Volvo turns on the fun

By Kingsley Wijayasinha
The Nation
Published on May 12, 2008

The C30 is smart, sporty and offers loads of options to play with if you don't mind the hefty price tag

Swedish carmaker Volvo has never been known for its small cars. In the past, models such as the 440/460 or the S40/V40 were not successful when compared with larger models, whether it was the 740/760 or the 850.

That, however, changed with the launch of the C30 at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. The C30 has won numerous awards, including the coveted "Golden Steering Wheel" award in Germany. In Italy, it was voted as the "world's most beautiful car" in the small and compact-size category.

The C30's strongest attraction is its appearance. The clean face, short overhangs and stylish rear end give the hatch a chic appearance, and the two-seat layout at the rear, or the slim aluminium centre console, is concept vehicle stuff.

Volvo is offering two engine choices for the C30 in the Thai market. Featured in this article is the 2.4i, powered with a 2,435cc

5-cylinder engine which is capable of running on E10 gasohol, while the other version is the 1.8F, which is powered by a 125hp, 4-cylinder flex-fuel engine capable of running on E85 gasohol.

Powering the 2.4i is a transversely mounted 5-cylinder twin-cam 20-valve engine capable of producing 170 horsepower and 230Nm of torque. Power goes through an adaptive 5-speed automatic gearbox (Geartronic) to the front wheels. The gearbox also features a sequential manual shift mode which works fine, although the upshifts and downshifts (move forward for up and backward for down) should have been the other way round.

There is a sporty growl from the engine when it is started, hinting that this is also a car that is going to be fun to drive. According to figures from Volvo, acceleration from 0-100kph takes 8.8 seconds and the top speed is 220kph, quite quick for a small car.

The average fuel consumption is pegged at 9 litres/100km (11km/litre), which is highly satisfying considering the size of the engine.

The suspension, comprises struts in front and multi-link at the rear. A beefy (and precise) steering adds more fun to the C30's character.

Thanks to the rigid body shell and short overhangs, the C30 responds well to quick steering inputs and hugs the corner nicely. High speed stability is also good, with no "floating" or "wobbling". Of course, the drawback to a sporty suspension is ride comfort. The C30's firm suspension, does not like bumpy roads or speed bumps. The brakes are powerful, and comprises ABS-governed discs all-round with Brake Assist for emergency stopping situations.

The interior is splendid, featuring a sporty aluminium trim and trendy design. The two foldable rear seats are large enough for adults to sit comfortably with enough legroom and headroom.

The price of the C30 2.4i is quoted at Bt2.34 million, and although this package comes with satisfactory features, you will want to have a look at the optional equipment list where all the goodies are. Safety features include dual front air bags, inflatable curtain air bags, side impact air bags, whiplash protection for front seats, pyrotechnical seatbelts for every seat, foglights and stability traction control.

Other standard features include trip computer, Intelligent Driver Information System, remote key with central locking, powered front seats both with memory, headlamp washer and cruise control.

I really loved the Volvo C30. It looks great, has high functionality and is fun to drive. Unfortunately, in order to get all the options available, the price would be significantly higher than the quoted Bt2.34 million.

At a glance

Engine: 5-cylinder DOHC

Displacement: 2,435cc

Max power: 170hp/6,000rpm

Max torque: 230Nm/4,400rpm

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

0-100kph: 8.8 seconds

Top speed: 220kph

Suspension (f/r): MacPherson strut/multi-link

Steering: power-assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle: 10.6 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented discs/discs with ABS, EBD