2010 Volvo C30 Review
Price
RM215,500
Installment
RM2,055/mth
2010 Volvo C30 at a glance
The 2010 Volvo C30 does not offer more than its premium-badged and hot-hatch rivals. But the 2010 Volvo C30 is still a capable car in almost every respect, with its sleek appearance, classy cabin and sharp handling as proof of that.
2010 Volvo C30 quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2010 Volvo C30 ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Volvo C30 was designed as a cross between hatchback and coupe. While the 2010 Volvo C30 is definitely more hatchback than coupe, there is little doubt it will turn quite some heads with its sleek appearance. The front end is typical Volvo, and the window area is small thus creating a sense of sleekness, but the rear end steals the show with its unique design. Like in the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50, the interior styling is minimalist, dominated by the stylish “floating” centre console.
Handling
The Volvo C30 is based on the Volvo S40 sedan, which is built on the same chassis as the Ford Focus. Unsurprisingly, then, that the 2010 Volvo C30 puts on an agile showing over twisty roads, and remains highly stable on highways. The composure, high grip levels and well-weighted, quick steering inspire driving confidence. But the latter can do with more feel. Well-mannered and surefooted as the 2010 Volvo C30 is, there is however little of the flair or sparkle experienced on the Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW 1-Series Hatchback.
Comfort
The stiff suspension brings about a firm ride over rougher road surfaces. But ride comfort does improve with speed. Road and engine noise are well-contained, but wind noise can make itself more than welcome. The front seats are extremely cosseting, while the driver's seat comes with plenty of seating and steering column adjustments. However, the “floating” centre console places style before ease of use—the controls are fiddly, and the digital information display could be sharper.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Volvo C30 carries over the minimalist, classy interior from the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. The solid fit-and-finish are matched by equally impressive materials used. The 2010 Volvo C30's cabin quality however still sits one notch below what premium rivals are offering. The underlying mechanicals are proven and should remain reliable.
Performance
The 2010 Volvo C30's drivetrain consists of an in-line five-cylinder 2.4-litre engine mated to a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The power output of 168 bhp and 230 Nm translates into a punchy yet refined on-road performance. The 2010 Volvo C30 is brisk, taking 8.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h from rest. The Geartronic transmission complements the engine nicely, shifting gears smoothly and appropriately.
Roominess
The three-door Volvo C30 can only seat four as the rear is sculpted for two. Front room is generous, but rear room is only adequate, and access to the rear is awkward. Rivals provide more rear room and two more doors, which makes them more practical if you have more than two to carry. At least the boot is well-shaped and competitively sized.
Running Costs
Fuel economy of 11.1 km/litre is not great for a relatively small car, but is justified, to a certain extent, by the performance. Like for other luxury brands, servicing and repairs are costly. Volvo models tend to depreciate heavily compared to models from leading luxury brands like BMW. Volvo C30 buyers should expect poorer resale values than what the Volkswagen Golf GTI or BMW 1-Series Hatchback can fetch.
Value for Money
The Volvo C30 wears a semi-premium badge, and yet it is supposed to steal sales from the premium-badged Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series Hatchback. Yes, the 2010 Volvo C30 is cheaper but it offers less overall. Against the definitive hot-hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Volvo C30 loses out in terms of pricing and, more importantly, driving appeal. And so while the 2010 Volvo C30 is a capable car in almost every respect, rivals are just better at what they do.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes 17" alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, aluminium/leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, power front seats, 8-speaker audio system with 4x40W amplifier, 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA player, USB/iPod interface, steering wheel audio controls, rain sensor, cruise control and rear parking assistance. Safety kit includes a host of airbags, whiplash protection front seats, and Stability and Traction Control (STC) among other electronic aids.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 214 grams/km and fuel economy of 11.1 km/litre are lacklustre numbers considering the 2010 Volvo C30's size, although the engine capacity and performance available on tap do help to justify the lack of “greenness” somewhat.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sleek appearance
Classy cabin
Sharp handling
Firm ride
Awkward access to the rear
Model positioning
