Volvo C30 T5 R-Design: Quick Test

Volvo's C30 T5 R-Design is the automotive embodiment of the Scandinavian design ethic - beauty and function in accessibly-priced everyday objects. One of the Swedish company's most-affordable offerings, the C30 brings to the table all the familiar Volvo virtues in an ultramodern, three-door form.

From a company whose sedans and wagons are better known for sensibility and safety, the C30 represents a welcome dose of "funk".

With 227 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder, the little Volvo isn't lacking for motivation. But, while it hustles the car along quickly enough, the engine is a bit characterless, contradicting the C30 T5's evocative styling - which is unfortunate, as you'd love the engine to be equally expressive.

Not helping matters was the Geartronic five-speed automatic in our test car. Shifting at its own leisurely pace, the 'box is completely at odds with the little Volvo's eager personality.

There's much more to smile about in the handling department, as the C30 T5 takes to the curvy bits with a keen demeanor befitting its outgoing exterior. It turns in sharply with little body roll thanks to the more firmly suspended Dynamic Chassis that is standard on the R-Design model; and it remains composed right to the edge of its handling envelope.

Consistent with Volvo's safety-first corporate mindset, you can't turn off the stability management or traction control systems. This results in some frustration, as you're not able to enjoy the turbo five's 236 ft-lbs of torque while powering out of corners, nor do much at all above 8/10ths thanks to the array of electronic nannies.

Which is not to say you won't enjoy the C30 experience: Inside, the up-market feel is evident right away in the fit, finish and overall quality. The floating center console, which is the centerpiece of the C30 T5's cabin, is also one of the most unique elements in any automotive interior today.

Beautiful in its elegance and simplicity, it is also quite functional.

Individual seats all around meanwhile, plus wide dimensions for this type of car means there's not a bad seat in the house, the premium items included in the R-Design package - among them, a unique steering wheel - adding richness and flair.

Inside and out, the C30 is the Swedish automaker's most distinctive offering, boasting a long list of unique styling elements.

Atop that list? The frameless glass tailgate clearly inspired by the iconic P1800 ES, and the distinctive tapering roofline which Volvo show cars have has been teasing us with for years.

The C30 will appeal to those who prioritize design and exclusivity. A unique and charismatic offering from a company with a safe, sensible-shoes personality, the C30 T5 - especially this R-Design version - should work wonders for Volvo's safe-but-stodgy image.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

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