Entered CNET Catalog: 07/12/2007
SKU: 100872238
Manufacturer: Volvo
Product summary
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.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/10/2007
Photo gallery:
2008 Volvo C30
Volvo, looking to offer an affordable car to the U.S. market, rejuvenates a model from the past with the 2008 Volvo C30. This new small car borrows much from the Volvo P1800ES, produced from 1972 to 1973, down to the shape of the back glass. Similar to the Mini Cooper, the C30 represents a very attractive modern take on a classic design.
The C30 is a classic hatchback, with two long doors allowing access to the backseats. These seats fold down to maximize cargo area. Like the old P1800ES, the C30's hatchback is all glass. Its styling is superb, with a softly curved front end and a belt line that stretches back across haunch-like rear fenders. Those rear fenders give the back a wide stance, giving the C30 a sporty look.
Volvo also jumps on the trend to offer personalization with the C30, similar to the Mini Cooper and the Scion xB. Volvo claims that more than 5 million configurations can be derived from the C30's customization options. Amongst its accessories, you can get many youth-oriented touches such as bicycle, snowboard, and surfboard racks. Volvo even offers a walnut steering wheel for the sports car purist.
Test the tech: Surrounded by sound
The Volvo C30 is available in two trim levels, Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 (names obviously come up by marketers with no knowledge of software development). Version 2.0 comes standard with a Dynaudio premium audio system, pumping 650 watts through 10 speakers. This system has Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound and lets you fine-tune it with forward and rear 5 band graphic equalizers.
Normally, we would expect to be impressed by an audio system of this caliber, but when we tested the Volvo S80 with a similar system, we found that backseat occupants didn't get to enjoy the audio. With the C30, we did a simple test to determine whether the back seat would benefit from this system by using a sound meter to check the decibels in the front and back seats.
Beyond the graphic equalizers, this audio system lets you further tweak it by turning the surround sound from minimum to maximum. In normal driving, we found the maximum surround setting to deliver superb audio, with a really immersive experience. Running the dial up from minimum to maximum surround creates a dramatic difference, causing incredible separation. We really like the way different instruments seem to come from all around, with exceptional clarity and a seamless transition in emphasis around the cabin.
For our quantitative testing, we played a section from the Gorillaz Demon Days CD at half volume. We measured the decibels in the front and back seats, with surround at full and at minimum. With full surround, we got an even decibel measurement of 78 in front and back. With surround off, we saw a 5 decibel difference, with 80 in front and 75 in back. We tried the same test with a steady tone, this time getting 83 decibels in front and 82 in back, with surround on full. With surround off, we got 85 decibels in front and 83 in back.
From these results, and our own qualitative testing, we found that the backseat isn't left out in the surround-sound experience, as it was in the Volvo S80. The even decibel ratings in our music test shows that the maximum surround setting spread the audio out evenly through the cabin. The steady tone test showed less variance, but this test is less realistic as it only used the higher frequencies, and nobody drives around listening to a steady tone.
In the cabin
The interior of the Volvo C30 is well-designed and built, and we particularly like the floating stack, a panel holding audio and climate controls mounted in the center of the dashboard. This panel also has a keypad, which only served to call up radio station presets in our test car. However, if you get the Bluetooth hands-free cell phone option, you can use the keypad to dial phone numbers. The steering wheel is satisfyingly thick, and has audio and cruise controls mounted on its spokes.
There's very little difference between the Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 trim levels, except for the sound system. As we mentioned above, the premium sound system uses Dynaudio speakers and has superb surround sound. We did notice one problem with the audio, which might have been a glitch in our test car: We heard bass pops from the front tweeters. We heard it most while playing a White Stripes disc, so you might want to bring similar music along to the showroom.
Beyond the audio quality, we really like this stereo's simple display. It uses black LCD letters on a greenish background, but will invert its colors for night display. For audio sources, the premium audio system comes standard with Sirius satellite radio, a single disc player that can read MP3 CDs, and an auxiliary input in the center console. We like that the display shows track information from MP3 CDs, but the interface doesn't let you navigate a disc by folder. Instead, you start at track 1 and have to keep on turning the dial up through the tracks to get to the first song in the folder to which you want to listen. The same goes for Sirius where, instead of choosing music categories, you have to keep on turning the tuning dial until you reach your desired station. It's a very inconvenient design.
Along with Bluetooth, navigation was another option that we didn't have on our test car. However, we used the same navigation system on the Volvo C70 and found that it functioned well. This nav system comes with a remote control for the passengers, or the driver can operate it with a joystick and buttons mounted on back of the steering wheel spoke. Our only problem with the system is that the LCD, which pops up from the dashboard, is subject to glare on sunny days. We found glare a serious problem with the C70, but don't know how bad it will be on the C30.
