• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Volvo C30 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Volvo C30 ranks 4 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo C30, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Volvo C30's distinctive look and extensive list of safety features will attract many buyers, but reviewers say its performance doesn't live up to what its stylish exterior seems to promise, and it is short on passenger and cargo space.

The C30 looks sharp.  It's a modern take on classic Volvos  of the 1960's, with a quirky look unlike anything else in its class.  It's also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick."

But reviewers say the C30 doesn't deliver the exciting drive that its sheetmetal seems to promise, and its interior is a bit drab.  And while its base price is reasonable, it gets expensive quickly once you start checking the boxes for even the most common options.

Those looking for a fun, upscale hatchback might note that the Volkswagen GTI receives a higher interior score for its comfortable but classy cabin, drives well, and has more cargo space than the C30.

Volvo makes no significant changes to the C30 for 2010.  It comes in a sparsely-equipped base trim, or an R-design trim that features sporty-looking exterior and interior upgrades, but no actual performance enhancements.

• "It offers cute looks, sporty performance, and sharp handling in a compact package." -- Car and Driver
• "This is a sporty coupe-hatch done the Volvo way and there's nothing wrong with that for those who value Volvo's approach." -- Road and Track
• "Though the 2009 Volvo C30 doesn't possess the finely honed driving dynamics one might hope for in a hot hatch, it makes up for it with plenty of Swedish style and comfort." -- Edmunds
• "It's so much fun to drive, so sophisticated in its features, that one can easily forgive any shortcomings." -- About.com
• "Overall, the Volvo C30 is good looking, fun to drive, and offers the easily accessible cargo utility of a hatchback. Volvo set out to build a fun, sporty car aimed at active young buyers, and has accomplished its task." -- New Car Test Drive
• "If you're willing to trade off a bit of conventional station wagon utility for a look that will definitely turn heads, the new 2009 Volvo C30's approach to style, comfort and performance could make it a very appealing choice." -- Kelley Blue Book

C30 Performance - 7.9 (Good)

There is nothing wrong with the performance of the 2010 C30 - it's a comfortable commuter.  But for a car that looks sporty, its driving dynamics are a bit disappointing.  Car and Driver reports that the C30  "zeros in on 'straight down the road' when you cruise."  That won't be a problem for some - but for a car that looks like a canyon-carving hot hatch, it can be a bit of a letdown. Read More

C30 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 C30 is the sportiest-looking Volvo, a modern take on the classic P1800 sport hatchback. The San Francisco Chronicle notes, "Cars are losing their character -- a common criticism of many of today's vehicles. It's just another rolling wedge, jelly bean or boring blob, critics say." However, "Volvo came up with a fresh, interesting design with its compact C30 T5."  Shoppers might want to note, however, that its distinctive all-glass rear hatch leaves everything inside the car clearly visible from outside. Read More

C30 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Volvo interiors are known for their stylish minimalism.  But in the case of the 2010 C30, reviewers think the Swedish company would too far.   Road and Track reports, "The colors are on the dour side and for a car with sporting pretensions and targeting young-at-heart buyers, they're not dynamic enough."  The seats, however, are supremely comfortable.  The C30 uses a pair of rear bucket seats in place of a three-position bench.  Read More

C30 Safety - NA

The 2010 Volvo C30 has not been crash tested by the federal government.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the mechanically-similar 2009 C30 a "Top Safety Pick" because it earned top scores in all of the Institute's crash tests, and offers standard stability control.  A number of optional safety upgrades are available for the C30, including rear parking assist and a Blind Spot Information System.  Read More

C30 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Volvo C30 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volvo protects C30 buyers with a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More