2008 Volvo C30 S review
June 11, 2008 by Karl Peskett
In S form, you get the basic package. It’s nice to once in a while get the base model of a car, where PR departments normally load up their test cars with options. The black C30 S, you see here, only came with automatic transmission.
So as a car, how is it? Well, it’s actually quite a relaxed drive. And that’s not a negative thing, either.
The 2.4-litre inline five cylinder petrol engine doesn’t create any output records with a kilowatt rating of 125, and 230Nm of torque. But it doesn’t mean that it’s got no pull.
Certainly it’s very linear in the way it gives you its power, but the top end delivery is quite surprising. In fact, overtaking on country roads is a sinch. A 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds is not to be sneezed at too, especially when there are cars making a lot more power which can’t match that.
And the automatic which mates up to the engine is a fine unit too. It’s smooth and willing, although the response of the manual gate could be a little snappier.
Love the c30, my favourite hot hatch. would def go the T5 tho
Love the styling of this thing. The base model was always a puzzling item. The diesel has pull and the T5 has grunt, the base model is the definite orphan.
One thing I have never liked is the textured black plastic trim. Always seems to fade to gray.
Wrong engine in this one…def need CRD or the T5.
Of course it’s the worst engine of them, it’s the cheapest and the only naturally aspirated one
Not really a fan of the rear, myself.
I saw the T5 reviewed on Fifth Gear today. They said it was quite good. The guy that reviewed it said that this car proves centre consoles can be practical and not boring, and that its a premium drive not a sporty one. So its not really in the hot hatch segment having little less power than the Focus XR5, which shares the same engine.
hmm.. quite a heavy car for its size, no wonder it sips 9.0L/100km.. not bad but still.. can’t quite figure out why Volvos are always so heavy.
How can you say the interior is bland. Take a look at Volvos from 3+ years back then you will appreciate the ultimate in bland – or better yet a SAAB.
I own a red S40 with this 2.4 five pot, and the engine is great. It has more power and torque than any rival (base engines in the Audi A3/A4 or BMW 120i or 320i), and the extra cylinder makes the difference. 125KW is huge for a ‘base’ powerplant. It’s far from the ‘poverty’ engine it’s portrayed as here.
also it’s a……………….bland Volvo.