Strengths

Stylish design inside and out; performance and handling; available luxury appointments

 

Changes

Following its 2008 introduction, the 2009 Volvo C30 carries over with a few changes, mostly in the repackaging of trim levels.

The base Version 1.0 model is now the T5, while the previous Version 2.0 is now called the T5 R-Design. A Preferred Package with premium Dynaudio sound, power driver's seat, fog lights and more joins the options list.

 

Value

With its distinctive glass rear hatch and blackout trim, Volvo's 2009 C30 has a much sportier appearance than any other vehicle in Volvo's line. It is also the only one to offer the Custom Build ordering process, which allows customers, for just $300 extra, to opt up to additional color combinations, wheels, options and accessories. No matter how it's appointed, the interior is very fashionable of any small car. The C30 breaks Volvo tradition in several ways, but doesn't forget about the brand's reputation for safety.

 

Overview

The 2009 Volvo C30 is very much mechanically related to the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, but it is much smaller and promises a sportier ride with a greater fun factor.

The C30 hatchback has a unique interior treatment with four bucket seats; in back they fold flat to expand the cargo capacity to 20.2 cubic feet.

All C30s derive their power from a 227-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine. It has front-wheel drive and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic with Geartronic manual selection.

The C30 comes in two main trims, the base T5 and the sporty R-Design. The T5 is well equipped compared with other vehicles in its price range; standard features include air conditioning, keyless entry, leather trim, steering-wheel audio controls and a 160-watt, eight-speaker sound system. The R-Design builds on that with the Dynamic Chassis Control system for better handling, larger "Atreus" 18-inch alloy wheels, polished exhaust pipes, Sirius Satellite Radio and a 650-watt Dynaudio sound system with ten speakers and Dolby surround sound.

Stand-alone options include a power moonroof, leather upholstery, and on R models, a navigation system and power driver's seat. A Climate Package available on both models adds heated front seats, headlamp washers and Rainsensor wipers, while a Preferred Package offers premium Dynaudio sound, power driver's seat, fog lights and more.

The C30 is the only Volvo vehicle to offer the Custom Build ordering process. For a $300 charge, customers will have a chance to build and order their own cars with extra exterior colors and several interior color combinations, plus additional options and accessories. Examples of these additional options include automatic climate control, a blind spot information system, rear park assist, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and several different styles of inlays and trims.

Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are standard on all C30s, as are a host of airbags.