Volvo C30 Reviews

Volvo C30 is a small coupe from the renowned Swedish car marque, Designed as part of its plan to get away from its 'sensible but boring' image.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Volvo C30 as a used buy.

When I was growing up we had a few Volvos - big, square-jawed "Swedish Valiants" with big bumpers and little four-cylinder engines that worked hard to get the sedans from A to B in reasonable time. Fast-forward to present day and I'm back in a Volvo - the greenie version of the little C30 hatch, the DRIVe turbodiesel manual - that drivetrain doesn't sound thrilling, but it's not a horror story.VALUEThe little Swede is a four seater priced from $36,990 - smack dab in the middle of Prius territory but more than the similarly-aimed $28,990 Golf Bluemotion.The C30 features list has cloth trim, dual-zone climate control, manually-adjustable front seats and a 50/50 splitfold set-up for the rear, front power windows (the rears are fixed, which was not popular), cruise control, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearvision mirror, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio link for the eight-speaker USB/auxiliary equipped sound system.There's also power-adjustable folding mirrors (with handy puddle lamps), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for sound and cruise functions, a leather-wrapped gearshift and 16in alloy wheels (but no spare).TECHNOLOGYThere's a long list of bits designed to reduce fuel use, starting with a stop-start fuel-saving system - in neutral with the left foot off the clutch the car it turns itself off, re-starting (with something of a shake, rattle and roll) when the clutch pedal heads back towards the firewall.Volvo claims the idle-stop system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by between 4 and 8 per cent, depending on driving conditions.The DRIVe also features a regenerative braking system to charge the car's battery on deceleration - Volvo says there's another two or three per cent fuel saving there.The little 1.6-litre turbocharged common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder variable-geometry turbodiesel has had an upgrade - 84kW of power at 3600rpm and 240Nm of torque (between 1750 - 2500 rpm) - to lay claim to 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined fuel economy cycle, suggesting a range of more than 1300km from the 52-litre tank.DESIGNThe C30 design has been around for more than a couple of years but the little turbodiesel model has a few extra bits to reduce its thirst. The hatch has a wind-deflecting pane behind the grille, a rear spoiler, diffuser-equipped rear bumper, wind deflectors ahead of the front wheels, underbody aerodynamic changes and low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.The cabin is snug but not uncomfortably so, the four individual seats are reasonably supportive - there's aluminium trim bits and leather on the wheel and the gearshift and it has a few neat little storage spaces. The boot is useful - if not huge - at 233 litres, rising to 876 litres with the back seats folded.SAFETYVolvo has long been synonymous with safety and the little 'un is not exceptions - five stars from the NCAP crash test program, with six airbags (front, front-side and curtain), stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and rear parking sensors. There's also something of a throwback to Volvos of olde - daytime running lights - although the 21st century has brought LED technology into play.DRIVINGLittle diesels can be fun and the Europeans are regularly giving us reasons to believe.Volvo's C30 DRIVe is not the most powerful but it is more than serviceable in day to day traffic, although this auto-addicted market won't see it sell to the masses.An auto is coming but anyone capable of operating a clutch pedal will enjoy zipping up and down the cogs and surfing the solid surge - although it's not impossible to stall it - but 11.3 seconds to 100km/h is a bit of a dawdle.Short-shifting through to fifth or sixth is easily done and at the end of our time with the C30, the trip computer suggested it was sipping at 5.8 litres per 100km from the 52-litre tank.A brisk hills drive showed the C30 has a more-than competent chassis in the bends, without crowding the sportier C30 models.Ride quality is not this car's main claim to fame but it does the job - Volvo are getting better at the ride handling compromise but it's not a done deal.VERDICTIf you want something stylish and frugal then the C30 is worth considering - it's not the cheapest of the little Euro-diesels with the best of intentions for fuel economy and emissions, but the little Swede goes it's own way and that may hold some appeal.VOLVO C30 DRIVEPrice: from $36,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 54% Source: Glass's GuideService interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 3.9 l/100km, on test 5.8, tank 52 litres; 104g/km CO2Safety equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability controlCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 84kW/270Nm 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel four-cylinder, with a stop-start fuel-saver system and diesel particulate filter.Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel driveBody: 2-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4266mm (L); 1782mm (W); 1447mm (H); 2640mm (WB)Weight: 1354kgTyres: size 205/55R16, no spare - tyre mobility kit.

We turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars. But ultimately, would we buy it with our own hard earned?What is it?This is Volvo's mainstream ultra economy car, not hybrid, not electric, not fuel cell or anything whacky - just smart engineering and technology designed to cut fuel use without compromising feel and performance. It's based on the cute three-door C30.How much?Priced at $36,990, DRIVe was upgraded recently with an extra cog in the gearbox - now six manual, park assist, quality audio and Bluetooth audio and phone among other goodies.What are the competitors? Lexus CT200h, Golf Bluemotion though it's larger, Honda Insight, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic perhapsWhat's under the bonnet?Runs a 1.6-litre, twin cam, turbodiesel delivering a useful 84kW/270Nm output. Has six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels complete with auto stop/start for city driving fuel savings.How does it go?Really well, much better than expected though off the line seems torque restricted. Slip it into second and away she goes. That 270Nm is good to surf out on the freeway where the DRIVe can show a clean pair of rear tyres to plenty of other vehicles. Ride and handling have a sporty edge.Is it economical?Incredible. We saw better than the claimed 3.9-litres/100km on a steady highway run. Our average turned out to be 4.1-litres/100km which means a potential range of 1260km on one 52-litre tank.Is it `Green?'Yes, gets a 3.5 star ratingIs it safe?Yes gets a five star rating.Is it comfortable?Very, offers well shaped seats and relatively quiet interior with plenty of kit for the money though there are numerous options. What you get standard is all you really need as it includes a decent audio, climate control, remote lock, auto dim rear view mirror, good trip computer and steering wheel controls.What's it like to drive?Enjoyed the experience because we weren't expecting it to be as competent, even the stop/start is easy to use once you get used to it. That little engine has plenty of kick despite being optimised for economy which usually dulls an engine right down.Is it value for money?Shapes up pretty well against a wide range of cars built around a similar philosophy if not engineering. The Ford Fiesta Ecoetic is a clear winner on price but the C30 is a better drive and has more prestige value. Would you really want a Prius or Insight...Would we buy one?Absolutely. We hate going to the servo and the DRIVe offers more than just fuel efficiency even if it does have naff alloys.Volvo C30 DRIVeEngine: Diesel, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged, dohc; with stop-startPower: 80kW @ 4000rpm.Torque: 250Nm @ 1750rpm.Transmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.Fuel consumption: 3.8 litres/100km.CO2 emissions: 99g/km.Dimensions: 4266mm long, 1782mm wide.

We've just had a dose of PCP, and we're hooked. No, not the drug known as angel dust, but an equally addictive and street-lethal prospect: the Volvo C30 Polestar Concept Prototype (PCP).You don't often get to fling a one-off motor show concept around a track. And of you're going to do it, who better to do it with than a World Touring Car Championship driver.So we've just done a few track laps with Robert Dahlgren around the Swedish brand's tight 2km test track in Gothenburg. And even by the time you read this, we'll still be grinning.It's a blue streak on steroids, with the hot turbocharged 2.5-litre engine used by the blistering Ford Focus RS - upped by Volvo's racing partner Polestar to deliver 300kW of power and 510Nm of torque to all wheels via a tweaked race-spec six-speed manual.Polestar was given free reign to draw on their experience in developing successful Volvo touring car championship vehicles - but in the PCP's case without being hampered by the restrictions of race regulation specs.In Dahlgren's hands, on a track he knows intimately, it's an expertly-guided missile - swift, deadly and unerringly on-target.And even under the control of our amateur mitts and boots, the car is good enough to get around the laps with a respectable amount of aggressive accuracy.That's helped by razor-response steering, the prodigious grip of a race-spec Haldex all-wheel drive system, Ohlins racing suspension that gives the car remarkable composure even at ridiculous cornering speeds -- and massive Brembo braking ability when you need to call on itIt's fast enough off the line, but slamming the pedal wakes up the turbo and the C30 almost instantly teleports forward. Polestar claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds, and we believe it.Under acceleration, the visceral growl from the straight-though exhaust is beyond anything you'd ever expect from Volvo.  It would be stealthy fun to idle up beside any Aussie street hoon's side - and then leave them blistered in the aural afterburn.And the styling would get an aftermarket fan fluttering, with an aggressive bodykit, black 19-in alloys, plus an interior with Polestar blue dials and acres of dark sueded finish stretched over the Recaro seats and steering wheel. And dashboard. And centre console.The concept car is worth more than $200,000, but Volvo says it won't ever be put into production. So - just like the street drug - you're not allowed to have it.

