2009 Volvo C30
- 2008 Volvo C30
- Used Volvo C30
Based on analysis of 42 C30 reviews and test drives.
Volvo C30 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Volvo C30 ranks 2 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 42 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo C30, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The C30 has a well-liked turbocharged engine and stylish appearance, but its tiny back seat and even smaller cargo area take away from its overall appeal.
The 2009 Volvo C30 has a fun design, an engaging driving experience and a lengthy list of safety features. But its avant-garde looks and nice drive don't prevent auto writers from pointing out its shortcomings among other upscale small cars and hatchbacks.
According to many, the C30's cargo space is sparse, and its conservative interior might not entice a target audience of young upwardly mobile drivers. If you need more utility and cabin toys, please note the Volkswagen GTI receives a higher interior score for its comfortable but classy cabin, plus it has more cargo room than many other upscale small cars.
However, if you're not looking for abundant cargo room, the C30 could be worth a test drive. Its relatively modest base price stands out in this entry-luxury class, plus it comes with excellent standard safety features. Be careful, though -- the low sticker price could persuade you to add pricey options that will put the C30's pricing in a different stratosphere. "Like some Swedish build-it-yourself furniture, the options add handsomely to the price," Automobile Magazine writes. "Depending on the level of equipment, the C30 is actually almost $3,000 more than a GTI when outfitted similarly."
Just introduced in 2008, the 2009 model carries over with virtually no changes.
- "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)
The 2009 C30 isn't the sportiest upscale small car, but reviewers say the drive is inoffensive. Car and Driver reports, "coordinated responses" from the clutch shift, "wonderfully linear" brakes," and steering that "zeros in on 'straight down the road' when you cruise." But the car is not as swift as other upscale small cars, nor does it have the responsive steering expected for this segment. continue
C30 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Reviewers describe the Volvo C30's looks as modern, even muscular. 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. This past model year, Volvo came up with a fresh, interesting design with its compact C30 T5." According to Kelley Blue Book, "This modern-day reinterpretation of one of Volvo's most memorable sportwagon models has a distinctive visual presence that sets it apart from the competition but still maintains legitimate four-passenger practicality." continue
C30 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 C30's interior is high on comfort and quality, but to some the design is uninspired. Road and Track describes the cabin as comfortable with easy-to-read controls. "Trouble is," they write, "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." continue
C30 Safety - NA
The Volvo C30 has not been crash tested yet, but reviewers are impressed with the standard safety features offered. Some of the optional features on the C30 include rear parking assist and a Blind Spot Information System. continue
C30 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 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). All Volvos are covered by a comprehensive warranty for the first four-years or 50,000-miles. Go to our full Reliability Review for more information on the C30's coverage. continue
