Volvo’s C30 has always been one of those “nearly-there” propositions – a thoroughly capable, stylish little car often hobbled by a lack of brand cachet and an (admirable) refusal to conform to the norm. Recently, I sampled what could probably be deemed the pick of the C30 litter – the new D2 four-cylinder turbodiesel – and, despite this car’s inability to make sense on paper, I nonetheless found myself wanting one…
To be honest, when the keys to this car were thrown my way late one evening I was less than enthused about concertinaing my sizeable frame into what I deemed an oddball Swedish hatchback when there was an array of seemingly more desirable cars clogging up the garage. Still, as I took in my unconventional little steed, I had to admit that my stance began to soften.
The C30 has always been quite a visually engaging package, but the first-generation model’s dull-as-ditchwater snout always seemed to mar the effect. Since its sportier nose job last year, the C30 has actually become quite a handsome hatch, especially in out test unit’s crisp white finish that strongly contrasted the new front air dams and dark glazing. Admittedly, the white didn’t work so well on the optional 17-inch alloys upon which this model rolled, but then left-of-centre is pretty much the C30’s beat.
Although it’s not possessed of the most spacious cabin, especially when you take in the pokey rear accommodation, the C30’s ability to tread the line between distinctive and sensible is most noticeable here. The ‘floating’ hangdown works well with the clean, solidly-built facia and while many of the test units that reach us are bristling with (often superfluous) options, this Essential-specced car (R8 000 adding cruise control, smarter floor mats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, aluminium trim, an upgraded sound system with Bluetooth and 17-inch alloys to the already-generous standard specification) felt just about perfectly equipped.
With 84 kW and 270 N.m of torque under its belt, the new eight-valve 1,6-litre turbodiesel combines with a short-throw manual gearbox to serve up enough punch to make the C30 feel both suitably nippy in town whilst being long-legged enough to make light work of highway driving. In terms of fuel consumption and emissions, the new powerplant performs admirably, returning 5,16 litres/100 km and emitting just 144g of CO2 per kilometre. There is a hint of diesel thrum from the nose under acceleration but vibration is kept nicely in check and the suspension, whilst not the most cosseting out there, is supple enough to deal with most rad imperfections without rendering the car wallowy in the bends. In fact, this car’s wieldiness and compact dimensions lend it a satisfying demeanour that grows on you the more you experience it.
Unfortunately, as a buying proposition, R252 600 (excluding the aforementioned specifications pack) sits uncomfortably close to the likes of the more substantial VW Golf 6 1,6 TDI and Corolla 2,0 D-4D. But those are conformist choices and, if the idea of shelling out safe-bet money to stray from the flock in a well-equipped, characterful car doesn’t faze you, then the C30 D2 could well be worth a look…
