.

Volvo C30 Review