2007 Volvo C30 T5 Road Test
September 14, 2007 by Paul Maric
2007 Volvo C30 T5 Road Test
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: $42,450
Options Fitted: Laminated glass – $490, Premium sound – $930, 6 CD stacker – $795, Heated front seats – $315, Sports suspension – 20mm drop – $1500 and Surf-Pattern Centre Console – $476.75.
- by Paul Maric
Okay, so it’s different, I’ll be the first to admit that. Everything from the rear end, right through to the floral design on the floating console is unique and daring. Volvo’s hope for the C30 was to break the traditional Volvo stereotype and break into a younger , more style oriented market. There was no need for a cardigan holder in the rear and banished was the family oriented design with seating for five.
Volvo’s new C30 set out to make an impression and boy did it do a good job. There were remarks coming from every direction; the most common had to have been “That’s pretty good for a Volvo!” So it was obvious that Volvo was successful in gaining attention, but what’s this thing like to drive? I bailed up Volvo for the T5 model and hit the road to find out.
First thing’s first. My vehicle was fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. I’ll go out on a limb here and say that this has to be one of the best manual transmissions available on the market. Not only can this ‘box achieve fast shifts, it is also dead simple to operate and leaves the driver with confidence to row through the cogs.
The test vehicle was fitted with Sport Suspension which drops the car a further 20mm. Stick the C30 through some bends and the level of grip and composure boggles the mind. During some private track time, the C30 was able to out-corner a late model WRX, along with the big-boy from Holden’s stable – the VE SS. Such was the steering precision that only minute movements were required to push the C30 through the desired line.
Under the bonnet, Ford fans will recognise the 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder turbocharged motor. Found in the XR5 Turbo, this little unit pushes out 162kW and a commendable 320Nm of torque. In gear response is remarkably accurate and rapid, laying testament to the precision engineering undertaken by Volvo.
Inside, you will only find four seats. “That’s odd,” I hear you say. In a way, it’s actually quite intuitive. I’m sick of seeing cars that have five seats, despite the fact they could never actually seat five people in comfort. The C30 does away with the trivial shoulder rubbing antics experienced in some cars and simply has four seats that surprisingly seat four adults in absolute comfort. That’s the way it should be.
Four models exist in the C30 range. Starting at $34,450, the ‘S’ model sits at the bottom of the range. Next up is the ‘LE’ model at $38,450, followed by the ‘D5’ at $43,950 and finally the ‘T5’ at $42,450. Unfortunately, stability control is a $2,190 option on all but the T5 model, a bit pricey in my opinion. With too many features to list, check out your local Volvo dealer for model specific options and features.
As with all Volvos, safety features are commonplace. Along with a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating, the entire C30 range comes fitted with driver and passenger dual-stage airbags; side impact protection system (SIPS) and an inflatable curtain (IC).
A bevy of interior designs can also be chosen to personalise your C30, along with a fully-functional iPod connector which can charge your iPod (available at year’s end).
The Volvo C30 – especially in T5 form – offers a tremendous drive, along with offering substantial amounts of room and ample storage space. The C30 is also easy to park, with visibility in all directions above average. If you’re a stylish individual who doesn’t want just ‘another’ boring car, check out the Volvo C30, as it’s anything but boring.
Print it: 
ugly
Umm I dont get why you guys tested this vehicle, you already did a comprehensive test on the C30:
http://www.caradvice.com.au/40.....road-test/
Maybe Im missing something? Anyway given that I have not seen one of these vehicles on the road… I would have thought something like say lol the TRD Aurion would be a useful review given the debates that have occured here, along with other decent cars!!!
Agree
It looks much better in real life
Needs another set of doors..
Volvo
Did a quick price comparison with the Ford Focus XR5, it is $36490 + orc & if you want the ORANGE colour it is an extra $1800 & the “sports” leather seats another $2000.
Anyone looking at either of these obviously needs to do some careful comparisons.
