Volvo

C30

With a vast choice of engine sizes and trim levels, there is bound to be the ideal Volvo C30 for any driver. Boasting great looks along with a very solid build, it has a great spec level and safety features galore.

The good

Outstanding economy and fuel efficiency

The bad

It's not cheap

Tech Specs

Price from

£15,495

Combined Fuel up to

72.4mpg

0-62 from

6.7 seconds

max speed up to

149mph

co2 from

104g/km

Test Drive

Volvo C30 D2 SE

It’s very rare for me to start any vehicle review with the colour, but for once I can’t ignore the stunning, look-at-me orange flame metallic design of my latest car.

And not only did it stand out in any crowd without being garish or loud, but the interior with its sunburst orange trim was also really attractive and neat in its design.

The car is the Volvo C30 D2 and apart from its striking colour and trim it boasts a whole host of first class creature comforts and some economy figure that defy belief – for example a combined fuel efficiency figure of 65.7mpg.

The test model was priced at just over £21k and included a few optional extras such as rear parking assist, high performance audio and Bluetooth hands free system, but there is plenty of spec that comes as standard believe me.

The interior is both spacious and very comfortable although back seat passengers are a little tested for leg room at times.

But the driver and front seat passenger are treated to excellent visibility and plenty of gadgetry to play with.

Despite being a little too much plastic on show for my liking, generally the interior is very neatly designed with all controls, dials, levers and readouts perfectly positioned for ease of use.

Features include alloy wheels, a very efficient air con system, a multi-function steering wheel and lots more besides.

In and around town, the C30 was a real pleasure to drive and its size was a huge advantage when it came to finding a space in busy city centres. And that rear parking sensor is always there just in case!

Then out on the open road, the C30 burst into life with the 1.6-litre engine delivering plenty of power and the six-speed manual transmission was beautifully set out for efficiency and ease of use. Road-holding was exceptional and cabin noise was very quiet even at higher speeds or on more challenging road surfaces.

The C30’s trademark sloping glass tailgate hides a generously-sized boot capable of carrying plenty of goodies and there are a number of useful smaller storage compartments throughout including sturdy cup holders – a must for today’s coffee-drinking generations.

As one would expect from Volvo which is world-renowned for its safety features, the C30 is kitted out with top notch equipment to protect occupants as well as pedestrians.

All in all, the C30 is not that cheap starting from £15.5k, but in my book you have to pay for quality and this car oozes it at every turn.