Picture Gallery: 2007 Volvo C30 T5
Day 1:
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When I finally took a breath after washing the C30 and headed out to take some pictures before sundown, I sat back and admired. The further away you get from the C30 the more fluid the lines appear and the more distinctive and more stunning this car looks. I have provided a few pictures in the gallery, taken from afar, for your viewing.
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My tester is fitted with a few extras, which push the price over $40,000. The Sport Package, a $3,400 option group, adds 17″ wheels; bi-xenon headlights; heated seats; sport chassis; power and memory for driver’s seat; headlamp washers; homelink and auto dimming rearview mirror with compass.
Also included on my tester is the DynAudio package, a $1,000 option, which adds a spectacular-sounding 10-speaker system with six-disc changer and includes Dolby ProLogic Surround sound. Metallic Passion Red paint and a Sunroof round out the options.
A note about my tester: the wheels on it are actually 18-inch Volvo accessory wheels — a dealer-installed option — and not the 17-inch wheels which come as part of the Sport Package.
I have been itching to test drive the C30 since crawling around it at the Toronto Auto Show back in February, and am looking forward to a week where I can tear up some tarmac.
2007 Volvo C30 T5
MSRP as tested: $46,060
For more information on Volvo and the C30 visit Volvo Canada
Day 2:
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I inquired today about the price of the sporty body kit and Volvo accessory wheels on my test vehicle and was personally a little shocked at the answer. The body kit and wheels add $6,000 to the price of my test vehicle, bringing the grand total to $46,060: shocking to say the least… but it does look spectacular!
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So it is a little smaller than the Mazda3, but being built on the same platform, you certainly can see and feel where the C30 is very similar. The Volvo’s handling characteristics are very similar to the Mazda3’s, although the steering wheel feels larger and there seems to be less connection to the road through both the gas pedal and steering wheel.
The clutch as well feels a little disconnected from the mechanics of the vehicle. To me, this is a bad thing in a sporty vehicle, but in a luxury-type automobile, this would be perfect. The C30 actually serves up a great mix of luxury and performance: when pushed, it behaves wonderfully, with a very balanced driving feel, and while cruising in the city or on the highway, it is quiet and smooth.
The C30 is a Jekyll-and-Hyde type vehicle: on the outside (especially spec’d like my tester), the vehicle is very boy racer, but on the inside, it’s refined, smooth and clean.
Day 3:
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One thing that was obvious was that the 218hp and 238lb-ft of torque output by the C30 T5’s turbocharged in-line five cylinder engine puts out a good deal more power than the 2.3L four in the Mazda3 GT. The Mazda really felt lacking, while the C30 feels like it has ample power in all gears and anywhere in the powerband.
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Over rough terrain such as Ottawa’s city streets, though, the suspension clunks over bumps. At first I was under the impression it was only coming from the front of the vehicle, but the rear does it too. Perhaps the non-sport suspension version soaks up bumps a little better, resulting in less suspension slap.
On the inside, I really enjoy the design element of the dash controls. In particular, I like the centre stack that juts out from the dash, leaving a storage bin behind it. The number of buttons on the dash at first is a little overwhelming, but everything is easy to reach and fairly intuitive. I was proficient with the controls almost immediately.
I did notice a few oddities of the C30’s design that give the vehicle some “character,” as they say. The first is the placement of the passenger side mirror; it seems it is lower than the window, resulting in the bottom part being cut off slightly from the view of the driver. The other is the brake pedal: it is quite small, making it difficult to heel and toe downshift — at least for me.
Day 4:
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The low-pressure turbo on the C30 means turbo lag is very minimal and power delivery is seamless everywhere. I actually found myself constantly questioning myself on gear selection, as it seemed like I could cruise in sixth gear almost anytime.
Gas mileage over the week was very good, especially considering I was driving the vehicle with a heavy foot. I averaged 11L/100km, which is very good for my usual driving pattern which includes about 80 percent city travels.
For some, the unique look and feel of the C30 might be enough to persuade them to buy. The rear aspect in daylight might be a little odd, but at night the tail lights are very cool-looking as the brake lights are on the pillars while the tail lights are the rounded lights at the bottom.
So I enjoyed my week in the C30. My only complaint, really, is the extra large doors, which make small parking lots a challenge, but this is typical of most coupes. At least this one has some flair.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Volvo C30 T5
MSRP as tested: $46,060
For more information on Volvo and the C30 visit Volvo Canada
April 13, 2007, 10:21:52 pm Some markets have many choices on how to spec a C30, how about 16 wheel choices
This link is for Diplomat sales.
http://diplomat.volvocars.com/NR/rdonlyres/32DF1B09-0085-43A1-94F8-16B300CB9105/0/C30_W716_VCIC.pdf
April 13, 2007, 11:15:48 pm
Well, there IS the Cayenne, but otherwise, yes.
