Test drive: 2008 Volvo C30 T5
I just finished up a very enjoyable week with Volvo's new C30 compact coupe. I was evaluating it for our Best New Cars of 2008 competition -- and I can tell you already that it's a very strong contender. Philip Powell reviewed the C30 previously -- the car went on sale in his home country of Canada well before we got it in the States -- and now that I've put some miles on it, I can say that I agree with everything he says. There's only one thing he didn't go into great detail about -- and that's what a great deal it is. Philip drove the nicer version (Volvo calls it Version 2.0... yeah, cheesy, I know), but I drove the base Version 1.0, and it had just about everything I could want, except for cruise control, for $23.5k -- about the same price as a Volkswagen GTI. Frankly, if I were looking to replace my old Honda CRX, the C30 would be at the top of my short list. A very, very cool car. Anyway, enough of my babbling -- check out Philip's C30 test drive. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Philip Powell
I ABSOULTELY LOVE THE C30! VOLVO RULES!
I hate that design, I mean who APPROVES THIS STUFF!
I really love the design, dimensions and concept of this car. It was a top contender for my CRV replacement till I found out that its MPG rating is about the same as my CRV…which I find totally unacceptable for a car of this size. If it comes out with a diesel I’ll grab the very first one.
I love this car too. Hatchbacks are just cool. Powerful, well equipped hatchbacks are better yet.
Like the car. Would like it even more with 250 – 275 plus HP and AWD.
I don’t mind it but I love the C70. My dad is buying a fully loaded silver one later in 2008.
This is a nice start. It does need AWD and a little more power. Not sure about the interior. Maybe if this car is successful we could finally get Audi to bring over the propper S3 Coupe instead of the 4 door A3.