If this is the future of electric cars, we'd have one. And it is. But we can't. Or at least, not in the exact form of the Volvo C30 Electric we've just tested.This is part of a fleet of 50 prototypes that will increase to 250 by the end of next year for evaluation around the world. Only two will come to Australia, and neither of them is likely to end up at Chez Carsguide, with the Swedish company targeting business and government fleet leases.But the car won't ever go into full-scale production, which is a pity because it seems to offer everything you could want as a green drive. The good news is that the evaluation program will feel into an electric version of the new V40 model - based on an extended C30 platform -- that is going to replace the aging S40 and V50.And by what we can judge from the camouflaged spy shots of that car, it could be just as good a plug-in prospect as the C30.VALUEIt's almost impossible to talk about value with a car that's not for sale. But it's worth considering where the V40 Electric might be positioned. The initial prices for new technology are high, but manufacturers know early adopters will often wear the extra slug.Prices will come down by the time the Volvo hits the market, but you could still expect to pay at least $50,000 in today's terms. The Mitsubishi i-Miev plug-in is $10,000 more, smaller and not pretty. The Nissan LeafTECHNOLOGYCharge is stored in a 24kW bank of lithium-ion batteries that power a 82kW/220Nm electric motor. With the 200Nm of torque being fully-delivered right from the start, Volvo says the C30E does a 0-100km/h time of 10.5 seconds.It gets to a top speed of 130km/h, with range limited to 120-150km, and a full recharge taking 7.5 hours from a household socket. Zero fuel means zero emissions, except perhaps a whiff of non-harmful exhaust from the bioethanol system that looks after the heating system - reserving the battery power for driving unless manually switched over.SAFETYThe cars will have all the Volvo safety features, with active and passive safety systems, crash avoidance technology, pre-crash warnings and post-crash protection. But there's long been concern about what happens in a crash if you've got a massive lump - or two - of battery loose in the car. So Volvo has also been working to make sure it stays where it's supposed to.Body structures are being strengthened, the pack is positioned so it won't collide with the fuel tank, and a venting system released battery gases outside the car, not into the cabin.DESIGNThe C30 end of the Volvo line-up is the logical place to start for electrification, because it's the lightest car they have. The bonus is that the fast rear line of the hatchback looks up-to-date and stylish, and that will fit better with those who want a plug-in that looks modern without resembling a space pod or attention-seeking supercar.Apart from the socket for the charging cable, from the outside it looks just like any other C30 -- until you lift the bonnet and see an electric motor instead of an engine. The two battery packs are mounted down the centre and in the (former) fuel tank area under the rear, keeping the 280kg battery weight centred, low and trailing - which avoids a weighty nose that would undermine handling.A simple, clear graphic in the instrument cluster shows the battery state and drain rate - without the need for complicated animations and little growing trees favoured in other green cars. There is a teeth-grittingly cutesy touch with a turtle icon that lights up when engine power is reduced, but apart from that it's all admirably sensible.The test car was accented with gunmetal green exterior touches to signify its role in the electric team. The signature livery was echoed in the cabin with bezels and the translucent tone of the shifter - itself a tiny streamlined sculpture that (like the Volvo floating centre console) looks like it might have been swiped from Bang and Olufsen.DRIVINGWith all the torque on tap right from the start, the C30E is snappy off the line, and keeps it coming constantly for most of the acceleration, tailing off only as you get into highway speeds. Lifting off the accelerator gives a noticeable effect of 'engine braking' but in this case it's the system harvesting energy to recharge the battery pack. The shifter lets you select a 'sailing' mode that disconnects the motor and allows the car to coast, but you can really only bring this into play at highway speeds.The positioning of the battery packs keeps the weight low, central and towards the rear, and that comes into play in the cornering. The car feels balanced and reasonably agile. You can hear the electric motor, and while it probably won't appeal to fans of the big-displacement soundtracks, there's a certain exhilaration in the rising sci-fi whine. It's definitely futuristic and prospectively fun. Beam us up, Scotty.VERDICTIt's practical, doesn't look boring - or dorky - and isn't a boring drive. If all that applies when the V40 version comes onto the market, with the right price this will be a winner.Volvo C30 ElectricPrice: NADrivetrain:  82kW/220Nm electric motor, 24kW lithium-ion battery packTransmission:  CVT, FWDBody: 4-door, seats 5Safety: five-star (est): 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, BA and moreThirst: 0L/100km; 0g/km CO2Range: 120-150kmRecharge: 7.5 hours (!0 amp)"We'd like it. We can't have it"

