Volvo C30 - model year 2010

Volvo C30 - model year 2010

Launch

Launched in 2006, the Volvo C30 is based on the Volvo SCC - a modern and exciting concept car that was unveiled in 2001. A true challenger in the compact car premium segment, the Volvo C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty emphasis - such as the Volvo 1800 ES. The C30 is a dynamic and functional two-door model that is tailor-made for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle.

Business project manager: Håkan Abrahamsson.

New features - the Volvo C30

• - One more 1.6D DRIVe version...
• - ... including a Start/Stop function...
• - ... lowering fuel consumption...
• - ...and reducing CO₂ emissions to 104 g/km

Please note that some systems and functions are optional.

Design

The Volvo C30 has been developed to provide a sporty image. Several innovative design solutions have been combined with lines that typify a modern Volvo.

The gently rounded front has several features that contribute to the sporty impression, such as the large, low grille, characteristic spoiler and short overhang. The headlamps are set high in the wings.

The sweeping silhouette of the body sides is emphasised by black wing extenders at each corner of the body and by the long wheelbase. The characteristic shoulder is more rugged than on any other Volvo model, while the shoulder line conveys an impression of movement - even when the car is at rest. The Volvo C30 can be complemented with a sporty skirt package, or Accessory Body Kit. Certain body finishes can also be combined with different accessory kit colours. The modern and unique design of the rear end is an important element of the sporty image. The shape of the tail lamp clusters delineates the powerful shoulder profile, especially in the dark.

The Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe models have a number of unique aerodynamic design elements that, beside optimising airflow and lowering fuel consumption (and reducing CO₂ emissions), visualise the entire DRIVe philosophy. The C30 1.6D DRIVe comes with an aluminium wheel, Libra, in two different sizes, 15" or 16". In addition, this car has a unique roof spoiler and a refined bumper. The bumper's lighter section is called "diffuser". The panels under the car provide an optimal airflow deflection.

An Auto-fold function is available for the power retractable mirror option. With the Auto-fold function, the mirrors are set to automatically fold in when the car is locked. When the car is unlocked, the mirrors will fold out again.

The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo C30:

    * Black Stone Solid (019)

    * Passion Red Solid (612)

    * Ice White Solid (614)

    * Silver Metallic (426)

    * Black Sapphire Metallic (452)

    * Titanium Grey Pearl (455)

    * Flint Grey Metallic (462)

    * Safari Green Pearl (464)

    * Barents Blue Pearl (466)

    * Brilliant Blue Pearl (476)

    * Electric Silver Metallic (477)

    * Maple Red Pearl (478)

    * Orinoco Blue Pearl (479)

    * Cosmic White Metallic (481)

    * Gekko Green Pearl (488)

    * Matt Gold Pearl (489)

    * Chameleon Blue Pearl (490)

    * Savile Grey Pearl (492)

Inside the car, the tunnel console and the armrest have a design that matches the dashboard's floating centre console and with the same type of decor inserts. The aim has been to provide the highest possible feeling of quality while still increasing the flexibility and storage possibilities.

In the rear, the Volvo C30 is equipped with two individual seats instead of a conventional bench seat. The side panels are divided into two compartments. The space between the seats is occupied by a comfortable armrest and can also be used to load long, narrow objects. The seat backrests can be folded down to provide a large, almost completely flat load floor. The backrests can also be lowered from outside (with the hatch open). The luggage compartment can be equipped with two different luggage blinds - a soft type (standard in certain markets) that can be used with the backrests up or down, and a rigid type that is mounted behind the upright backrests.

Featuring the same design as in the Volvo C70, the front seats are easy to fold down, making access to the rear even easier. Electrically operated front seats are available as an option. The ‘bathtub' line around the dashboard and door panels is designed to provide a feeling of security and harmony. The Volvo C30 also features the same characteristic, super-thin floating centre stack as in the Volvo S40 and V50.

Safety

The Volvo C30 is equipped with basically the same safety systems and chassis characteristics as the Volvo S40 and V50. Examples include the crash safety structure and advanced suspension. The gently rounded front is provided with a special spoiler under the bumper that helps to reduce the risk of leg injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist if struck by the car. The C30 also comes with familiar Volvo safety features, such as side-impact protection (SIPS) and WHIPS (which helps to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision). The car can also be equipped with Dual Xenon type headlamps.

The short overhang, the generous track width and the relatively long wheelbase contribute to handling of the very highest class.

The Volvo C30 also offers a number of functions for greater personal security, such as Keyless Drive (which enables the car to be started without a key).

The Volvo C30 can be equipped with the HomeLink function. The function makes it possible to operate up to three remote controlled home devices (e.g., garage door, home alarm system, etc.) via a module integrated into the sun visor. HomeLink contributes to easy and safe access to your home.

