The Volvo C30 is by no means your parents' sport coupe. For generations, everything about Volvo has lent itself to an association with excellence in automotive safety, and this car certainly continues the trend with a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (thanks to standard Anti-Lock Brakes, Dynamic Stability Traction Control, and the whiplash protection seating system, as well as optional rear parking assist and blind spot information system). But it also incorporates the kind of sleek, chic modernism that speaks to a younger generation of compact-car buyers. Volvo has coined it "the little car with one big attitude", and that moniker is fitting for the stylishly sporty C30.
The engine compartment boasts a turbo charged 5-cylinder engine in both the T5 and R-Design models, which lends itself nicely to swift acceleration, especially on straight-aways. The T5 comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic while the R-Design has a 6-speed manual transmission for optimum acceleration (although both of these options can be had on the other model). The C30 also features 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. And 30 mpg highway is nothing to sneeze at in a car with this much get up and go. All in all, it's a pretty dynamic engine for what might otherwise be an unassuming little hatchback.
In terms of styling, Volvo sticks to what they know best with a definite tendency towards sleek minimalism. The exterior color options are primarily sophisticated neutral tones (except for the splashy "orange flame metallic" and "passion red"), but they make up for it with sporty extras like front and rear spoilers, side skirts, and a unique tailgate opening. As for the interior, the design options are likewise limited, but the two-tone black and blonde seats are seriously suave. Also standard are an in-dash MP3-compatible stereo system, HD radio, and USB interface. And with comfortable seats and an optional premium 650-watt Dolby Pro Logic II sound system you will find yourself wrapped in automotive heaven.
Interior extras include a Garmin portable navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio and a creepily cool LED lighting kit under the dash (comes in 5 colors). For the exterior, you can add a roof spoiler and a styling kit that includes a front bumper bar, side scuff plate, and rear skid plate. This stylish little car has a decent price point, starting at just $24,600, and while it does go up a bit with extras, it tops out around $35,000 for the full package.
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