NOTHING says "try hard" more than a supposed "sporty" car with fake carbonfibre trim.You won't find anything quite so gauche in the Volvo C30 T5 R-Design, the turbo version of the cute compact Swedish sports car.What you do find is tasteful brushed aluminium with interesting textured patterns, high-quality soft-touch plastics and cutting-edge interior design that reflects the radical exterior design.Introduced in 2007, the C30 still looks fresh and exciting and now comes with the efficient DRIVe diesel variant at one end of the spectrum and the T5 R-Design model at the other.VALUEThe C30 range starts at $36,150 for the diesel rising substantially to $47,150 for the six-speed manual T5 R-Design and $48,650 for the five-speed adaptive automatic Geartronic transmission. That's about $4000 more than the non-turbo five-cylinder models, so although you are not paying for cubes, you are paying for output.And it's not an inconsequential amount of power either. You will definitely notice the extra 44kW of go, even though torque is the same at 320Nm. There are also changes to the suspension and steering that make it a more dramatic drive and it's difficult for an enthusiastic driver to put a dollar figure on that.DESIGNThe C30 should be considered a motoring icon as progressive and stylish as Audi's TT. It looks like nothing else, it seems to be ageing quite well and it is immediately recognisable as a Volvo; even more so now that the Volvo emblem is bigger on the new honeycomb grille.There are also cosmetic changes to the bumpers, new headlights and some new exterior colours, including the dramatic "Orange Flame" metallic of this test car which drew approving looks and attention everywhere it went. The R-Design adds raunchy 17-inch Cratus alloy wheels that not only look great, but the five-spoke design is easy to clean, plus front and rear spoilers, side skirts and chrome-plated 90mm sports tailpipes.Inside, there are new trim colours and surfaces such as the aluminium in the test car, but also an "Oyster Burst Deco" texture in the centre stack and door panel inlays which Volvo claims replicates Swedish Hagstrom guitars made famous by performers such as Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix. There are also R-Design emblems embossed into the front seats, a leather-rim steering wheel, leather/aluminium gearshift knob, aluminium sports pedals and blue speedometer and tachometer.The floating centre stack echoes throughout the Volvo range and is designed to be a cross between a Nokia mobile phone and a Bang & Olufsen remote control. It works well visually and functionally, except for the fact that in the manual you keep hitting the buttons with your hand when you change into third or fifth gear.SAFETYIt's a Volvo, so it's packed with safe kit such as emergency brake lights which are standard right across the range. These activate over 60km/h flashing the stop lights five times a second if the brakes are applied forcefully in an emergency. When the vehicle slows to 10km/h, the stoplights stop flashing and the hazard lights come on.It also has stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, dual front and side airbags plus full-length curtain airbags, a whiplash protection system for front-seat passengers and a side impact protection system.DRIVINGWhile 169kW of power is not extreme, it must be remembered that this car weighs less than 1.5 tonne. So that power-to-weight ratio, together with almost no turbo lag, is quite effective in propelling the vehicle along smartly.Unfortunately, there is also massive torque steer that pulls and yanks the steering wheel from side to side.Volvo claims the T5 R-design should return fuel economy of 8.7L/100km for the manual. Over a week of driving on city roads and highways, it yielded 9.1L/100km which isn't far off the mark. All the same, Volvo has increased the tank by 10 litres to 62 to give an effective range of more than 650km.The faster-ratio electro-hydraulic steering feels great with just the right amount of sensitivity and feedback. It works brilliantly with the 30 per cent stiffer springs, firmer monotube dampers and stiffer stabiliser bars to improve change of direction and nimbleness. Fortunately, the ride is still reasonably compliant for a sporty car.The cabin is a pleasant and comfortable place to conduct the business of driving, although the rear two seats are a little cramped and difficult to access. Surprisingly the small cargo area works well and if you only have two on board you can fit a large amount of gear with the seats folded flat.VERDICTLove the styling and the driving is dynamic without being edgy and uncomfortable. However it is hard to go past the DRIVe diesel which is such great value while still being a dynamic city car.VOLVO C30 T5 R-DESIGNPrice: $47,150 ($48,650 auto)Engine: 5-cylinder, 20-valve, DOHC 2521cc turboPower: 169kW @ 5000rpmTorque: 320Nm from 1500-5000rpmTransmission: 6-speed manual (5-speed auto), FWDAcceleration: 0-100km/h in 7.1secsEconomy: 8.7L/100km (9.4 auto)CO2: 208g/km (224 auto)Fuel: 91-98RON, 62-litre tankSteering: electro-hydraulicSuspension: coilover strut (front); multi-link independent (rear)Brakes: ventilated discs (front), solid discs (rear)Safety: ABS, electronic brake distribution, stability and traction controlDimensions (mm): 4266 (l), 2039, (w), 1447 (h), 2640 (wheelbase)Turning circle: 10.6mKerb weight: 1469kg