Under the hood
Beyond the premium stereo, the other major difference between Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 is a sport-tuned suspension on the latter, what Volvo calls its Dynamic Chassis. The suspension felt like it had the right amount of rigidity to us, doing a decent job of damping out the bumps while also minimizing body roll during hard cornering. We put the Volvo C30 through its paces on Highway 9 and Skyline in the Santa Cruz mountains, two winding roads with some tight hairpins. The C30 didn't strike us as an ultimate sports car, but its powered front wheels dragged us through the corners with minimal wheel slip. Understeer wasn't a large problem as we took the car around mountain curves that seemed to end somewhere in the vicinity of 270 degrees, a lot of time to wonder if the turn would ever finish.
Our big regret was that our C30 came optioned with a five-speed automatic transmission, rather than the standard six-speed manual. This automatic seemed to hold back the potential of this car, with little inclination to downshift as we hit the brakes before a hard turn. Even in manual gear selection mode, we found the transmission sluggish, taking too much time to perform the up- or down-shift we selected. However, this transmission performed all right under hard acceleration, holding gears to about 6,000 revolutions per minute.
But, with the car's turbo-charged five cylinder engine, torque steer was an issue under hard acceleration. This 2.5-liter engine throws plenty of power to the small C30's wheels, making 227 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 236 ft-lbs of torque from 1,500 to 5,000rpm. We had no problem getting a squeak out of the front tires when we stomped the gas.
You will pay for the turbocharger at the pump, as the Volvo C30 gets an EPA rated 19mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway, figures that should be better for a car of this size. During our time with the car we weren't able to get a conclusive observed fuel economy rating. As of our review, no emissions ratings were published for the C30.
Volvo makes its BLIS lane-change warning system available in the C30, a great safety option we used in the S80. We're happy to see an advanced safety system like this available on a less expensive car. Volvos also makes front and rear parking systems available, which seem unnecessary on such a small car.
In sum
Our 2008 Volvo C30 Version 2.0 had a base price of $25,700. The Version 1.0 C30 will cost you a base $22,700. For options, our test car only came with the automatic transmission, which adds $1,250. With a $745 destination charge, our total came out to $27,695.
We really liked the looks of the C30, both inside and out. Except for the transmission, it drove very well. Its hatchback gives it a practical side, but there isn't much legroom in the backseats. The stereo is phenomenal, although the interface could use some work. Equipped with the optional Bluetooth and navigation, the C30 becomes a very techie car. Although it has a smaller engine, the Mini Cooper S has better handling and is a worthwhile competitor. And if you're really into odd body styles and from-the-factory personalization, the Scion xB is a cheaper alternative, although it doesn't perform nearly as well.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Just purchased 2008 C30 R
Pros: Comfort
Handling
Stereo (quality of sound, ease of use)
Unique appearance
Younger look and feel for Volvo
Cons: Options add up quickly
Auto-stick is not very predictable
Backseat headrests impede on visibility
Gas mileage
Still running premium fuel
I drove one of the base models around for a while and really enjoyed the feel and performance of the car but was very disappointed with the quality of the seats and console. My wife agreed and really wasn't interested in the car until I told her about the R edition.
The R Edition uses top grain leather for the seats and metal for some of the accents and console (as opposed to what appears to be cheap painted plastic). I believe the exterior uses a sportier body kit, painted to match the car and some stainless (rear view mirrors, front grill). The available upgraded stereo should satisfy just about anyone.
I am not sure if I would have bought this car without getting a great price on the R design. By the time you add the options you would expect from a Volvo, this car can easily list for 30k. If you can find the options you want for a price that works, this is a really cool car that offers some safety and options that were previously not available in a car with this stature without looking to BMW and MB.
Hopefully Volvo's pricing will be more successful than BMW and MB have been in this class.
out of 6 user reviews
IT TOTALLY SWEET
Pros: its sexy hott
Cons: there is none
out of 6 user reviews
Simple, easy ride
Pros: Powerful acceleration
Cons: Visibility, gas pedal
Rides fine, audio is OK.
out of 6 user reviews
General Comments...& OSD Program
Pros: Volvo safety & quality in a sporty, stylish package that is fun to drive
Cons: $300 Custom Build Fee
- Minor correction to previously submitted post - C30's BiXenon headlight optioon requires headlight washers (not wipers). We have those bixenons on our car; test drove regular halogen equipped and bixenon cars back to back one evening..and they sold themselves to me.
- The $300 Custom Build charge...like another poster said..this is just an irritant to the process and in my opinion should have just been built into the vehicle price...but wait, you CAN avoid that fee....
- Overses Delivery Program - we purchased our V50 that way and would ONLY buy a Volvo that way...save 8% over base MSRP, do not pay either the $745 delivery fee OR the $300 custom build charge, get two free round trip tickets to Sweden; airport pickup and transport to hotel (one night free) and transport to factory delivery center, factory delivery complete with lunch and factory tour, two weeks vehicle insurance and free auto transport back to U.S. dealer of your choice...check out program on Volvo's web site.
-Volvo for Life! (and no, I am not affiliate with Volvo in any way other than as a 2x customer)
out of 6 user reviews
The car is wonderful, the buying process is so-so.
Pros: Quality/Fit, & Finish, Style, Sporty Quiet Ride
Cons: Buying custom car presented a few minor annoyances, see below.
