With Volvo’s new design language expressed on the rest of its model line-up it was only a matter of time before the C30, the Swedish firm’s hatchback contender, was due for a facelift of its own. That time is the Frankfurt Motor Show, although it will be a few months before we see it on the market.By Kyle Kock
Just like its XC60, S80 and C70 siblings, the C30 is the recipient of a bold new styling ethic that debuted on the S60 Concept earlier this year, which ought to make it really stand out in the premium hatchback segment.
“Since its introduction in 2006, the Volvo C30 has become highly appreciated for its unique appearance. This applies in particular to the rear. With the new front, it feels as though everything has fallen neatly into place and that the car’s entire personality has been boosted to an entirely new level,” says Daniel Backman, Product Manager for the new Volvo C30.
The C30’s entire front end has been redesigned, including body panels such as the front wings, for a radical personality which separates the new C30 from the Volvo S40 and V50. Up front it also boasts a new, larger iron mark just as in the rest of the Volvo range, with a larger air intake that resembles the intake in the XC60. The C30’s rear-end also sports deep new lines and detailing, while the black plastic panels have been replaced with body coloured units lower down.
A new styling kit for the sportier driver includes foglamp décor, a front skidplate, side scuff plates with engraved C30 logo and a rear skidplate with a stylish aluminium look. For the T5 model two 90 mm tail pipes in polished stainless steel are added to emphasize its powerful engine.
The local C30 range will consist of three engines; a 1,6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit that produces 74 kW and 150 N.m of torque, a 2,0-litre four-cylinder that develops 107 kW and 185 N.m of torque and a range-topping 2,5-litre five-cylinder powerplant with 169 kW and 320 N.m of torque.
The new optional sport chassis for the Volvo C30 is considerably sharper, with stiffer, more distinct characteristics. The steering is more precise, with a lower ratio for faster response to steering wheel input. Spring and damper stiffness has increased by 30 per cent to increase the car’s dynamic ability.
The C30 features an extensive range of interior options and combinations. Among other things, there is now an all-new colour combination known as Espresso/Blond, consisting of a dark brown upper section and a blond, fresh shade on the lower door sides. The integration of energetic new highlight colours includes a new colour for leather upholstery called Cranberry.
“We know that a large proportion of C30 customers want to make detailed interior choices. They want to decide for themselves what their car should look like. We have also focused on making it easier for customers to match exterior design elements with interior trim in an attractive way, something that has been made that much easier with the new Espresso/Blond colour combination,” continues Maria Uggla, Program Chief Designer Colour & Trim at Volvo Cars.
