2009 Volvo C30 T5 coupe runs apart from the pack
spotlight
Cars are losing their character - a common criticism of many of today's vehicles. It's just another rolling wedge, jelly bean or boring blob, critics say.
This past model year, Volvo came up with a fresh, interesting design with its compact C30 T5.
The C30 is a two-door coupe with a pinched rear roof, and borrows elements from a hatchback and sport wagon. It stands out in the Volvo lineup as the vehicle with the most personality, and as the smallest offering.
This coupe is about 6 inches longer than a VW New Beetle Coupe and 7 inches shorter than a Honda Civic Coupe. It measures 8.8 inches shorter and weighs 320 pounds less than its closest sibling, Volvo's S40 sport sedan.
The C30 is available in two models for 2009: T5, base priced at $23,800; and R-Design, with a $25,950 starting price. An $825 destination charge is added to each.
A Dynamic Chassis (versus Comfort); interior accent enhancements, including sport pedals; 18- versus 17-inch wheels; sportier body treatment; and Sirius Satellite Radio are the basic advantages of the R-Design. The R-Design gets special body-kit aero effects - side skirts, fender flares and front and rear spoilers. These enhancements are color-coordinated with the body paint. It also sports polished 3.5-inch round exhaust tips.
These beefier pipes aren't indicators it flexes more muscle than the T5. Both models get a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder, which sends power to the front wheels. Partnered with a six-speed manual or optional $1,250 five-speed automatic with Autostick, it propels the 3,201-pound coupe with 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.
This turbo-five gives the C30 an especially crisp launch, smoothly moving it from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds with the manual transmission and 6.6 seconds with the automatic. While its 160-mph speed is considerably optimistic, it does top out at an impressive 149 mph.
Running on regular unleaded gasoline, its estimated fuel economy - city/highway miles per gallon - is 19/28. Deduct 1 mpg from the highway figure for the automatic.
The R-Design test-vehicle rolls on striking Diamond Cut 18-inch alloy wheels and 21545R-18 tires. These wheels, flashing five twin-V spokes, make an important contribution to the C30's expressive styling. Up front, they look particularly cool, filling large, flared wheel openings that arc close to the fender tops.
The front end also gains character with short overhangs, aggressive lower airdam and a blunt nose flanked by deep-set, menacing-looking headlamps.
Long, smooth-surfaced doors take up most of the real estate at the sides, but action kicks up again at the rear. Strong rear fender shoulders lead to taillamps that artfully wrap with them, and then streak up the forward-leaning C-pillars - creating the most dramatic interpretation the Volvo family's signature tall taillamps. These lamps flank a glass liftgate that dominates the rear.
I frequently open this liftgate because stuffing items as small as a briefcase in the rear-passenger compartment is a bit more of a hassle. And, it's definitely not built for easy access to a child safety seat.
With a low roofline and narrow access, it's also a bit of work for an adult to climb into the rear. However, once settled in the two-place rear seat, life is surprisingly good. The support makes me feel like I'm being cradled by buckets. Headroom is unexpectedly generous and legroom ranges from good to fair, depending on how far back front occupants slide their seats.
The 50/50-split rear seatbacks fold flat to create a load floor, upping storage from 12.9 to 20.2 cubic feet.
Saddled in the front buckets, the scenery is Scandinavian-style clean and uncluttered. The highlight is an ultra-slim center-control panel that flows from the dash to the floor console.
The two-tone-fabric-covered seats with tall headrests are firm, but not brick-hard. They treat the back well on long trips.
Ride quality is good for a car with a taut sport suspension and hefty, low-profile tires. Rolling over certain pavement irregularities can send vibrations into the cabin.
Of course, the payback of the firm suspension is excellent handling. Add responsive rack-and-pinion steering with a contoured leather-grip steering wheel, and the result is a fun driving experience.
Along with having control of the reins of Volvo's maverick, the automaker offers consumers added control over the C30's look and features via its Custom Build program. For a one-time fee of $300, buyers are given the freedom to push the envelope beyond the factory norm on paint and upholstery color choices, and on how it's fitted with options.
This Volvo C30 Custom Build program tosses a huge palette of 17 exterior and 12 interior color combinations out to consumers. The program also offers an additional list of 30-plus individual options.
This ability to personalize the C30 with a large number of build combinations allows the owners of this natural stand-out the opportunity to park an even more distinctive, custom-look coupe in their driveways.
-- For more reviews, visit sfgate.com/cars.
-- For more reviews, visit sfgate.com/cars.
2009 Volvo C30 T5
Base price: $23,800
Engine/transmission: 2.5-liter, 227-horsepower I5; six-speed manual
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Length: 167.4 inches
Width: 70.2 inches
Height: 57 inches
Curb weight: 3,201 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
Fuel consumption: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
CARS is produced by the marketing department of The San Francisco Chronicle.
For advertising rates and information, contact Brian Maier at (415) 777-8956 or bmaier@sfchronicle.com.