Volvo C30 DRIVe SE Start/Stop 3dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £20,495
Tax Band: A
Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 99
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: 113 BHP
Range: 850 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The C-30 is a car that generally offers a good driving experience balanced with a ride that will be a little too firm for some, while the good looks will attract many people. The drawback with the C-30 is that the space available is quite limited in the back and in the boot, but the real selling point for this version is the excellent fuel efficiency that makes this car cheap to run.

PROS:  The C-30 is a desirable car that is attractive, while this version comes with an engine that offers superb fuel efficiency and a decent level of trim too.

CONS:  The ride can be a little too firm around town, while the extra equipment won’t convince everyone that the extra price is worth the cost.

Behind the Wheel

The difficult balancing act that every car will have to tread is that between providing a soft comfortable ride and providing good body control and stability while cornering, and the C-30 has opted for the latter. The steering is also accurate and goes well with the firm ride when you venture away from the motorways, but the firm ride will prove a little uncomfortable for those hoping for something a little gentler. Inside the cabin the driving position can be adjusted to achieve optimum comfort for the driver, and while the forward visibility is good, rear visibility isn’t quite as good with thick window pillars getting in the way.

Engine performance from this diesel engine isn’t too shabby considering the excellent fuel consumption, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in a measured 11.3 seconds. The top speed of 121mph means that this version of C-30 is happy on the motorway, but the level of wind noise does disrupt the generally quiet cabin at pace.

Looks & Equipment

One of the main attractions of the C-30 is that it is a very attractive car, and the headlights and grille are well complemented by the metal coloured details around the fog lights and air intake. The back end is very distinctive, with the spoiler over the rear window and the small rear window giving the C-30 a very nice shape. Inside the level of trim is classy and attractive, and there are some colourful options available and a dashboard that is effective and easy to read.

The level of equipment included here is quite good, with classy touches such as the power folding mirrors and alloy wheels ensuring that this does feel like a quality car. The car is a very civilized companion for long journeys, with cruise control to make it easy to drive, and climate control really does mean that the cabin is comfortable enough when you are on the road.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

One of the major attractions for many people when they are thinking about buying a Volvo is that it is a brand that does offer a very good level of safety. A fine range of airbags look after the driver and passengers should the car become involved in a collision, while the driving aids help to ensure that the accident can be avoided in the first place. These features have helped the C-30 achieve a five star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test.

Practicality isn’t one of the C-30’s strong points, as the car does suffer from having a fairly small boot. The headroom and legroom in the back seats are also fairly limited, and this car doesn’t quite match some of the other hatchbacks on the market in this regard. Volvo has a great reliability record, and the C-30 is a car that has had good reviews from drivers.

Value for Money

The purchase price for this version of the C-30 is quite a lot of money, and at £20,495 many people may view this as a bit of a luxury purchase, however, much of this cost will be recouped in the fuel savings.

The diesel engine is one of the most efficient on the market, achieving an average 74.3mpg. The insurance group is fairly reasonable so premiums won’t be too bad, but this version does depreciate slightly quicker than the petrol models that offer better performance. The C-30 is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and also has a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.

Volvo C30 DRIVe SE Start/Stop 3dr Car Review - by 
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