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2012 Volvo C30

The 2012 Volvo C30 is a luxury compact that is part chiseled hatchback and part sporty coupe. All in all, it will be spearheading Volvo’s appeal to style-conscious and performance-minded people.

As a hatchback, the C30 exudes a modern flair combined with safety and quality performance Volvo has been known for. The turbo-charged engine delivers enough miles on a full tank to enjoy the countryside for a whole day.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hatchback Base Price: $25,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60l) MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 167.4 in. (425.2 cm) Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm)
Height: 57 in. (144.7 cm) Width: 70.2 in. (178.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3211 lbs (1456 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: Inline-5 Turbo DOHC Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 227 HP Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:R-Design MSRP: $27,850; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

Engine & Performance

A standard 2.5L turbocharged inline-5 engine that generates 227 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque, is used to power the 2012 C30. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, although you may opt for the 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting function.

The C30 with the auto transmission gives you 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. On the other hand, when it is equipped with the manual transmission, you will get 21/29 mpg city/highway. A manual-equipped Volvo C30 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in remarkable 6.4 seconds. The automatic transmission enables the C30 to do the same in 6.9 seconds. Owners will also be delighted by the C30’s nimble handling as well as its strong braking system.

Exterior

The 2012 Volvo C30 is available in 6 trims, expanded from the 2 models offered in 2011. This is because of the addition of Platinum and Premium Plus trim for the base T5 and T5 R-Design. The T5 models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the T5 R-Design models come with 18-inch wheels.

The T5 Premium trims are fitted with exterior features that include LED daytime lights and power glass sunroof. The R-Design adds extra features that include special front grille design and color-coordinated exterior trim. Optional features on all trims comprises: adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, rain sensing wipers, and headlight washers.

Interior

The C30’s cabin is not only well equipped but also made with high quality materials. All seats offer ample head and legroom, especially the front seats that make it more comfortable and spacious even for tall passengers.

Standard features in all trims of the C30 are; HD radio, Bluetooth, USB port for iPods, auxiliary port, trip computer, cloth seats, audio system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The dash is made of metallic trim and it is mounted on an ultra-thin center panel that houses climate controls.

A navigation system with real-time traffic data and an upgraded stereo are offered as optional features on all trims. This compact has a cargo capacity of 12.9 cubic feet that can be increased to 20.2 cubic ft after folding down the rear seats.

Safety & Reliability

The C30 is equipped with standard safety features for maximum safety of the occupants, with Volvo, you shouldn’t expect anything else. These features consist of: active front head restraints, side impact and side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, 4-wheel disc antilock brakes and brake assist.

The 2012 C30 is protected against wear-and-tear through a limited warranty lasting the first 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition, owners are given a factory-scheduled-maintenance during the first 5 years, as well as 24-hour road assistance through the same period regardless of mileage.

Pros

  • Stylish exterior
  • Plenty of standard safety features
  • Firm yet compliant ride
  • Spirited turbocharged drive train
  • Supportive and comfortable front seats

Cons

  • Outdated navigation system
  • Rivals offer more performance
  • Limited cargo space
  • Confusing interior controls


The 2012 Volvo C30 is a two-door offering a fun-to-drive experience, while maintaining a good grip on the turns and gives you precise steering. This car has many standard safety features, fuel efficiency is commendable; making it a great deal for people shopping for small cars that can handle weekly commutes easily.

This 4-seater is based on the Volvo S40 sedan, and it will compete against other premium cars like the Mini Cooper (MSRP $30,100; 26 city / 35 hwy), the Subaru Impreza WRX (MSRP $25,795; 19 city / 25 hwy), and the Volkswagen Golf R (MSRP $33,990; 19 city / 27 hwy).

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“Distinctive styling; firm yet compliant ride; supportive yet comfortable front seats; spirited turbocharged engine…Rivals offer more performance; behind-the-times navigation system.” Edmunds

“The 2012 Volvo C30 has top-notch safety and style; but it’s not as racy as it looks and not any more practical than it looks.” Car Connection

“C30 has good grip and balance overall, though fast turns can induce minor noseplow. Some testers find the steering a bit vague on center, though it has positive turn-in feedback. Brakes are strong and responsive.” Consumer Guide

“The Volvo C30 is a pleasant two-door, four-seat hatchback. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that delivered good performance and 25 mpg overall.” MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Volvo C30 is quick, but not blazing-fast. Still, with a stated 0-60 mph time of about six-and-a-half seconds, the C30 has absolutely no problem getting up to speed on the freeway.” KBB

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