Volvo C30 is available with an advanced function that helps reducing the risk of alcohol-related traffic accidents. This function, Alcoguard, is an immobiliser that helps the driver to make a decision whether to drive or not while influenced by alcohol. However, it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to make "sober" decisions in relation to the Alcoguard function's recommendations.  

Driveline and handling

The Volvo C30 is available with a very wide choice of engines. The engine programme for the Volvo C30 is as follows:

*DRIVe engine in two versions - with or without a Start/Stop function

The manual gearbox for the Volvo C30 is either a five-speed or six-speed unit, while a five-speed automatic transmission (with Geartronic) is also available for the T5 model.

The torsionally rigid chassis and the powerful engines all contribute to the very sporty and harmonious driving experience offered by the model while an even sportier chassis is available as an option. All models (except the 1.6-litre petrol variant) feature electro-hydraulic steering that delivers a constant and precise steering force. The C30 is also equipped with several of Volvo's electronic systems (like DSTC - Dynamic Stability and Traction Control)) that contribute to even better stability and driving pleasure.

In addition, a six-speed automatic Powershift gearbox is available for the Volvo C30 2.0 (petrol engine). Powershift is lowering fuel consumption by 8%, in comparison with other automatic gearboxes. It improves drivability as well. Note that the combination of the 2.0-litre petrol engine and Powershift is not available in USA, Canada and Europe.

DRIVe, Volvo's environment concept focuses on lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, but extends over more than just these areas. DRIVe features a number of aerodynamic body parts (more information can be found in the "Design" section) and the chassis is lowered 10 mm. This means that Volvo C30 DRIVe fulfils the EU requirement of 120g/km, making it possible for the owner to, besides reducing CO₂ emissions, benefit from tax reductions in a number of European countries. In addition, DRIVe has a gear-change indicator, informing the driver when to change gears - for a fuel-efficient driving style.

The C30 1.6D DRIVe falls into Volvo's 120g CO₂ category (out of three different categories: 120g, 140g and 160g, depending on the car's size and other things).

For model year 2010, there is yet another version of C30 1.6D DRIVe available. It has a Start/Stop function, lowering fuel consumption to 3.9 l/100km and CO₂ emissions levels to 104g/km. Actually, this makes it possible to meet the lowest European eco-tax levels (105g). The engine delivers 109 horsepower and 240 Nm.

The Start/Stop function shuts off the engine when the car is standing still and the driver releases the clutch, and puts the gear lever into the neutral position. As soon as the driver presses the clutch again the engine is started. The Start/Stop function reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 4-5% (in mixed driving conditions). In urban traffic, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 8%.

As the Start/Stop function is activated and the engine is turned off, some of the car's electronic systems are set into a standby level, for saving even more fuel. Thanks to a monitoring system (based on an additional, smaller battery supporting the larger battery), the systems can be reactivated if, for example, the temperature inside the car suddenly rises. In addition, the extra battery provides very quick and smooth start-up, among other things. The driver can turn off the Start/Stop function by a "DRIVe" button in the centre console.

A regenerative charge feature, using kinetic energy, comes with the Start/Stop function in the Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe model. In short, this charging function makes it possible to charge the battery without using diesel and engine power. The charging begins when the driver releases the accelerator or the brake pedal (if a gear is engaged). 

The C30 DRIVe 1.6D without the Start/Stop function, launched in 2008, is still available. The engine's CO₂ emission level is 119 g/km.

The 4-cylinder engine family can be supplemented with a fuel-operated engine heater. The heater will be available for the 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines but not for the 1.8F Flexifuel engine.

Environment

The Volvo C30 has been developed with the greatest possible attention to environmental protection. Care for the external environment and providing the best possible environment in the car itself are both part of Volvo's environmental philosophy. Volvo has also developed detailed procedures to minimise the environmental impact of the manufacturing and recycling processes alike.

IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) - a system designed to reduce the quantity of particles and pollen entering the cabin with the incoming air - is available as an option. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under ÖKO-TEX 100. This is an international standard, which ensures that fabrics and hides have been thoroughly tested to check for certain allergy-inducing substances and emissions.

Audio and information

The Volvo C30 can be equipped with Bluetooth^® - a technology that enables wireless communication. By connecting Volvo's Bluetooth device to the car's audio system and a Bluetooth compatible cellular telephone, easy and practical hands-free phoning is made possible.

Volvo C30 with the High Performance or Premium Sound systems have an USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod^®, or other MP3 players or even a digital camera to the audio system. On the USA market, the High Performance and Premium Sound levels have an HD (digital) radio function as standard. With the HD radio function, the driver and passengers can listen to analogue FM radio channels, although with digital quality. In some European countries the Premium Sound and High Performance audio systems can be supplemented with DAB-radio (Digital Audio Broadcast). This function makes it possible listening to radio broadcasts with CD quality.

The RTI function in the Volvo C30 models is able to register speed cameras, and has been upgraded on some other areas as well.