Model Overview: 2010 Volvo C30

Model Overview: 2010 Volvo C30

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

C30 T5: $24,100

C30 T5 R-Design: $26,300

Destination: $850

The revolutionary Volvo C30 looks like nothing else on the road - and that's exactly what makes it so compelling to those seeking its unique sense of style. It also delivers an exhilarating driving experience with turbocharged performance and dynamic handling. Yet beneath its sinuous flanks lies the heart of a true Volvo, embodying a fastidious devotion to safety that remains at the cornerstone of Volvo's core commitments to its customers.

In addition to its generous roster of equipment, the entry luxury C30 T5 gains more standard features for 2010. The list includes standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, leather gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, leather parking brake cover, trip computer and cruise control.

The R-Design continues as the ultimate expression of C30 dynamism fitted with distinctive styling cues and range topping equipment. Standard features include Off Black Flextech/Crème premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logo, a special front grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, matte finish outside rearview mirrors, R-Design watch dial instrument cluster, unique aluminum inlays, R-Design sport steering wheel and sport pedals. It gains standard Bluetooth, fog lights and trip computer for the new model year.

Volvo has eliminated the Custom Build program for 2010. Some of the previously available features are now offered in new and revised option packages. The new Multimedia Package includes Sirius satellite radio and the Dynaudio Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound, 10 Dynaudio loudspeakers and an astonishing 650 watts. The Preferred Package gains a power driver's seat and Keyless Drive. And the Climate Package adds Electronic Climate Control (ECC), Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) and humidity sensor.

The list of available stand-alone options includes the Volvo HDD navigation system with real time traffic, remote control and map care, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), a power glass moonroof, leather seating surfaces for the T5 and various hues of metallic paint.

Offered in two models, the C30 T5 and T5 R-Design are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard while a 5-speed "Geartronic" automatic with "Auto-stick" function is optional. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate that the C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and weighs around 320 pounds less than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. But while the C30 may be shorter, there is still plenty of room for four adults and their gear.

Thanks to its small size and well-thought design, the Volvo C30 is as fun to drive as it is to admire. Its generous front and rear tracks and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to inspiring and stable driving characteristics. The chassis, with MacPherson front suspension and a multilink rear axle, is optimized to provide outstanding control and precise response to the driver's inputs.

The C30 features Volvo's patented front structure. Divided into zones, it incorporates different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed. To ensure that each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used. Different steel grades also are used in the rear to help protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.