What would you pay for a C30? Volvo's interested.
Click the image above for our high res gallery of the C30.
Volvo is taking an interesting tack to gauge consumer interest in its new hatch, the C30. According to Automotive News, the automaker is allowing visitors to the C30's site to configure their ride as desired, and then is quoting them a price. However, that price fluxuates depending on when you visit.
AutoNews' example involved both the base model and a fully loaded version, with the former coming in on March 8th at $24,970, while the latter's price was $28,270. Checking back six days later, on March 14th, prices had dropped to $21,565 for the base model and $24,415 for its fully optioned sibling.
Volvo's intention is to determine what potential buyers are willing to pay and how many vehicles they should ship to the States. Since the C30 is a slight departure from the automaker's conventional offerings, Volvo wants to get the right mix before making a commitment to a set number of vehicles.
While the rationale behind this move has its merits, we're a bit unsure as to whether such a tactic is particularly smart when launching a new model, as it may merely confuse consumers before they even have a chance to seriously consider the product.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Michael Karesh 10:16AM (3/26/2007)
This is increasingly common with Ford and Chrysler products. Maybe others as well.
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Dandy 10:22AM (3/26/2007)
They should price it as cheaply as they can, it could bring a lot of buyers to volvo which has great brand loyalty among it's customers. They would be getting some new customers for life. Call me a cheap jerk, but almost $30k is a lot for a hatchback, even though their cars are definitely 'sturdy' and well made.
I owned a high mileage turbo volvo before and I was very pleased with it, though I don't miss the car payments I do miss the car. I wouldn't mind buying another one someday.
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Juan 10:23AM (3/26/2007)
I don't think it should exceed the cost of a Subaru WRX with similar options. The WRX has more doors and AWD, but the C30 should be slightly upmarket. So I think that about balances out. At least in this consumer's mind.
Overall, I wouldn't want to spend more than 25k for one with desirable options.
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Fazzster 10:30AM (3/26/2007)
$0.00.....it needs all wheel drive...
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VW_MTL 11:01AM (3/26/2007)
Volvo Canada already priced the C30. The starting MSRP on it is CAD $4000 lesss that the S40, which I think is fair
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Jeff McMahon 11:24AM (3/26/2007)
Since the S40 with leather and sport package costs about 27, I imagine the C30 will cost the same. Wishy-washy pricing shows weakness and a lack of confidence. The Mini for example sticks to its price because it has the "Gotta Have It" factor. Don't put a product on the market unless you believe it has a compelling presence.
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Jim Sanders 10:51AM (3/26/2007)
Nissan does this too. Everybody's doing it.
It works and it's cheap research.
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Mike 11:19AM (3/26/2007)
I'd pay them to change the rear end of that car, looks like hell...
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Mark Alperin 11:10AM (3/26/2007)
it does need awd. the last front drive volvo i drove was an 04 and it was crap. awd and 250hp is the magic combo for this one i think. then a 320hp r version of course.
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Calguy 12:04PM (3/26/2007)
Maybe I'm too 'California' but where are you all going that you need All Wheel Drive? I never want any extra weight added to my car unless I'm going up a goat trail.
Cars are getting as fat and overweight as the population. I'll take a Slim Fast Volvo c30 for about $22k to start, $26 loaded with nav/leather and NO all wheel drive.
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Henry 2:43PM (3/26/2007)
I would pay around $18k for a base model. That seems like a fair price to me.
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James 11:43AM (3/26/2007)
I'd buy that for a dollar!
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GOKARTN 3:00PM (3/26/2007)
As MINI owner who is considering one for his next car, I hope they do not price it higher than the MINI. If the price is too high, I will just buy another MINI.
Start at $18,000 for the base
Start at $22,000 of the T5
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Hello 12:08PM (3/26/2007)
Low 20's for reasonably equipped (17" wheels, no leather, a couple of tack ons) and I'll consider it. Fully optioned I don't think this car should go above 26K.
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Spud 12:14PM (3/26/2007)
I'm traditionally not a Volvo fan, but this car is interesting and, well equipped, comes in below the Merc B200, Audi A3 and probably below expected price for the the BMW 1-series. This segment is going to be super competitive. I think the C30 will be a credible option in shopping in the "premium compact" segment. Are they coming to NA with a hatch (it says Euro model shown).
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Eric 12:16PM (3/26/2007)
20k when I looked at it, at 20k it'd be my favorite car in it's price range.
Max Engine Power (hp/rpm) 218/5,000
Max Engine Torque (lb.ft./rpm) 236/1,500-4,800
I dig.
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stefan 12:37PM (3/26/2007)
No thanks i rather have a civic si coupe or a mazdaspeed 3 or even the new sentra SE-R.
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MikeW 12:50PM (3/26/2007)
Where is their new inline6, does volvo have an ~190hp inline5 off that engine yet.
190hp 2.7 I5 front drive / 6 speedstick / auto for ~$22/23K
235hp haldex 2.0 / 6 speed stick / auto for ~$24/25K
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TIm 1:01PM (3/26/2007)
Somthing VERY odd with that site... if you get to the first screen past the zip code entry, make a note of the prices, then close the browser. Now open your browser and do it again, and look at the prices... I've seen at least 4 different prices in there so far.
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Atomicbri 1:21PM (3/26/2007)
Cool car! I would consider one since I am in the market for a cool, fun to drive hatch. However, I just went to the site and optioned on, #1 TOOO MANY OPTIONS! They need packages so I recommend Volvo lose all the individual options. When I price mine out it came up to $32,278. A little steep I think. I chose level 2 but still things like power seats were separate from the leather, etc. After I chose options (mind you this was a non-leather vehicle!) This price seemed too high. I would buy a MINI Cooper S first. Fully loaded it is $28,300 and has almost EVERY option. Come on Volvo, don't let me down.
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