2007 Volvo C30 T5 Road Test
July 24, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
How it goes
As I sat behind the wheel of the C30, I told myself to not get too excited; after all, it’s just a Volvo. I had become what I had hated for so long, a bloody Volvo driver.
With 162kWs and 320Nm of Torque the C30 T5 is a sleeper at the lights. Powered by the same engine found in Ford’s XR5 (Volvo actually made the engine), the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine in the T5 catapults the car from 0-100km/hr in 6.7 seconds (7.1 for auto), although when tested, the figures appeared much closer to mid 6s for the auto and high 5s for the manual.
Our chase car was a five-speed automatic and not the six-speed manual I had wished for. The automatic gearbox is one of the better five-speed autos available, with instant smooth down shifts and effortless gear changes. However the tiptronic setup was a little useless. You really had to push the stick back and forward with some force to change gears – not exactly a fun thing to do.
Blessed with the optional $1,500 sports pack, the C30 was lowered by 20mm with much stiffer suspension. All of this aside, the C30 is a front-wheel-drive turbo, and it was going to chase an Aston Martin DB9, how could it keep up?
As we hit the mountains a few hours out of Sydney, we pulled over to take some video of the Aston. First thing Paul (who was riding shotgun in the Aston) said to me was “How on earth did you keep up!” – How did I keep up? I had even amazed myself. Sure it got a little dirty in the process, but how can this $44,000 car keep up with an Aston Martin DB9 worth more than 8x the price?
And more importantly, what happened to my perception of slow and boring Volvos? Why were pedestrians pointing at the car and not laughing? How come no one had yelled out “Bloody Volvo Driver”? Why was there no body roll around hard corners? How could it handle so well? Why is it so comfortable? Why can’t I find a fault?
My world was crashing at my feet. The C30 had won me over. I was amazed, but I was also confused, all the years of hate were torn apart by this car in a matter of hours. I felt as though I had just had a revelation – how come this is not the best selling sports car in Australia? Volvo doesn’t even refer to this as a sports car, more so as a “sporty car” a big understatement if you ask me!
The C30 comes equipped with 17 inch wheels wrapped in 205/50 tyres, a little thinner than one would expect. The car stops from 100km/hr in 38 metres thanks to Ventilated 300mm discs at the front and solid 280mm discs for the rear.
Continue reading….
If this car was $40k driveaway i would have purchased one for wifey.
But seeing u can get a CX7 for that amount [which this site said they are going to test] i would rather that, its simply better value and better quality too
Cheers
F-0
Frugal One:
You couldn’t be any more wrong. The CX-7 is a fuel guzzling poser that rolls about through corners.
The C30 is a sports car…there’s no use comparing the two.
The C30 is ugly though, it could offer great value for money…. I still wouldnt get it.
Paul:
Styling is entirely subjective.
I think the Camry V6…*cough*…I mean Aurion is an ugly piece of overrated whitegood trash…doesn’t make my opinion gospel though…
From the front, the C30 is an absolutely beautiful car, its only the rear thats a let down, unfortunately, given the cars power and capability, most people will only ever the rear…. but apart from that, there is just nothing wrong with this car! it is near perfect.
^
I was going to clarify that yeah, the front is ok its just the rear… its to much for me.
As for Benjamin, well then Id say your part of a minority… the Aurion looks decent, most people who aernt biased will tell you that. I agree looks are subjective but on a majority basis the C30 is ugly.
After reading this I am seriously considering trading the XR5 for one of these…
I am and have been a big fan of Volvo’s (and I am under 30) and cop some crap for it.
Being a Volvo fan when this came out I went down to the local dealer to have a look see and it does look good in the flesh but I had read report about it being a more floaty then the XR.
I guess a drive will answer that question.
Now to convince the other half she can live without 2 doors.
Matt, I would say that the C30 T5 is a far easier drive than the XR5 but no less spritted. That’s apart from the level of luxury and style etc. You just point the C30 at ANY corner and it will blast through it like a well sorted rally machine but without the body jarring.
I am actually considering replacing our trusted Liberty with a C30 also. Just don’t need that much space any more. Even with two doors – 2 kids aged 5 & 15 were no problems.
Paul, when you apply the colour matching body kit, add the Atreus wheels and tinted windows you’ve got a completely different story. In Brisbane the other day I saw a titanium grey pearl C30 which had heaps of heads turning.
Got one already, Red T5/Body Kit, Yup you either hate that rear end or you love it – no two questions about it. Even Volvo themselves concede that not everyone will like it. Regardless of how this model sells I think that rear-end will become one of the ‘classic’ icons of auto-design for a while. It is so different from what we have seen for some time; which probably is the reason why people’s opinions of it are so divided.
Personally I do like the rear end – to me it gives the C30 an agressive look, especially with the lowered suspension.
Anyway, do youself a favour and test drive one, I think you’d be as surprised as the reviewer – you still might hate that rear end though!
P.S and no, I’m not a Volvo dealer – I’m an aging IT Manager from WA !
Cheers
Am i thge only one that actually likes the rear styling of the new volvo? Anyone failiar with the beautiful lines of teh volvo p1800 will remember the boot of the P18000 ES estate model circa 1970-73. OK so it looks a little different from the boring run of the mill hatches around.
I quite like the back end styling too Gus. In the right colour, the car looks great, it stands out on the road.
I’ll be test driving one of these over the weekend. The car really appeals to me, and I dont mind the styling at all. If I can keep it under 50K with the metalic paint, those horn looking 5 spoke wheels, sports pack, etc, I might have to give up my trusty 3 MPS. This, of course providing the drive lives up to the review. Im not holding my breath about keeping it under 50K though. European car companies are specialists at charging 5K to wash your car, make you a latte’, and put the incorrect pressures in your tyres, and calling it pre delivery!