THE wheels are the first hint that something is different about this Volvo.  The two-door  Volvo C30 DRIVe hatch features futuristic plate-style wheel covers that are supposed to reduce air turbulence and improve fuel efficiency.And that is what this car is all about. Economy.  It sips fuel at a claimed 3.8 litres of diesel for every 100km, giving it a conceivable cruising range of up to 1300km on a single 52-litre tank while emitting 99g of CO2.The only car more economical on our roads is the diesel Fiesta ECOnetic. It beats any hybrid on the market and even the three-cylinder Suzuki Alto.PRICINGSo, as far as value is concerned, it's at least cheap at the fuel pump.  However, it's a Volvo so it also comes with a host of safety features, plenty of creature comforts and excellent build quality but a price tag to match.It's about $12,000 more expensive than the Fiesta but at $36,990 it's still one of the cheapest and best-value Volvos ever produced.TECHNOLOGYHelping it achieve its anorexic fuel diet is the increasingly popular stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, even for just a coupe of seconds.However, in diesel cars such as the Mini, this technology feels jerky as diesel engines shudder as they stop and start.  Volvo claims stop-start reduces fuel consumption by up to 8 per cent.If you find it annoying, you can always turn it off with the button on the centre console. But you will have to do that every time you start the car as it defaults to being switched on.The stop-start system's economy drive is aided by a regenerative system that charges the battery as soon as the driver brakes or lifts off the accelerator, relieving the engine of that function and therefore reducing fuel consumption.Technology in the DRIVe isn't limited to economic gains.  There are also a lot of creature features such as Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity and surprisingly for a car made in the cold climes of Sweden, the climate-control airconditiong goes down to a chilly 14 degrees. Just what you need to beat Aussie summers.DESIGNEven though it's now a few years old, the C30 is still a fresh-looking design that is destined to be timeless.  Making it a little more futuristic are the wheels which are aided in their wind-cheating ways by a deflecting panel behind the grille to improve airflow around the engine and an aerodynamically smooth underbody.Interior design is similarly practical and stylish without looking like a 1970s Swedish soft-porn film.  Take for example the innovative and stylish floating centre stack which is designed to look like a cross between a Nokia phone and Bang & Olufsen remote control.Consequently, even though there are a lot of buttons, it is intuitive and easy to use. However, it is not without its design faults.Because of the proximity of the centre stack to the gear shift, I inadvertently and prematurely ended several phone calls when my thumb struck the "exit" button as I engaged third or fifth gear.SAFETYAs expected in a Volvo, safety is a major focus with six airbags, adaptive emergency brake lights, whiplash protection seats, electronic stability control and traction control, and anti-skid brakes.Not only does the rear end have a unique look, but it is also provides good rear vision, while forward and side vision is similarly very good.DRIVINGI tried as hard as possible to reach the claimed economy figures of 3.8L/100km and failed, but only just.  I slipped it into neutral down hills, avoided hard braking and acceleration, changed up early as directed by the arrow on the LCD screen in front of the driver, turned off the airconditioning and kept the windows up.With just me in the car and in a mix of highway and city driving, the best I could do was 4.1L/100km.  When I gave up and drove the car as normal, it climbed to 4.9L/1200km, which is still quite respectable.But economy is no good if the car drives like a wet dish rag. Fortunately it doesn't.  The engine has good grunt for daily driving shores and highway overtaking.It pulls well from under 2000 revs, but runs out of breath quickly, requiring good use of the gearbox.  The clutch is light and the transmission is smooth and reliable for quick gear changes and throttling the most out of the engine when needed.It handles nimbly around the city, isn't thrown by choppy surfaces on B roads and is stable and very quiet on the highway.  Cabin comfort and room is good despite being a small two-door coupe.It is relatively easy to get in and out of the back with a wide opening door and front seats that quickly slide all the way forward. Even adults will feel comfortable in the two rear seats.While there isn't much space in the cargo area with two rear passengers on board, the rear seats fold flat and provide quite a large and usable cargo area for a small car.There are also plenty of handy cubby holes and storage areas around the cabin.VERDICTEconomic and environmentally conscious motoring doesn't have to be boring, ugly, cheap, nasty or unsafe.  This Volvo proves it.Volvo C30 DRIVePrice: $36,150Engine: Diesel, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged, dohc; with stop-startPower: 80kW @ 4000rpm.Torque: 250Nm @ 1750rpm.Transmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.Fuel consumption: 3.8 litres/100km.CO2 emissions: 99g/km.Dimensions: 4266mm long, 1782mm wide.

