New Volvo C30 hits the ground running with more dramatic styling, ultra-clean, ultra-efficient DRIVe model and a sporty new T5 R-Design variant

  • Dramatic new styling
  • Low-emission, highly efficient DRIVe variant
  • R-Design model even sportier
  • Two diesel, two petrol engines
  • Emergency Brake Lights standard across range
From its introduction to Australia in 2007, the compact Volvo C30 has earned itself a big reputation. It has carved out a significant niche as a car that defies convention and applauds individuality.

Now, the two-door Volvo is even more distinctively styled, gaining an all-new frontal appearance that provides a perfect counterpoint to the C30's signature rear end.

This gives the C30 even more road presence, with a larger Volvo iron mark in the new honeycomb grille emphasising the visual volume that expresses Volvo's new found confidence evident in latest generation Volvos such as the XC60, S80, V70 and XC70.

According to Fedde Talsma, exterior chief designer at Volvo Car Corporation, "By integrating greater depth into the design language, the front has become more dramatic and expressive. Along with the angled lines of the front bumper, the new headlamps, drawn offset and up, reinforce the impression of speed and sportiness."

The all-new headlights sweep gracefully up into the new front mudguards with bold outer air vents contributing to the extroverted, dramatic look. Two new alloy wheel options - 16-inch Convector and 17-inch Styx White - are added, as is dramatic Orange Flame metallic and Lime Grass Green paintwork to the C30's colour pallet.

Although the strong design elements of the C30's rear end remain, Volvo's designers have injected additional drama with more curvaceous contours and a new bumper featuring lower-set black panels that visually bring the body closer to the road surface.

Interior revisions reinforce the C30's Scandinavian heritage and provide buyers with an infinite range of colour combinations.

These include the introduction of Oyster Burst Deco texture for the centre stack and door panel inlays. This distinctive grey/white finish replicates the classic Swedish Hagstrom guitars made famous through performers such as Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix.

Also new to C30 is honeycomb-style aluminium interior trim that adds visual depth and contributes to scratch resistance. The new rear luggage compartment cover uses new material and a new graphic pattern to help drive home the C30's new look.

As a leader in vehicle safety, Volvo is constantly evolving car design and the new C30 exhibits the human-focused priorities that are inherent in all Volvos.

In addition to dual front and side airbags, the C30 comes with full-length curtain airbags, as well as the WHIPS whiplash protection system for front-seat passengers and the SIPS Side Impact Protection System that plays an integral role - combined with the side and curtain airbags - in protecting occupants in the event of a side impact.

The new C30 range also gains Volvo's Emergency Brake Light system. Active over 60 km/hr, the system flashes the stoplights five times per second if the brakes are applied forcefully in an emergency situation. Once the vehicle's speed has reduced to 10 km/hr, the stoplights stop flashing and the hazard lights are activated. These can be manually deactivated or will automatically disengage when the vehicle speed reaches 10 km/hr.

A significant addition to the new C30 range is the 1.6-litre diesel DRIVe variant that offers best-in-class exhaust emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing driving pleasure.

This trailblazing new C30 model introduces Start/Stop technology to Volvo in Australia and offers an exceptional fuel economy average of 3.8l/100km, as well as CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

The C30 range, which includes the 2.4-litre five-cylinder S version, the 2.0D turbodiesel and the turbocharged T5, is headed by the new T5 R-Design that brings a sharply focused sporting character through wide-ranging changes to suspension and steering.

As well as 30 per cent stiffer springs, firmer monotube dampers and stiffer stabilizer bars, the C30 R-Design gains faster-ratio steering and new 17-inch Cratus alloy wheels.

The revised T5 R-Design exterior is fitted with front and rear spoilers, colour coordinated side skirts and chrome-plated 90mm sports tailpipes. Inside the R-Design theme continues with R-Design emblems embossed on the front seats, leather-rim steering wheel, leather/aluminium gearshift knob, aluminium sports pedals and distinctive blue speedometer and tachometer.

Individualisation is a basic tenet of the philosophy underlying the entire Volvo C30 range, and customers are given a wide range of choices in addition to the available colour and trim options.

The new C30 will offer two high-value option packages. The Teknik Pack featuring Volvo Navigation System, Blind Spot Identification System (BLIS), Active Bending Lights, Rear Park Assist, Bluetooth and Headlight Washer System priced at $3,700 for the T5 models and $6.350 for the 2.4i and 2.0D. The second pack is the Komfort Pack, which features Keyless Entry, Rain Sensor, Auto Dim Mirror, Laminated Side Windows, Heated Front Seats, Electric Driver Seat or Passenger Seat, priced at $2275 for the T5 models and $2600 for the 2.4i and 2.0D.

The new C30 engine range embraces the new 80kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder powerplant used in the DRIVe version, as well as the 100kW/320Nm 2.0D turbodiesel introduced this year.

Two five-cylinder petrol engines - the 125kW/230Nm 2.4-litre version employed in the C30 S and the 169kW/320Nm 2.5-litre Turbo used in the T5 and T5 R-Design - are offered, while four transmission options are available. The 2.4-litre C30 S is available with five-speed manual and five-speed adaptive automatic Geartronic transmission, while the 2.0D turbodiesel is mated to the dual-clutch, six-speed Powershift gearbox jointly developed by Volvo and its transmission partner Getrag. The T5 is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, or with Volvo's five-speed adaptive automatic Geartronic transmission.

"The Volvo C30 has always been a car with a distinct personality," says Volvo Car Australia managing director, Alan Desselss. "The new range offers more choice than ever before in a refreshed package that reinforces the vehicle's visual and emotional appeal."

C30 Range Pricing:

C30 S $34,950 $36,450
C30 1.6 DRIVe $36,150 N/A
C30 2.0D Powershift N/A $37,950
C30 T5 $43,450 $44,950
C30 T5 R-Design $47,150 $48,650
\*Manufacturer List Price only

Contact for more information:

Laurissa Mirabelli
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
(02) 9020 1600
Lmirabel@volvocars.com