Volvo C30 D2 ES 3dr Car Review - March 2012

Inside the cabin the dash is the familiar design also seen in the S40, V50 and C70 models. It’s simple, well laid out and easy to use. Finding the perfect driving position is easy as there is a good range of adjustment on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good all round.

The C30 has three different engines to choose from. This version comes with Volvo’s 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 8-valve engine fitted. Producing 113bhp and 199lb-ft of low down torque; it’s punchy and powerful while returning good average fuel economy of 65.7mpg. Top speed is a decent 121mph and 0-62mph takes 11.3 seconds.

The C30’s handling is good; maintaining composure on winding country roads, and body-roll while cornering is well controlled, thanks to the short-travel suspension. The ride can be a bit firm at times, but it’s not so noticeable at speed. The steering is well-weighted and responsive, but lacks feeling at times.

The C30 isn’t as refined as it could be. Road noise over rough surfaces is noticeable and the diesel engine gives off a rattle at slower speeds around town. On the motorway, however, it’s more relaxing and less noisy, with only some wind noise building up around the door mounted mirrors.

The C30 is designed with the younger car buyer in mind. Its coupé-like looks and upbeat interior design make it an appealing option and quite distinctive from the usual hatchback offerings tailored more for family practicality.

The C30 ES comes well equipped for its size, with power steering, central locking, DSTC stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser and CD+MP3 connectivity all fitted as standard.

Volvo also offer several optional extras such as metallic paint £540, rear parking sensor £385, leather seats £1,280, Bluetooth £275 and satellite navigation £525.

The C30 provides space enough for four adults to travel in comfort. Upfront there’s good leg and head room and rear space is good too, although some rivals are a little more generous. In the rear there are two individual seats, so trying to get a third rear passenger in isn’t really practical. The boot provides a reasonable 251-litres of carrying space with the rear seats in position and this can be extended to 894-litres with the seats folded down, but it’s quite shallow in its design.

EuroNCAP awarded the Volvo C30 five-stars for adult safety, four-stars for child safety, one-star for pedestrian safety and an overall rating of five-stars: the maximum possible. Volvo’s reputation has been largely built on the safety of their cars and the C30 doesn’t disappoint. All models are fitted with six airbags, stability control and active head restraints to prevent whiplash injuries.

Anti-theft measures include deadlocks, an alarm, engine immobiliser and visible VIN to deter thieves.

The C30 may be the smallest car in the Volvo family, but the interior fittings are of the same quality as the larger cars and the build quality is excellent. Volvo’s reliability, like its safety record, is enviable and the C30 scored very high in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey. For peace of mind it comes covered by Volvo’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty. Regular service intervals are every 12,500 miles.

The C30 D2 ES is well priced at £18,245 and is cheaper to buy than rivals such as the Ford Focus. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is very economical, without sacrificing performance, and running costs are on a par with other in this class. Insurance is in group 20 and its CO2 emissions of 114g/km keep it in VED band C for Road Tax.

Resale values are pretty good also, as you’d expect for a car with the Volvo badge, and a C30 with the powerful but economical 1.6-litre diesel engine should prove no problem to sell in the future, as it will be sought after on the used market.