Doing 100km of general running about for less than five bucks in fuel makes motoring pretty affordable. As manufacturers bring out more models with increasingly-amazing frugality, motorists are laughing all the way from the pumps. A generation ago, the 30 miles per gallon mark (9.4 litres/100km in metric speak) was a

Unless your name is Rip Van Winkle (those under 30 go and look it up), you can't help but notice something grand has happen in Volvo land. The boys and girls in the styling department have discarded their cardigans, or whatever the Swedish equivalent is, and rediscovered the world of style.So boring and boxy Volvos are out and sexy curves are in. Cabins have become fashionably cool while safe but pedestrian performance has been replaced with cars that are safer and impress. Evolution? No this is more revolution. Which brings me neatly around to Volvo's C30 T5 R-Design. Yes, it's a mouthful but all those badges do actually mean something.The front-wheel drive C30 is Volvo's smallest car sold here; the T5 means it has a turbo five-cylinder engine neatly tucked away under its snout and R-Design is Volvo-speak meaning the car comes dressed in a sportier, stylish set of the clothes than normal. And just to clear up another point, while Volvo is Swedish, this one comes from Belgium.Pricing and options The T5 R-Design costs almost 10 grand over the price of a normal C30 but Volvo is out to prove a point with this model - that it can match it in motoring's fashion stakes. The basic car costs $42,450 (plus on-road costs) but the T5 R-Design adds the design styling package ($3700), stylish 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels ($1600), Volvo's excellent blind spot detection system BLIS ($1275), Dynaudio premium sound system ($975), a hard load cover ($375) and a whopping $1550 for metallic white paint. That brings the grand total to $51,925 plus registration, stamp duty and insurance.Now … in the new car game, there are a couple of price point psychological barriers: dealers find it easier to sell a car for $19,990 than $20,500. The second barrier is the $50,000 mark so this latest Volvo steps over the line - and by some distance. Despite that, there's still some value for money here. The now ageing C30 has a couple of minor flaws, but overall it comes well packaged and impresses.Pros and cons The flaws: it's only a three-door and the front doors are heavy; the boot and rear leg room in this four seater are less than generous and the five-cylinder motor is not that frugal, returning an average 11.6l/100km for a mix of city and rural running.That however is an improvement on the last C30 I drove a couple of years ago which returned 11.9l/100km. The virtues outweigh the niggles: this car has quality written all over it. It feels solid, is tight and has a level of craftsmanship which is class leading.Styling I love the rear retro styling (based on the P1800 coupe driven by Roger Moore in The Saint), with its huge glass tailgate. The C30 has one of most logical dashboard designs in the business and offers perky performance and well balanced manners on the road.SafetyThe money buys you a comprehensive safety package including the BLIS which warns (by shining an orange light near the side mirors) if there is another car in your blind spot, leather seats, park distance control, central locking and air conditioning.Equipment You can also tick the boxes for life's little luxuries like door mirrors that neatly fold flat when you park, fog lamps, headlamps that come on at night when you remotely unlock the doors (great for finding the car in a dark carpark) and washers for the headlamps. The R-design adds 17-inch alloys, mild body kit and so-called sports upholstery.Drivetrain and performance The five-cylinder produces 169kW, produces plenty of pull from its 320Nm of torque and is well matched to the excellent six-speed manual box. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 6.7 seconds. We didn't get a chance to test that, but the C30 is quick but doesn't feel like a firecracker.Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Price: $51,925 plus on-road costsEngine: 2.5-litre five-cylinder turboPower: 169kW at 5000rpmTorque: 320Nm at 1500-5000rpmTransmission: six-speed manualEconomy: 8.7L/10KM (claimed); 11.6l/100km tested; CO2 224g/km