Any chance of a comprehensive road test of the FocusXR5 Vs Volvo c30 T5?
Thanks for the honest appraisal Paul. I must admit, that I’d never have considered a Volvo when looking at hot hatches like a Megane F1 or Golf GTi…. but unlike Volvo’s of old, this thing seems to represent very good value.
Whatever one’s opinion is of Volvo, one has to admit their interior designs are always visually appealing.
Which is the safest volvo to buy?
Im pretty sure that all the volvos are just as safe, i know that the C30 received a 5 star crash test rating
I’ve test driven one of these and found it to be one off the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Power is effortless. A compact Grand Tourer rather than a red hot hatch.
If Roy thinks the C30 is ugly, he should apply for a white cane now. What would he think the Renault Megane was?
By the way, the T5 produces 169 kW (not 162) in the MY08 version that is currently on sale.
Test drove one of these. The one down side is there is no where to put my surf boards. It MAY be able to fit a fish in the boot and that’s a tight fit.
Worst, there is no way to fit a pair of soft racks as the rear windows don’t open.
I am still debating about getting the car for this very reason.
In the brochure, Volvo had a surfer dude picture in the vain hope to capture that market but I don’t think the designers surf.
I test drove a Metalic Silver C30 T5 Manual with the body kit and 18″ alloys at Alto Volvo in Artarmon. Not only does it look fantastic with the body kit and wider wheels but it drives great too. For the surfers, there are optional roof racks for around $400 which actually look really nice once fitted (check out the C30 at the motor show). For those that are interested, take a look at http://c30.com.au and go to the Interactive Gallery where you can play around with the design of the car.
Purchased C30 T5 (169 kW & std suspension)late last year after fairly extensive comparisons with XR5, 120i, A3 & 147. This is a gem of car – different styling, quick, comfortable, good roadholding & Volvo safe. Yes, the eyecatching shape is unusual, (while not everyone loves it,more seem to like it than don’t) but that contributes to its style & it gets lots of looks & good comment. 4 seat (effectively all molded) configuration is top idea as back seat ride is way above the competition. 2 door configuration may not suit everyone but access to the back seats is excellent. Only pity is they don’t have the hard load cover as standard. Don’t write this off before you have had a real good look at, & drive of, it. Volvo have got this one right.
Anyone seen the vw scirocco lately? Blind Freddy couldnt miss the rear side view comparisons with the c30. I have really struggled with the aesthetic vs pragmatic issue in deciding on my next car…the VW Gti has it on paper but apart from the steering wheel it’s just so boring! Apart from the 207 gti (another car accused of being ugly) the Volvo is the current stand out visually.
Tony, did you get the remote start/ BLIS options? Useful or gimmick?
i love mine – so do all my friends. so much fun to drive, easy to park anywhere, and cheeky looking – not the same old shape as everything else.
bought a 2008 standard C30 T5 Auto in preference to a Clio 197.
Previously had a Clio172 on Eibachs (and traded an 87 Volvo 740 Turbo owned from new). Nothing handles like the Clio but the C30 handles very well and is a very relaxed and relaxing drive.
Love it, especially now that I’ve fitted a full size spare.
You can actually see out of the back of it, the seats are great.
Some-one mentioned Aurion, we rented a Camry in WA a couple of years ago and did only a few hundred Kms a day and our backs were killing us.
Downside- economy round town- stoop start about 12.5l/100.
My old man picked one of these up few months back.
Absolute blinds-sided me. Never expected it to be as good as it was.
Once I got used to the shape I really started liking it and it was a remarkable drive. Very smooth, great sounding engine and terrific handling.
I have an Accord Euro and I have to say that I’m a bit jealous.
My parents are purchasing me a c30t5 for my 18th
But I’m just curious to know how much it costs to run and if the insurance is expensive because it is an overseas car!
Its a very attractive addition to the volvo range!
how’s that silver spoon taste lol