Volvo C30 to launch in Paris
AutoWeek's sources say that the Volvo C30 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show this fall. Though smaller than the S40, the Mazda3-based hatch will punch out 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five. It will be a little on the heavy side at 3,000 lbs., but with the tires right at the corners of the vehicle, handling will likely be good.
Inside the vehicle will be four bucket seats and an available 650-watt sound system. No official plans have been made for the U.S. market, but sources indicate we should expect it to hit the streets here in mid-2007.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lucas 5:55PM (7/21/2006)
cant wait for the c30R
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Doug from Fla 6:54PM (7/21/2006)
The C30R reminds me of my MGB GT. Love it, must have it.
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Tom Design 9:00PM (7/21/2006)
Shame on you Volvo, all that Outback styling with black matte plastic sculpted so boringly from the front bumper to the wheel arches, sills, and rear bumper. The concept was so beautiful with painted parts, aggressive sills beautifully integrated with the rear bumper. And did I mention painted? Luxury isn't black bumper paint, and cheap black plastic grills. Why can't they pay $20/car for a beautiful metal mesh grill? or at least chrome up the plastic for some classy look? My 1988 740 GLE has a nicer plastic/chrome grill!
It's a complaint I have with Audi, all that money and simple elegant styling, then yards of cheap black plastic in their outrageous probiscus and lower mouth openings...these aren't rally cars or hyundai elantras where that look is just fine.
I do love the shape overall, and the low drop to the hood, balanced with the low wagon roof drop. Others have done it, the Magnum, with a great loss of rear visibility, and the C30 looks safer and less cartoon-ish than the DCX.
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Jimmyroq 9:15PM (7/21/2006)
I agree with Tom Design. They perfectly ruined a very promising concept by making just another Audi A3.
Look at this picture: http://media.autobild.de/bild/6/96f71cfe2d40a70c9e286ef546e713a6_1.jpg
Why did they put that waistline from the P1800ES away? It is more understandable that the gull-wing doors from the 3CC concept had to go, though. (http://news.autovia.sk/img/galleries/vo3c10_416be87de3e83.jpg)
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Phil 9:35PM (7/21/2006)
They put all that plastic on there so they can make a "refreshed" version with painted moldings a few years down the line. Everyone does it.
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James Sonne 11:11PM (7/21/2006)
I like the black plastic. It gives it an athletic look.
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Big Teebo 1:50AM (7/22/2006)
Volvo, you better send it stateside. We are getting tired of being shafted on fun, innovative cars. We don't need any more SUVs(you listening, GM?)
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MikeInNC 10:54AM (7/22/2006)
You guys can gripe all you want. I think this car crushes the look of the A3. They are indeed bringing it stateside so, put that worry away too.
I think Volvo has really stepped up to the plate in the past few years. The S60R is a great looking machine and they offer a body kit for it that borders on aftermarket but is still tasteful: http://www.deepnetconsulting.com/swedespeed/gallery/r/bcantana.jpg
And the latest S40/V50 is also a very nice looking and driving machine. In it's space, it's also competitively priced.
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Steven T. 1:03PM (7/22/2006)
Sure, something was lost in the translation from the concept car, but the C30 is a big improvement over the S40, which has an awkward chunkiness.
Where I think Volvo may be a bit off base is that the C30 should have been more sportwagon and less hatchback coupe, e.g., it needed greater rear overhang to extend the cargo compartment. That would have given it greater distinctiveness, both in terms of styling and utility.
Sure, sporty coupes are great, but is Volvo is intruding too far into Mazda territory? More broadly, is Ford making the same mistake as GM in building too many products that overlap?
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Matt G 8:23AM (7/23/2006)
The autoblog writer makes it sound AS IF THE 3,000 LB weight is really heavy. In fact it is, but the A3 hovers around 3300 lbs. It certainly is turning out to be a nice time if you like smaller, sportier cars. I was thinking last night that with all the larger used luxury cars out there, that small luxury plates could really be effective at standing out for buyers who want to be seen. Back on topic, I suspect properly tuned with the right turbo and about 200 fewer pounds this thing would really haul ass.
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blurger293 4:34PM (7/23/2006)
I think it looks great! Please send it over pond.
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adb 8:58AM (7/24/2006)
Actually, Volvo said the car would debut in Paris when the concept was shown at Detroit in January. Autoweek's news is old news.
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automobiles 12:57PM (10/06/2006)
Very nice design and many luxury options.
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