Palma de Mallorca – Infomotori.co.uk Team this time left cold and autumnal Northern Italy's weather to fly into the hot and sunny nice beaches of Mallorca. The purpose of this travel was not a funny holiday though, as we went there expressely to test a compact and sporty Volvo: Volvo C30.
Innovation and tradition Let's talk al little bit about Volvo C30's project from the beginning. Volvo C30 is representing a return of this European brand into the compact car segment. The last Volvo compact model is by the way quite an old one, the 480 model launched during the '80s. Therefore Volvo C30 represents an heir of it, which now tries to challenge the “old” cars of the segment: Audi A3, BMW Serie 1 and Alfa 147.
Volvo C30's design keeps on SCC prototype's characteristics of sport and dynamism, starting from the family feeling front, which is emphasized by a lower spoiler of a different colour from the rest of the body-work.
The most interesting new elements concern the post view: The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide a very good rear view, not least at an angle rearward. The whole car shape looks original, as it meets the traditional Volvo style with a touch of aggressive character. We do appreciate this choice, as it is proper to challenge its most aggressive competitors with success, thanks to innovative shapes and an eye-catching design.
On the road: manoeuvrable and sporty to drive In Palma de Mallorca we could test two engines considered among the most powerful units of the whole C30 set. The fisrt we tested was D5, which leaded us through the winding roads of this Spanish island. It is a diese unit, that we have already appreciated on many Swedish car manufacturer models. But here the weight of the car is much lighter, about 200 Kg less, for improved and still more dynamic performances.
Since the beginning of our driving on this great new compact Volvo, we feel something never felt before with a Swedish car: thanks to its small size and well thought out design, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. Otherwise, it is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars. A compact and solid body, a generous track width, and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to giving it inspiring and stable driving characteristics.
As bends start, our first surprise becomes true excitement. Volvo C30 is cutting-edge and precise, almost perfect. While sports and dynamic performances in the city, this car is a really great off-road.
Supercharged engine After great C30 D5, it is now the go to test the powerful T5 of 220 hp. This petrol engine is turbo charged, and has very high and even torque from low to high engine speeds (320 Nm from 1500 to 4800 rpm). This makes the Volvo C30 very responsive, with willing acceleration. In our opinion this Volvo C30 T5 is, for sure, one of the best compact premium we have ever tested. The amazing energy of its turbo engine is almost hidden by extraordinary dynamic capacities of the vehicle.
Interior Even the internal 4-seats structure is very appreciated. As the bodtwork is sporty and the car is three-doors, this choice makes the rear room much more comfortable. Of course there are some disadvantages, as a certain trouble in getting the rear seats, thouh a good ergonomic study was done. Best quality, the same of its “sisters” S40 and V50. On a little element at the centre of the dashboard all clima and radio instruments are displayed, while the instrument panel in front of the driver is complete and clear.
Modern exterior, advanced technology in the interior For its launch the new C30 is expected to be equipped with a 1.6 fuel engine, which offers an output of 100-220 hp. As far as diesel engine are concerned, a good 1.6 unit of 109 hp and a 180 hp D5 is going to represent for sure the favorite choice for everybody who longs for sports performances but at the same time not too high consumptions. Furthermore, as far as safety is concerned, as usual Volvo equips C30 with the most advanced technology. Standard airbag and a WHIPS system to protect from head shocking.
Great expectations This Volvo C30 is excpected to have a high success, over all from Volvo car manufacturer. Such a great car could raise car manufacurers sales until up until 600.000 cars per year. Italy is hosting Volvo C30 worldwide debut, with the open day planned on 25th and 26th November.

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