The Cayenne really is the adopted child, though. My argument still holds!
...how about bastard child?
April 14, 2007, 12:10:00 am Very cool looking car - however, I'd rather get a WRX for the price, even though the C30 is more luxurious.
April 15, 2007, 02:50:18 pm Wing, did Volvo supply estimates of the percentage of sales split they expect between 2.4i and T5?
April 15, 2007, 03:36:45 pm nope, dealer said he sold a bunch of them, I suspect those were non T5's though.
April 15, 2007, 06:12:11 pm
(1) RWD (very few competitors in its price range)
(2) Forty years of history
(3) Vee. Effing. Eight.
I'd have to look up the figures, but aren't the majority of Mustangs sold with the V6 and automatic? I think a lot of people buy the car for looks, or because in convertible guise, it's an affordable droptop with four seats. I concede that they do also have lots of sales to people who want the V8 RWD experience, but I think the bread and butter Mustang is the cheapie V6 auto variant...
April 15, 2007, 06:31:55 pm
(1) RWD (very few competitors in its price range)
(2) Forty years of history
(3) Vee. Effing. Eight.
I'd have to look up the figures, but aren't the majority of Mustangs sold with the V6 and automatic? I think a lot of people buy the car for looks, or because in convertible guise, it's an affordable droptop with four seats. I concede that they do also have lots of sales to people who want the V8 RWD experience, but I think the bread and butter Mustang is the cheapie V6 auto variant...
Maybe so, but the V6 Mustang is priced against four-cylinder FWD coupes, such as the Solara, Accord coupe, and Eclipse. It still appeals to people who are willing to trade refinement for rear-wheel-drive, additional cylinders, lots more torque, and Mustang history. It has a lot more going for it than its looks. Whether you're talking V6 or V8, coupe or convertible, I just wanted to make the point that the Mustang is not a car that "succeeded on styling alone," as "s" argued.
April 15, 2007, 06:48:01 pm
I read the an article somewhere that talked about the same thing. IIRC the V6 automatic is around 50% of the Mustang sales ... sounds a bit high but believable. Anyway, the called it the perfect secretary car (nothing wrong with being a secretary of course).
Back to the C30!
April 15, 2007, 08:07:29 pm
I read the an article somewhere that talked about the same thing. IIRC the V6 automatic is around 50% of the Mustang sales ... sounds a bit high but believable. Anyway, the called it the perfect secretary car (nothing wrong with being a secretary of course).
Back to the C30!
Perhaps car rental fleets account for a lot of those V6 Auto Mustangs?
April 16, 2007, 06:40:54 am When I first saw the C30, I thought it spectacular looking, and seeing that it will slot underneath the S40, was glad to believe there will be a lower-priced Volvo. I've often shopped Volvos, only to always end up with another car because they always fail on pricing.
So with the C30 I kept saying "I hope they don't screw up the pricing...I hope they don't screw up the pricing..."
... and they did screw it up, spectacularly!
When every single pre-launch photo showed the C30 with those same 18" wheels, they shoudl have at least been standard with the sports pkg, if not simply standard on the T5. I checked out the standard interior (the one for 31,995), and it is *very* low-rent. I'd want an up-rated interior, which means this pkg and that option and before you know it you're over $40K.
Three years ago I shopped the S40, and the same thing happened: by the time I had a car I'd be interested in owning, it was well into the mid-40K's. Hopped over to Acura and got a TSX that dominates the S40 in every category, and for $35K (at the time).
That same TSX's lease is up this summer, and I had put the C30 T5 on my short list, but it looks like history will repeat itself.
Get the pricing right, Volvo.
April 16, 2007, 09:31:01 am So what was the final price of the car you tested? I'm thinking with all the upgrades and those 18" wheels you're getting into BMW 3 series territory never mind 1 series - and there's no way I'd buy the Volvo over a new 3....
April 16, 2007, 09:36:26 am It's in the review $46k
April 16, 2007, 10:01:53 am
April 16, 2007, 10:10:38 am Volvo will introduce a R-design "styling" package, inspired by Volvo's R vehicles.
Includes special design 17" wheels, bodykit, unique R designed upholestery, steering wheel with aluminum inlays, and other unique items. Available autumn 2007.
Wing, did you get many comments from your friends or curious by-standers?
How did you find the functionality of the car as far as audio, climate controls?
