Used Car Review - Volvo C30 (2007-2013)

Myk Belmonte evaluates the recepie of this unique hatchback.

2007-2013 Volvo C30

History
Volvos are known to be utterly conservative vehicles that are aimed towards the senior demographic of the market. They are safe that they are fitted with tons of safety features but something that is definitely not associated with fun and funky. In the new millennium, they had numerous efforts on making their cars something to be worthy of consideration by the younger market.

It started life as the Volvo Safety Concept Car displayed at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show with production being planned in 2002 and it was made available as a production car in 2006 with the first units being sold in Europe. It shared the platform with the S40, V50, and C70 plus other Ford and Mazda vehicles sold internationally. To further tap the younger market, it had a premier in the Twilight Saga movies with Edward Cullen driving it. After calling it a day, Volvo discontinued the vehicle in 2013.

2007 saw the introduction of the C30 in the Philippine market which made this vehicle as the cheapest Swedish car (SAAB isn't here so, the distinction is there). Although this vehicle is technically discontinued, there are some stocks available locally.

Value and Costs
Thanks to the mighty power of depreciation, second hand C30s range between P750,000 to P1,200,000 for later units. As the drill, go with a pre-owned unit since it will give you a peace of mind.

Since this vehicle comes from the Continental side of the planet, expect maintenance costs to be slightly higher than those from the Land of the Rising Sun. There are no reliability issues, but it pays to check the vehicle thoroughly.

Exterior and Interior
With some bits of inspiration from the P1800ES and 480ES, the C30 looks sporty on paper thanks to its two door styling. We shall not delve on this one more since let us have the design speak for itself.

If you have kids, look elsewhere as the C30's interior isn't that much friendly especially the rear area isn't hospitable at all. Dealing with the other details, there is the floating dashboard that carries an easy to reach controls that are logically placed.

Engine
Throughout selling life, there had been three engines available. The original options were a B5244S4 2,435cc carrying 170hp at 6,000rpm and 230Nm at 4,400rpm and a turbocharged B5254T7 2,521cc displacing 230hp at 5,000rpm and 320Nm at 1,500-5,000rpm. In a March 2010 update, the bigger 2.4 I5 was dropped in exchange of the B4204S3 1,999cc with figures rated at 145hp at 6,000rpm and 185Nm at 4,500rpm. For the low run of the engine options, the 2.0 is enough for your needs while the 2.4 has more oomph and the turbocharged 2.5 is fast but pointless.

Driving Impressions
We have bad news here, as the C30 does not posses a sporty drive complementing its styling. At least this vehicle has some firm body roll but the ride is a somewhat firm. Steering this coupe slash hatchback is on the middle part. This is no sports car, mind you.

Verdict
This is a hybrid car in a sense it confuses people whether it is a coupe or a hatchback. A used C30 will give you a practical yet stylish hatchback but this is no sports car. If you are a fashion setter without any intentions of raising a family and not a sporty minded person, then go for a pre-owned C30.

The Good:

• Unique looks
• Made of high quality
• Powerful turbocharged engine

The Bad:

• Less practical
• Less spacious
• Not that fun to drive

The Pick: 2.0i

THE SPECS

Engines: 1,999cc B4204S3 I4, 2,435cc B5244S4, and 2,521cc B5254T7 turbocharged I5 gasoline
Power: 145hp @ 6,000rpm (2.0), 170hp @ 6,000rpm (2.4), 230hp @ 5,000rpm (2.5)
Torque: 185Nm @ 4,500rpm (2.0), 230Nm @ 4,400rpm (2.4), 320Nm @ 1,500-5,000rpm (2.5)
Fuel Consumption: 6-9km/L (city), 8-11km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 6-speed Powershift (2.0), 5-speed automatic (2.4 and 2.5)
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link

MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,788,888-P2,388,888
Price (Now): P700,000-P1,200,000
Rivals: Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes Benz B Class
On Sale: 2007-2014
Resources:
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-c30-41/
http://www.volvo-forums.com/f65-volvo-c30-forum.htm

Contacts:
Volvo Makati - (02) 893-6621

Photos from http://olx.ph/45952632