Review: Volvo C30 is small and satisfying

Five-cylinder engines tend to get short shrift in the auto world, snubbed in favor of more popular configurations of four and six cylinders. But fives offer a good balance between the fuel economy of a four-cylinder and the added power of a six. It’s a shame these engines don’t get more recognition, just like one particular model that employs one: The Volvo C30.

Numerous times during my weeklong test-drive of this Swedish car, colleagues had no idea it even existed. The C30 is Volvo’s smallest car, a two-door hatchback that has been available in the U.S. since the 2008 model year.

But it’s one I think should be on more people’s radar, not just because of its relatively powerful yet fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, but because it feels like a safe, solid vehicle that offers comfortable seating and tasteful amenities. It’s a car that borders on entry-level luxury, with a price that isn’t too hard to swallow.

As tested, my upscale R-Design edition, clad in vibrant red paint, came in at around $33,000. Base models start at $25,575, including destination charge.

Whether in base or R-Design form, you get the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that’s good for an ample 227 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or, like mine, a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic (with the ever-popular option to shift manually, should you choose). All C30s are front-wheel-drive.

The R-Design package is largely about aesthetics, such as front and rear spoilers, sport pedals, polished exhaust tips and a unique grille.

With or without those options, the C30 is one good-looking car to my eye. It’s a squat, compact little car (at 167.4 inches long, it’s only about 6 inches longer than a Honda Fit). But its shape is unlike most anything new on the road, save for the new Lexus CT200h or a Mazda3 hatchback, to which the C30 looks like a squished form of the latter.

Inside, Volvo opted to make this a four-seater, with only two seats in the back instead of three. This fact alone may rule out some potential buyers, but should be welcome news to those who regularly find themselves staring at the back of a front seat, since these rear ones are spacious and nicely contoured.

My test-model provided by Volvo was swaddled in fine leather, making the seats all the more appealing. Up front, you get the typical Swedish simplicity and minimalism found in Volvos and IKEA furniture. The only potentially confusing thing is the numerous small buttons in the center dash, though 10 of them can be immediately forgiven because they are numeral buttons used to operate such things as the phone.

The driver’s seat is comfortable and the visibility is among the best I’ve found in a car. One of the most distinctive features about the C30 is its massive rear window. It looks great as a design element, and works even better for when you need to see what’s behind you, whether you’re in reverse or changing lanes. It felt as if I could practically see through this car.

That doesn’t come as a surprise, since Volvo has built its reputation on not only being safe cars, but ones that can help prevent an accident in the first place.

My only real complaint from the driver’s seat is that the seatbelt had the tendency to creep up and rub against my neckline in an aggravating manner, no matter how I positioned the seat. If I were to buy this car, my very next purchase would be one of those furry pads that you think taxi drivers look silly using. In this case, comfort would trump fashion.

This car is quick but not blazingly fast. Expect a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds or less. But the motor pulled strong and did not exhibit any tendency for turbo lag, in which you find yourself waiting (often with a semi-truck barreling toward you) for the turbo to kick in before the car accelerates quickly.

Regarding fuel economy, this car is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city and up to 30 mpg highway. In mixed driving, I averaged a still respectable 24.4 mpg.

What I liked best about the C30 was the way it felt on the road. Volvos have a certain feel about them, an inherent solidness that just says, “You’re safe with me.” The C30 is no exception. On the highway it’s quiet and comfortable, yet still small and powerful enough to fling around on more curvaceous roads.

Cargo capacity in back is decent, but remember, this is a compact car so you’ll have to pack (or not) accordingly. The two rear seats can also be folded nearly flat, and when done so, creates much more room. I could not find a way to fold the front seat forward – a nifty feature found on other Volvos – so I guess you won’t be packing the surfboard inside this one.

Small criticisms aside, the C30 is a car I missed almost immediately. From its shape to its number of cylinders, it’s a different car, and in this case, those differences add up to one smart and satisfying ride.

Your turn: Share your 2 cents on the Volvo C30 in the comments area below.