The Volvo C30 leads the way

3:48pm Thursday 13th November 2008

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THE family hatch territory is where customers are spoilt for choice with most manufacturers offering some very appealing cars.

This is also a sector that has almost certainly seen the most advancement during the past decade with models offering the sort of refinement, sophistication and new technology previously only seen in expensive executives.

And now some of the family car manufacturers are leading the way not only with low emissions but outstanding economy.

In 2007, premium manufacturer Volvo set a target to produce a quality car that would emit under 120g of C02 per kilometre and boast an impressive 62.8mpg. Actually, it developed not one but three – the C30, S40 and V60 DRIVe cars which will be available in 1.6 diesel form at dealers before Christmas.

The C30 is not exactly an off-the-peg hatch but a very stylish and compact sports coupe – the smallest, yet the most expressively designed of all Volvos. It’s an excellent drive with its two-door configuration featuring a glass tailgate, four very comfortable individual seats, and a choice of eight engines and four trim levels.

With safety being uppermost with Volvo, it has class-leading standards so that apart from the enormously strong body, the C30 is fitted with state-of-the-art safety equipment to protect all its occupants. Prices start at £14,995 for the 1.6 petrol.

With fuel prices still high, the C30 is becoming a favourite with families looking to downsize their transport to obtain lower running costs while many existing Volvo owners, who are very loyal to the marque, are finding favour with the new C30.

The general approach to better economy is not new and in fuel crisis times in the past other manufacturers have introduced models to eke out consumption. Volvo does seem to have stretched the boundaries while keeping its traditional virtues.

With the 1.6 diesel, Volvo engineers made an overall saving of eight per cent. Translated into C02 emissions, this is a reduction from 129g/km to 118g/km but in the case of the new C30 DRIVe cars, the figures are even more impressive: C02 was reduced to 115g/km and fuel performance rose to 64.2mpg.

Volvo is quick to point out that there is no special magic to the improvements, just hard work and high technology which it refers to as a science of small adjustments and gains.

Work on the cars includes the fitting of transmissions with longer gear ratios that you’ll notice most when cruising on the motorway, low rolling resistance tyres, lower viscosity transmission oil, reduced chassis height and improved aerodynamics.

The front grille air intake – a major source of drag – has been closed from the inside by up to 70%. Special spoilers and underbody panels have also been fitted.

Swift acceleration is readily available with these cars and rapid, safe overtaking seems effortless.

The ride is agile, composed and exceptionally surefooted while the power steering must be among the most communicative you’ll find. The faster you drive the more fluent the car’s feel so that the driver always knows exactly what the front wheels are up to.

The Volvo automatic power shift transmission, introduced this year, is available as an option on the smooth 136 PS 2.0D engine.

The six-speed unit is a very efficient operator and provides the gear-changing comfort of an automatic transmission with the performance of a manual gearbox. The 2.0 diesel fitted with the new transmission is a brilliant all-rounder with excellent response from the motor all around the rev band.

It is hard to find fault with the C30. It is built to a high standard inside and out. For instance, you cannot fail to be impressed with the solid clunk when you close the doors.

The equipment list is comprehensive and includes world-class audio systems, depending on the specifications.

While the C30 is relatively low slung, there is plenty of head and legroom both in the front and rear.

The boot is roomy considering the styling but lacks the space of the normal family hatch and entry for larger objects is also restricted by the rear bodywork.

However, the luggage area increases from 364 to a generous 1,010 litres when the rear seats are folded.

At-a-glance.

Volvo C30 2.0D R-Design sport.

Price: £19,770.

0-60mph: 9 seconds (power shift transmission).

Fuel: 47.9mpg (combined figure).

C02 (g/km): 156.

Verdict: Great styling, build quality and fun to drive. Top for safety, all-round performance and economy. Design restricts loading.