Highlights: 1) The sound system in the 2.0 is beautiful, in some ways better than my rather high-end home system. It is very adjustable, and I am still learning and toying with it to get it just right. 2) The ride is very quiet and the shifting and turbo kick-in are about as smooth as any I've experienced. 3) A good balance between quiet/smooth ride and fun-to-drove road and engine feel is struck. The car can really pick-up and go quickly, and with a nice throaty little roar, when you ask it to. 4) I really like the optional keyless entry/drive system I got. The convenience of opening doors with an armload of stuff without having to fish for keys is nice, as is just sitting down and turning the car on. 5) The shifter is nearly effortless. 6) Using 6th gear WILL get you a speeding ticket eventually...but it's nice for a little spice once in a while. 7) The seats are very supportive and comfortable. 8) The long list of options does let you truly customize your features and styling to your tastes. 9) Handling and braking have been superb.
Many of the "expert" reviews decry somewhat silly things, in my opinion, considering this is a compact hatchback. Such as: "limited rear seat leg room", "limited cargo space", "not as fast or nimble as a Mini", etc.... The C30 is quite functional in all these areas, and I believe Volvo found a good middle ground. This is a great car for 1 or 2 passengers and a bit of day-to-day cargo, with the option of upping the passenger number or cargo space a bit in a pinch. It is also very sporty, without being a "toy" car. It seems a little odd to criticize it for being exactly what it was designed to be. "Limited rear visibility" is somewhat true, but it can be overcome with good mirror settings and a bit of getting used to where to look.
Annoyances: I only have three minor things related to the car itself, but several regarding the purchase process. 1) I wish the driver's seat moved back just another inch or two for optimal leg comfort. I'm 6' and leggy and I'm comfortable, but not in heaven as I sit. Taller or long-legged drivers may have difficulty. 2) The key is large and ugly. Unfortunately, the "male" end of the key does not retract or flip down into the body of the key unit (ala my bro's Audi key), so it makes the key a bit large and uncomfortable to carry in a pocket. Maybe this wouldn't be so annoying for a woman with keyless drive who could keep it in a purse. 3) The two center console drink holders, when filled, are right in the way of your arm on the manual shift. Probably not a big deal for the automatic version.
The Buying Process: the worst part of the whole deal for many little reasons. 1) The custom build option is great for how it allows you to shape the car, but...the delivery time of 2.5 months is a long wait (though mine did arrive 1 week early) and the $300 charge just to be able to select custom options is pure b.s. I know they could just build that $$ in by adding a couple bucks to each option and hiding the fee anyway, but telling you you have to pay just for the privilege of buying more stuff leaves a bad little taste. 2) Because the car is so new, the dealers and salespeople were not particularly knowledgeable...but this will likely improve over time. 3) Volvo is not cutting any deals on this car at this time, so you can't haggle much at all and are just stuck with the MSRP-type price they quote you. Because of this and the custom options that can add up fast, the price can climb pretty high for a car in this class (low to mid 30's). 4) I found one of the "individual, custom" options that I couldn't get without another. I wanted bi-xenon headlights, but was told you have to get headlamp wipers, too, for another $350. Two issues with that: a) I live in southern CA where it rains (lightly) like 20 days/year, so I have no need, and b) None of the demo cars in the dealerships that have bi-xenons have wipers (because they don't look very sexy), so I know that they can do one without the other. But, no go. It's a package deal and I was annoyed.
OK. That's enough ranting. The truth is that now that the purchase is done and the wait is over...I really love my car, and everyone I've shown it to (including many random strangers) seems to agree. I never thought I'd drive a Volvo after my dad's durable, but uninspiring Volvo in the eighties, but Volvo has really done something special with this C30, and I think many drivers will be surprised by what they find here.
out of 6 user reviews
Correcting CNET
Pros: price, european delivery, pep
Cons: fuel economy, lack of integrated bluetooth
Version 1.0 - from the rubber bumpers, cheesy customized interior finishes, and automatic transmission this car was not very impressive. The transmission seemed to resist taking advantage of a pretty powerful engine. The interior was cheesy and uninspired (though I have to admit that some of this is Volvo's rather questionable decision to send each dealer a 1.0 with a big Swedish flag roof and metallic blue interior paint finishes).
Version 2.0 - Sitting in this car was like sitting in an entirely different world when compared to the 1.0. The sound system is truly amazing...especially for a car in this price rage. But I do have to correct the CNET review.
When I built my 2.0 to order, I learned that the American C30s will not have integrated bluetooth in the traditional sense. It's going to be a dealer add-on...and a cheesy one at that. They're just repurposing a very ugly Motorola kit and bludgeoning your dashboard with a cheap plastic button. The European versions have the integration, but you'll not get this feature State-side.
And the manual transmission and sports suspension made a huge difference driving the car. It was the most fun I've had driving a sub $30k in my life...and by fun I mean a very nice balance of pep and interior luxury.
Finally, I decided to purchase the car through Volvo's Overseas Delivery Program. Check it out.