Nick,
definitely let me know how you go, would be interested to hear your thoughts, specially comparing it to the MPS 3
Hey great site…..My father just bought a C30 T5, absolutely fell in love with the drive. Test Drive – It was funny to see my father a 56 year old hooning around the streets with this coupe. When I drove it, drove well, handling, power where amazing !! Was a little different from what I’m driving at the moment (Honda euro lxry).
Insurance was surprisingly cheap for the car being a coupe…cough *three door hatch.
Only thing I could pick on it was the handbrake being on the passenger side, and the accelerator and brake pedals where not centralised, I mean you had to bring your right foot over to the left more…and the brake even more left…thats if you dont drive with two feet. So you are nearly crossing your legs when you brake….if that makes sense, lol (Automatic).
My two cents worth
Appearance IS subjective. I love the look of this thing from all angles, particularly with the two-tone finish.
This will be my next car. Only question; can we have it chipped to make it faster??
Oh my.. This guy very nearly aced his test review, then I read what he had to say about the C30’s much raved about and accomplished rear end. Silly fella, clearly doesn’t know a good arse when he sees one! The best looking premium hatch ever to grace our shores. Makes an Audi A3 look like an overpriced fridge on wheels, and the BMW 1 series a tacky 80’s Japanese import. The best, put simply, is the Volvo.
INDEED, thats a hot arse!
She’s modern and silky up front but with a crazy Euro hill climb / rally style rear.
Awesome.
PS…. FYI Go-Fast pack e.g chip, pipes etc. for the C30 will be easy, its going to be popular.
Google the Ford XR5 forum here in australia and you’ll find some guys getting good gains for $1,500.
JJ
Thats a hot arse? Now I have heard everything.
The irony of those who don’t like the C30 are more sedan type drivers, not sports hatchback types… to each their own.
Simon Lamarre has managed to put together a great design: from the side profile, the car tapers aggressively. An aggressively sloping silhouette risks looking diminutive, but this is balanced by a bold, extra wide stance. The taillights are a style quote from Volvo’s wagons, and the glass hatch is a reference to the P1800. It’s a smart piece of design.
If you don’t like the C30, that’s the whole point; it’s not supposed to appeal to everyone – it’s a design statement.
Saw C30 for first time yesterday. Liked it! Drove around block two more times to check it out. Have to go to Perth to drive one (5 hours). Have been Subaru Liberty station wagon owner 3x. Ready to cut down size. Will I miss all wheel drive? How is cargo area? Is the spare tyre full size? How is 2 door for adults to get into back seat? Most times just 1 or 2 people plus dogs. Back hatch seems high – is it comfortable for loading groceries, sports gear?
Not sure about comparing CX7 & C30 (??) however, my “wifey” has just bought a black T5 – lots of fun to drive and safe as, with vg handling.
i’m a lover of the whole design – its sporty yet roomy; it doesn’t look at all like every other hatch out there – it has a point of difference; i’m a 26 yr old volvo driver!! loved them so much i got one myself. easily fit my 6ft 2″ brother comfortably in the back seat.
I’ve had a (black) C30 T5 R-Design Manual (with the 18′ Atreus wheels, trick suspension) for 4 weeks now and I have to concur that it’s a pretty nice piece of kit. It’s not really a hot-hatch in the GTI, R26/R27 vein, more a civilised small premium car with extremely good GT capabilities. I haven’t done it yet but doing a 1,000km trip is this car would be an absolutely breeze…and it’s a great town car too. If somebody had told me 2 years ago that I’d own an Volvo I’d have laughed at them. The C30 is the real deal though.
hi.this is a really useful website.I think that the C30 is a fairly good car (my step mum has one) even though it look a little ygly from the rear,it still looks great form the front though.
I am seriously considering looking into buying a 2nd hand C30 and all comments and reviews point to paying the extra and getting the T5. I am concerned however about fuel economy notwithstanding i am in a provincial area, and repairs and maintenance, running costs. Can anyone that has owned one for a while provide some guide/comment please?
I am looking at purchasing a 1 yr old T5 but am worried about repairs, servicing and maintenance and fuel economy. Could someone who owns/has owned one give indicative costs please?
Hey Stormshark…Ive given you some answers but its under moderation ? No idea why ? Cant find any naughty words in it,hopefully it wont stay under moderation for long! :)
Thanks Bavarian, i have been checking for your advise.
Weird its still under moderation………Ill ask why ?
You young bucks frighten me. I’m 70 and have just ordered a T5 on specs alone.(Huge torque for 2.4litre motor-Volvo build-Cute Ass!-Low running costs).Have had to order the bog-standard model due to finances.Will report later if you’re interested……………..S
Just bought a c30 but we don’t have the t5 version here in Ireland so I had to get the 2.0 ltr se model which came fully loaded with the t5 body kit and leather heated and electric seats and the 17″alloys wrapped in p7s which should be fun to change when the time comes. It’s lowered like the t5 also and came with the auto xion head lights and wippers. It’s not new it’s the 2007 model but looks brand new with only4000 miles on the clock. I traded an astra gtc sxi 1.8ltr for it and payed €5000 with my old car for it. In total the car cost €17000 which I think is a very good price and was worth every cent. The car is a fantastic drive and the return button on the cruise control is really good. It picks up quicker than my astra which had the same 148bhp as the c30 but from 1st gear to 3th the astra was more of a hold on car even with the dstc turned off. Anyone looking at this car should get one or at least take one for a test drive. This is not an old man car as I’m only 24 and love every inch of this car and hope to see many more of these cars on the roads of home.
Looks brilliant, except the rear-end lets it down. It’s much to cutesy for my liking.