Volvo is poised to enter new territory with the imminent launch of its C30 hatchback – the Swedish manufacturer will test the water with the car’s design concept at the Detroit Motor Show.
Volvo is poised to enter new territory with the imminent launch of its C30 hatchback – the Swedish manufacturer will test the water with the car’s design concept at the Detroit Motor Show.
The sporty three-door C30 design concept gives the strongest indication yet of Volvo’s latest addition ahead of its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. In production guise, it will rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in the premium hatchback segment.
The stylish concept is inspired by the form of the classic P 1800 ES, the four-seat coupe produced in the early 70s, and the more recent SCC concept. With two doors and four individual seats, it also has a large glass tailgate incorporating a distinctive taillight cluster following the lines of Volvo’s signature jutting shoulder line.
Designed to appeal to the younger buyer, the C30 is one of the most important new model launches for Volvo this year. As part of its expanding model range, the C70 coupé-convertible will also be introduced at September’s Paris Motor Show. Volvo aims to achieve a global sales target of 600 000 cars per annum, up from the 456 224 units sold in 2004.
“We know there are a large number of younger people who are attracted by the Volvo brand, but cannot find a compact model in our range that exactly matches their taste and needs,” says Volvo Car Corporation’s president and chief executive, Frederik Arp.
“The Volvo C30 Design Concept has been developed precisely for this potentially important group of new customers, (particularly) younger professional couples and singles.”
The concept sprints from zero to 100 km/h in six seconds under the propulsion of a 2,4-litre, five cylinder powerplant that dispatches 194 kW and 350 N.m of torque from 2 100 r/min.
