2008 Volvo C30

Safe, sturdy, sophisticated - all words that fit Volvo, right? But not exactly the key words younger buyers tune in to. Well, there’s a new Volvo with a little less maturity and a lot more youthful appeal. Welcome the C30. Not since the P1800 of the 1960s has Volvo ventured so far into sport driving territory, and this smooth, urban heart throb may be just what Volvo needs to close the generation gap.

Like most auto-makers, Volvo has built compact, sporty cars before. But it’s been 35 years since the last one sat on a showroom floor. That makes the 2008 C30 3-door hatchback a rather novel addition.

The C30 is compact, with an overall length of 167.4-inches. That’s shorter than a Toyota Yaris sedan. But, since it shares most mechanicals with the larger S40 sedan and V50 wagon, it has the same generous 103.9-inch wheelbase. Indeed, this is no econobox; being aimed squarely at young, successful buyers of premium compacts like the Audi A3.

In either base Version 1.0 or more performance oriented Version 2.0 trim (we sampled both), the look is indeed upscale. As a production replica of Volvo’s C30 Design Concept from 2006, it brings the sporting theme of the classic P1800 smoothly into the 21st century.

The one feature that links the C30 closest to the P1800 Series is the full height glass hatch that contributes to great all-around visibility. 2.0 trim adds a sharp, high-mounted spoiler, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 1.0, and 18-inchers on the 2.0.

Despite its size, like all Volvos, the C30 is engineered for exceptional crash safety protection. Standard airbags include front side impact, and head curtains for all four seats.

The surprisingly spacious C30 cabin also shares styling with its S40 and V50 kin. The clean and simple gauge cluster and upper dash join Volvo’s curvaceous “free floating” center stack that waterfalls down to the console.

Seats are available in fabric or leather and are typically Volvo, with excellent support and comfort and face a standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with satellite audio controls.

The C30’s 2-place rear seat offers real adult-size head and leg room. Both seats fold to make over 20 cubic-feet of space; enough room for sports equipment or a weekend trip to Ikea.

The C30 is powered by Volvo’s 2.5-liter T5 twin-cam turbo 5-cylinder that is shared with the S40, V50, and the C70. Output here is 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

Transmissions are a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the manually equipped cars that we tested are 19 city/28 highway. Mixed driving yielded our average of 22 miles-per-gallon on regular gas. The C30’s Energy Impact Score is moderate at 14.9 barrels of oil consumed per year.

Put the pedal to the Swedish metal, and the C30 hits 60 in a respectable 7.0 seconds. The quarter-mile ends in 15.4-seconds at 94 miles-per-hour. That’s on par with the Audi A3 turbo-four.

The Volvo T5 engine is super smooth but revs slowly. There’s no traditional turbo hit in the power band, just solid pull to the redline.

The manual shifter has a light touch, with short throws and positive engagement.

The C30 rides on struts up front and a multi-link rear that delivers a very balanced feel. It turns easily with mild front push, though the quick steering is a little short on feedback. 

The feel is clearly more sport coupe than sports car; solid, refined and fun, and secure too, thanks to all-disc ABS brakes with Brake Assist that delivered fine 124 foot stops from 60.

It all gives the C30 owner a drive that’s nimble and entertaining, with a compliant European ride and upscale feel that easily matches that of the Audi A3.

But the price of entry is lower, with the C30 Version 1.0 starting at $23,445. The sportier Version 2.0 jumps to $26,445.

In the automotive world, the past almost always repeats itself in one form or another. The 2008 Volvo C30 is not so much a modern incarnation of the P1800, as it is an up-to-date expression of the same desire for something a bit more frivolous.

The C30 is a practical, premium laden compact that gives new generation buyers a Volvo that looks and acts as young as they are.