April 16, 2007, 10:33:05 am Everything is well placed and easy to use, maybe people stared at the car and I had a few comments as well, everyone loved the styling.
April 16, 2007, 10:42:14 am WING how many does VOLVO Canada think they will sell............. 500!!!?
April 16, 2007, 10:55:35 am No idea, sorry.
April 16, 2007, 11:27:07 am Call them...they will listen/answer U on OUR be_HALF.........
April 16, 2007, 01:37:54 pm Volvo plans to sell 75,000 C30 worldwide, with 65,000 earmarked for Europe. So far this year Volvo has sold 11,266 C30s, not all markets are opened yet.
My guess is Volvo Canada sells 1,000 - 1,500 yearly.
April 16, 2007, 01:43:29 pm Dealer said they sold their allotment of 5 .... that's all I could get out of him.
April 23, 2007, 09:34:55 am I test drove a 2.4i w/auto/sport pkg a couple weeks ago...
Nice car, i did like it, but it did nothing to wow me... i think i need to take a T5 out for some real wowing (like the S40 T5 did to me a couple years ago in a test drive). The pricing has scared me off for now... i know i know, its a premium small car, gotta pay to play blah blah blah... but still... it was not enough (if any) of an improvement over my 04 Mazda3 to make me want to shell out the extra several thousand dollars over a loaded 07 mz3.
It felt slower than my 3, the auto tranny was clunky, the engine was rough (with a nice 5cyl growl mind you), the throttle pedal was too stiff, the brakes were a little soft... now all this could be chalked up to it having less than 100kms on it and there were 3 people (incl me) in the car... I would like the chance to wring it out on my own in other driving situations (ie highway, country roads etc)
I love the interior, have had a stiffy for that interior since the S40/V50 came out. I worry about it not meeting my versatility expectations tho... only 2 doors, rather tiny hatch opening and overall area, the abilities of a gymnast needed to be able to fold or raise the rear seatbacks, and no cargo cover (i'm not paying $100+ for an accessory cargo cover, c'mon Volvo!).
So, if I do ever get a C30, i'll save up my pennies and go for a T5 in a few years (then i can get the bi-xenon lights i really want as well). Sorry Volvo, I really want to be a customer of yours, but we aren't quite on the same page yet.
September 21, 2007, 11:52:05 pm Wow, the volvo C30 is expensive, but since the canadian dollar is so high, you could buy it in the usa for a lot cheaper and i think its less expensive to buy a fully loaded C30 then a fully loaded mini cooper s
September 22, 2007, 10:54:44 am Yeah, the base model with AT is about $6K less in the US. Worth the effort.
March 06, 2008, 10:40:25 pm There's a few misconceptions in this thread and a few errors is the review.
First off, the sport appearance package ISN'T $6K... alone it is $2400, with the Sport Accessory package, it's about $5000.
As for the pricing, I agree in some ways with the other posters, the car, for Canada is overpriced. An identically equipped T5 will cost you 6-7000 more in Canada, though Volvo has better after-sale service here than in the US - this is part of the price. The main reason though, is because Volvo HASN'T repriced this car based on the strong Canadian dollar... and as a consumer, this makes me angry.
However, the car could only have cost 46k if it was priced fully loaded. By this I mean, leather, sunroof, BLIS, keyless drive, metallic paint, and with NAV (a 2,500 option!). If you were to add automatic, the car would sweak in at 49k! IMO - the only people who can afford these options are really married to the idea of the c30 or are leasing the car for their business, and the extra gear is included in your tax writeoff
A more realistically priced C30 would be just to add the sport package and the sport appearance package. This gives you xenon headlights, power driver seat, and heated front seats, plus leather/aluminum wheel and shifter. It's actually a very good deal - as is the bodykit and 18" wheels, which would run you 3-4k aftermarket. Leather is needless, Volvo's T-Tec seats are the nicest cloth seats on the market, and grip the body better than the leather seats. Volvo deserves kudos on designing one of the best stock seats to be found in this class. Yes the Dynaudio option is good, but the audio on the T5 is already upgraded compared to the 2.4i and really only adds 2 more speakers and a 6 disc player, with a component wattage upgrade. Add the sport packages for 5 grand and you have beautifully equipped car.
A few things I found odd in the review. A) long doors: it's a coupe... you do want to use those backseats, right? B) the sizing comparison between the mazda 3 is illogical because the hatch will always have a shorter rear overhang than a sedan, otherwise, it's no longer a hatch, it's a wagon
March 07, 2008, 07:48:35 am I was comparing to the Mazda3 Sport which is a hatch....