Volvo C30 2007
July 20, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
Volvo hasn’t exactly had the best luck selling cars in the last 10 years, perhaps the “Volvo Driving Soccer Mums” stereotype has really put a damper on Volvo’s sales, or perhaps the fact that their cars are generally boring, uninspiring and almost embarrassing to be in has something todo with it? Okay I might be over exaggerating here, Volvo isn’t too bad, its more the people who buy them that worry me.
When Volvo released the Volvo XC70 in 2003 their luck began to slowly change, Volvo had hit the mark with the XC70 since those willing to actually spend money on a big 4WD to drive around the city bought one for one reason, safety, although they forgot to realize that while they might be safe, other drivers on the road are at higher risk of being killed. Nevertheless, Volvo have a new car that they really hope will change their luck even more and bring new first time buyers to the brand. Its called the Volvo C30.
Originally shown at the Detroit Motorshow in the States, the Volvo C30 is powered by the 5 Cylinder Turbo charged engine also found in the new Ford XR5. The original concept car produced 260 hp and 258 lbs-ft of torque. There is no confirmation from Volvo (till the 25th of July) about the actual specs of the production model, there is also no word as to whether or not this model will actually make it to Australia, however Volvo has claimed that the new Volvo C30 will be officially displayed at the Paris motor show in September (2006), and the car will be introduced throughout the world starting at the end of 2006.
Volvo hopes that this car will help push its yearly sales to 600,000 cars a year. The aim of this car is to attract new and young buyers who will stick with the brand for life. From the figures and its looks, I have to say its not too bad, but I would have to change my name and wear a paper bag while driving before I buy a Volvo.
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I have a V50 and I’m proud of it! :)
I saw pictures of the original C30 concept car and loved it (esp. the hatch/boot).
I would seriously consider it as a second car. Compact enough for city driving + stylish + safety (all-important).
stylish? Hmmm okay, I guess, I am not so sure though, I am a little scared of driving around in a volvo, as someone who loves cars and writes about them on a daily basis, I can’t say I would find myself behind the wheel of one anytime soon.
I’d love for volvo to come out with some really aggressive sports cars, this is a good example, i’ll be sure to try and give it a spin when it comes out.
Volvo C30!? Based on styling of beautiful show cars SCC and 3CC?!?! Have you never seen a Volvo 480ES? That ugly duckling volvo fastback that made Volvo look more like a Casio watch competitor than the premium car manufacturer it thinks it is… Or older even, the Volvo 1800ES? If you can’t remember go and ask your parents, they sure will remember it.
So there you have it. The C30 is officially the least inspired new car design and the ‘retro-ugliest’ Volvo shape of the century! Looks like your mother-in-law attacked the S40 with a ironing board. Makes me reconsider my views on the less than beautiful Citroen C4 coupe…
Good luck to all future C30 owners, I’m quite happy in my stunning A3, thanks!
why are you proud Jon Y??
To the A3 owner: Having experienced 10 years of living in your mentally fortified country, I am not surprised at your cynical narrow-minded preference for Leopard Panzer style vehicles that lack taste, style and features but will surely crush any other form of biological, anatomical, organic or other mechanical creature on the Autobahn with ease (and a wry smile).
This has to be the best looking Volvo, I remember when I was in school a friends father had a chocolate brown box shaped Volvo that we were all embarrassed to be seen in and now look at them they are just great and this on had to have become really popular after the movie Twilight,.