2011 Volvo C30

Volvo, a Swedish automaker is equated with luxury and safety and the 2011 Volvo C30 is no exception. Ranked 8 out of 10 in terms of upscale small cars, the C30 highlights a redesigned front end, a sporty exterior coupled with a refined interior and superior product specifications.

Performance

The 2011 Volvo C30 Comes in six (6) two trims TL and R-design with a turbocharged Gas I5 2.5L/154. Mileage is 21 miles per gallon in the City / 29 miles per gallon in the Highway.

Specification wise the 2011 Volvo C30 produces 227 horsepower with its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five cylinder. This is more than enough power needed to propel the C30 for city and highway drives. However most experts agree that in contrast with its more than respectable engine and a sporty compact design is the dull and unresponsive nature of the C30.

Most reviewers agree that the steering and brakes are unresponsive, the chassis construction and suspension set up translates to a bumpy ride and the superb engine is hampered by its heavy curb weight. Transmission is dull in automatic and sluggish in automatic. In sum most experts agree that what the 2011 Volvo C30 provides an ample ride but it is sluggish, rigid and dull to drive.

Exterior

The front end is very sporty and is distinctive looking, it is flared, bulging and bumpy, the side sports beautiful and gracious lines and the rear, sports a bodacious jaw dropping al glass diagonal rear hatch.

Interior

The dashboard is chic and intuitive; upholstery is the ever-present Volvo T-Tec design that is a standard onto itself. Seating is very comfortable in the front and the back consists of two bucket seats that provide true comfort to the passenger’s rear and back. However like most hatch backs, leg room is a bit too cramped Cargo space is behind its competitors because o the diagonally slanting back that is pleasing to the eye but a bane to soccer moms who want added cargo room.

Safety & Reliability

Volvo is synonymous to safety and the 2011 Volvo C30 gets 10 out of 10 in terms of Safety. While the federal government has not yet crash tested the C30 but the Insurance Institute for Highway safety considers the C30 one of the best in terms of safety. The C30 comes standard with front and side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags.

The 2011 Volvo C30 carries a five-year/60,000-mile warranty. It also comes with complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles and five years of roadside assistance for new 2010 and 2011 vehicles.

Competition

The C30 competes with the Volkswagen GTI (MSRP $23,695; 21 city / 31 hwy), Mini Cooper S (MSRP $23,700; 27 city / 30 hwy), and the Mazda Speed3 (MSRP $23,700; 18 city / 25 hwy) all of which is priced lower than the C30 but provides better response, versatility and fuel economy. However in terms of horsepower and safety the C30 is superior, not to mention the wow factor that the hatchback and front end provides.

Pros & Cons

In closing, consumers who are looking for superior safety, a stylish exterior and comfy seats should take a look at the C30, that is of course if they can tolerate the small cargo and heavy price that the C30 commands.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Volvo C30 provides a stylish look and feel, but that means plenty of sacrifices inside.”Car Connection

“With the manual transmission, C30 is eager to rev, with good throttle response and satisfying strength at mid-range speeds. With the automatic, C30 is similarly peppy in all situations, with smooth, crisp shifts.”Consumer Guide

“The 2011 Volvo C30 lacks the sharp handling of some rivals, but it’s got style and comfort in spades.”Edmunds

“The 2011 Volvo C30 receives a new grille, hood and front fenders and headlamps. A slight reshuffling of the equipment packages adds new features to some, while removing others to the stand-alone options list.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Hatchback Base Price: $24,700.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 29 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 167.4 in. (425 cm) Width: 70.2 in. (178 cm)
Height: 57 in. (144.7 cm) Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3200 lbs (1451.5 kg) Curb to Curb Turning Radius: 34.9 ft.
Luggage Capacity: 12.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 2.5L DOHC 20-valve inline-5 Displacement: 2.5 liters
Horsepower: 227 HP Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:C30 R Design MSRP: $27,100; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

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