Volvo C30 Road Test

Volvo C30

Rivals

Mercedes Benz A-Class, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, BMW 1 Series

What We Liked

• Ride and handling
• Interior design and ambience
• The R-Design packaging
• High level of standard equipment
• High level of standard Safety Equipment

What We Disliked

The 1.6 litre engine requires too much input out of town and can feel underpowered.

What We'd Like To See

A little more power out of the 1.6 litre engine but of course we would choose a more powerful engine if the budget allowed.

Build Quality

Like all Volvo’s the C30 is well built and feels exceptionally solid for a small hatchback. The switch gear and trim is comparable to the Volvo XC90 or S80 and is built to last.

Value For Money

Cheaper to buy than the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series the Volvo C30 is designed to appeal to a premium hatchback buyer and it does not disappoint. It is laden with the latest safety equipment and the cabin feels well appointed. Used values still seem to be quite high and supply on the second hand market seems restricted, so residuals should remain competitive.

Conclusion

The Volvo C30 stands out from the boring hatchback crowd and it brings the Volvo brand to a new, younger buyer.

There are better hatchbacks to drive but they don’t feel as solid nor do they have the interior ambience & ergonomics, high level of standard safety equipment (including a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating) and all round appeal of the Volvo C30.

Volvo C30