NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Volvo

- Turbocharged 2.5-litre engine horsepower increases from 218 to 227
- Premium option package eliminated
- Sport package deletes 17-inch wheels and adds new leather shift knob and aluminum inlays on T5 models
- New Sport Styling package with skirt kit, rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels
- New optional Blind Spot Information System and keyless drive

An all-new model in 2007, the Volvo C30 receives some enhancements for 2008, including more horsepower for its T5 engine and changes to its option packages.

Sharing its platform with the Volvo S40 sedan and V50 station wagon, and also with the Mazda3, the C30 is a two-door hatchback. It is available as the 2.4i, with 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated inline five-cylinder engine, and as the T5, with turbocharged 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder. The 2.4i uses a five-speed manual, the T5 a six-speed manual, and both can be optioned to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Features on the 2.4i include 16-inch alloy wheels, manual climate control, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear fog light, tinted glass, T-Tec upholstery, 45/45 split-folding rear seat, mechanical height-adjustable front seats, cruise control, floor mats, outside temperature gauge, auto up/down windows, intermittent wipers and CD stereo with auxiliary jack.

The T5 adds dual-zone automatic climate control, front fog lights, three-spoke leather-wrapped wheel, aluminum inlays, and CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack and wheel-mounted controls.

One of Volvo's handsomest vehicles, the C30 is the company's entry in the premium compact segment. Both engines perform very well, and the C30 retains the nimble handling, good brakes and buttery-smooth clutch of its S40 cousin. Interior room is good for the car's size, and the second-row seats, while naturally tougher to enter than a sedan, provide sufficient room for adults, but small-item storage up front could be better. Pricing is unchanged from 2007.