Cars and car tech

The good: The Version 2.0 trim level of the 2008 Volvo C30 comes with a premium audio system that puts out superb surround sound. The car has an exceptional design, both inside and out, and decent handling.

The bad: The optional automatic transmission is slow to shift even in manual selection mode. Fuel economy could be better in such a small car. Torque steer is a factor under hard acceleration.

The bottom line: The 2008 Volvo C30 makes for a fun and sporty little car that will stand out in a crowd. It can be optioned up with the full range of tech, though its stereo interface leaves something to be desired. Leave out the automatic transmission option in favor of the manual.

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