Volvo C30 official production shots leaked
According to Autoblog Spanish, Volvo had originally planned on releasing official details and photos of the C30 hatchback on July 25th, but you know how the internet works...
We did a double take at first seeing these pics of the production version of the C30 hatchback that first debuted as the C30 Concept at the 2006 Detroit auto show. The production version and the concept on which it's based vary little in appearance, right down to their fetching double-spoked wheels.
The front end is the typical Volvo fare found on the S40 and V50, and the rear reveals the same hatch found on the concept that is inspired by the legendary P1800 ES. The only changes of note are a new bumper out back that adds reflectors at the corners and more traditional round exhaust tips instead of the concept's triangular ones.
Hopefully Volvo will be forthcoming with more info on the C30 now that the cat's out of the bag.
(More official pics of the C30 can be found after the jump)
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tim UF 5:05PM (7/19/2006)
How cool is it that they kept that rear glass on the production model?
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judd 5:10PM (7/19/2006)
Oh mama! This segment is getting better and better. Mazdaspeed 3, A3, GTI and now this. I hope the Alfa is not late for the party.
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Elliott 5:14PM (7/19/2006)
Hot Hot Hot
As someone who loves and owns small cars for reasons that have nothing to do with the environment or costs (yes, we exist), this really makes my day.
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Gidge 5:15PM (7/19/2006)
Wow, I'd never think I'd say 'Volvo' and 'sexy' in the same sentence.
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laserwizard 5:16PM (7/19/2006)
Wow! Volvo keeps 'em coming with great model after a great model even after Ford purchased it; contrast that with pure mediocrity with Saab after GM bought it. You gotta feel sorry for the folks at Saab. GM wants to go with the aeronautical theme with Saab. Me thinks GM will just make an aero version of the Titanic and call it "Saab Luxury".
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Hung2 5:24PM (7/19/2006)
Soon to be the best looking Volvo on the market.
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Conor 5:26PM (7/19/2006)
The front looks so typical, while the back looks awesome! its one of those accident cars, where two cars schruched together in a crash....
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jscro 5:34PM (7/19/2006)
Very sexy. Maybe there will be an AWD R version? One can dream.
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Robert 5:39PM (7/19/2006)
The C30 looks perfect! I’ll have my fingers crossed until specs, pricing, and first driving impressions come out that my expectations aren’t dashed.
A Mini Cooper just drove past me. I still love the Mini, but it looks more like a retro retreat after looking at the C30.
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Pinkerton 5:39PM (7/19/2006)
I hope they also kept one of these two I5 turbo engines... The Volvo C30 concept used a 2435 cc I5 turbo, 260 HP / 258 torque. The European Focus ST uses the 2522 cc Volvo motor from the S40 turbo, 223HP / 236 torque.
Maybe we will not get the Euro Focus, but instead get something that keeps pace with the top end ST. Would be nice tho if they offered this car in two tiers, touring (non-turbo, diesel?), and a full-tilt sport package with turbo.
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Alex Nunez 5:40PM (7/19/2006)
These things are going to sell like Twinkies. Awesome.
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JC Whitless 5:40PM (7/19/2006)
That would make one hell of a sexy Focus!!
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Dan 5:41PM (7/19/2006)
I want one!
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Jeff R. 5:58PM (7/19/2006)
Words just can't describe just how UGLY that back end is. The rest of the car certainly doesn't look that great either. What the hell- how could any of you think this car is sexy? Once again, Ford trashes Volvo beyond comprehension. I hope this car fails miserably.
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Otto Ingineer 6:08PM (7/19/2006)
Nice. Hope there is an R version, maybe 6spd manual, turbo, AWD.
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Will 6:17PM (7/19/2006)
I am crossing my fingers that Volvo throws their diesel in this and sends it stateside.
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Thomas 6:20PM (7/19/2006)
hopefully saab will respond with a cheaper, less-gimmicky/mainstream counterpart. once the fascination with the impractical flash design wears off, you're left with an impractical car that takes form over function
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Vasili 6:22PM (7/19/2006)
WOW! Thats all I have to say. I've always liked Volvo, they build cars that are not copies of Mercedes or BMW like Lexus does. And this little Volvo is a home-run in my mind. I love how clean the side is and the sloping roofline, and Volvo's signature tailights complete a great package. I hope it offers AWD. I'm 15 years old and I want this car, now thats saying something. Great job Volvo!!
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scooter 6:36PM (7/19/2006)
I'll throw myself onto the dog pile love fest! I LOVE THE WAY THIS CAR IS STYLED! This is exactly the kind of car that I like. A little sport, a lot of practical and unique, with a dose of economy.
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PJ 6:45PM (7/19/2006)
Jeff, I'm afraid this car's styling has nothing to do with Ford. I can understand your not remembering the Volvo P1800ES of the 1970's, as it's pretty obscure today, but have a look... the C30 isn't without precedent:
http://www.motorbase.com/vehicle/by-id/627618825/gallery.ehtml
Personally, I think the C30 looks great, but I'm a big fan of wagons, hatchbacks, and quirkiness. I'm more concerned about the driving experience--the S40 and V50 are solid and composed, but not all that sporty. With sharper steering and AWD, I could be very, very tempted by this car, but only if Volvo retunes the laggy, uneven turbo Five (which I assume the C30 will inherit from the S40/V50 T5).
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