Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Part 3: Performance Review

If we were playing word association and I said, "Volvo," you might come back with something like, "safe." But when you first catch a glimpse of the company's C30 T5 R-Design, I suspect the word "safe" won't be among the first that pop into your head. The C30 is the Swedish automaker's most distinctive offering. From a company better known for producing sensible, safe and serious cars and wagons, the C30 represents a welcome dose of funkiness.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder, the little Volvo is also spunky - with no lack of power. But while it moves the car quickly enough, the engine is somewhat characterless, contradicting the car's evocative design. It's unfortunate given the car's styling, as you'd love the engine to be equally expressive. Not helping matters much in terms of driver engagement was the Geartronic five-speed automatic transmission on our test car. Shifting at its own leisurely pace, it's simply at odds with the little Volvo's eager personality.

And while you can choose to shift gears yourself, you can only do so with the console lever as there aren't any paddles behind the steering-wheel as we've come to expect in sporty cars like this. So until parent company Ford offers its Powershift dual clutch transmission - which already sees duty in certain European model C30s - the six-speed manual will be the one to get if you want a driving experience that more closely matches the car's looks.

At least you won't have too much to complain about in terms of handling, as the C30 T5 takes to the curvy bits with a keen demeanor more befitting of its exterior. With the more firmly suspended Dynamic Chassis that is standard on the R-Design model, the C30 turns in quickly with little body roll. The car remains completely composed until you start to approach the edge of its handling envelope.

It's only near its limits that the C30 T5 starts to let you down, as the car is clearly happiest at a brisk pace rather than a fast pace. Body control goes away as you begin to really hustle the car, with the suspension unable to cope with the increased speed.

Consistent with Volvo's safety minded personality, the C30 T5 doesn't allow the driver to turn off its stability management or traction control systems. So you may find yourself frustrated at not being able to put down the ample power of the turbo five.

Clearly more of a cruiser than a bruiser, the C30 comes back into its own once you realize it's not about mega-speed performance. Driven sanely and safely, the little Volvo is a pleasant compact car with a big premium feel. For most people, that - combined with its stylish body - will be enough to create new word associations with the company known for building safe and sensible cars. But for those who's expectations were elevated by the funky styling and its implied performance - the Volvo C30 T5 R-Design will at most elevate the word associated with this brand from safe to cool, but unfortunately, not quite hot.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Volvo C30 T5 R-Design

Performance
- Acceleration: Faster than it feels, but not exactly a rocket - silent in its performance
- Handling: Safe and surefooted at 8/10th - doesn't do anything above 8/10th thanks to electronic nannies
- Braking: Stable, effective, and safe (no surprises)

Design
- Exterior: The most exciting looking Volvo since the P1800ES - rear view is seductive
- Interior: Nowhere near as exciting as the exterior, but very clean and sober Volvo-look is still good

Utility
- Comfort: Individual seats all around, plus wide dimensions for this type of car means there's not a bad seat in the house
- Space: That sexy silhouette means that space is not super abundant - fold-down seats make up for it somewhat

Safety
- Dynamics: Electronic safety nannies will take over in extreme maneuvers so that mistakes are nearly impossible
- Technology: The badge says "Volvo" so you know that its all there and then some

Value
- Price: Difficult to make a case for it if you let the options get away from you - base car is well priced though, and feels very premium
- Mileage: Easier to stay off the boost than in most turbocharged cars, so your mileage numbers might be decent

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Desirable to the eye, less so to the senses
- Fun to spank: Too many safety nannies means that it just doesn't want to play

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter, turbocharged inline 5
Power (SAE): 227 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500 - 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3135 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.2 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.8 @ 97 mph
Top Speed: 146 mph
Mileage: 19 city / 28 highway
Base Price: $25,950