New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some
Click above to view high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 R-Design
Volvo directed its efforts at the New York Auto Show toward debuting the XC60 SUV for North America, but quietly standing sentinel at the front of the display was the C30 R-Design. There's not much to complain about when you gaze upon any C30, though the R-Design trimmings offer sprinkles on the cupcake. The cars will be exclusive, with oly 400 hitting showrooms in April for a base price of $25,700. The easiest way to spot the special Swedish hatches will be the metallic mirror housings, grille and grille crossbar. There's also a subtle R-Design badge affixed to the grille to identify the car as something just a little special. Special paint colors will also set off the R-Design cars, and the body kit-equipped car we photographed shined resplendently in Black Sapphire. Interior changes consist of blue-faced gauges like the actual high-performance S60R (RIP) and R-Design logos embossed into the leather inserts on the seats and metal accent bits around the cabin. The R-Design cars are more style than substance, but the exclusivity will be of value to buyers who like to have something special, and the T5 powertrain that all U.S.-bound C30s carry offers snappy performance already.
Gallery: New York 2008: Volvo C30 R Design
Volvo Announces Pricing for the C30 R-Design for 2008
Unique style and exclusivity starts at just $25,700*
New York, NY (March 19, 2008) - Following hot on the heels of the news of the Limited Edition C30 R-Design, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) today announced pricing for the 400 C30s that will go on sale in April. With a base MSRP of just $25,700* the Limited Edition C30 R-Design brings new levels of style and unique appointments to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's lineup.
At first glance, the C30 R-Design catches the eye with its distinctive exterior enhancements. Premium touches include a matte-silver finish for the outside mirror housings, front grille surround and iconic Volvo grille "strap." To signify that this C30 is truly special, an R-Design badge has been affixed to the grille. Customers can select from four exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue and Passion Red. Sport Body kit, tailgate spoiler, large diameter exhaust tips, etc. are additional exterior enhancements that add to the C30 R-Design's dynamic personality.
Stepping inside the cabin, the driver and three passengers are rewarded with sporty and premium cues befitting the stature of this truly special Volvo. Seats are swathed with off-black Flex-tech while the cushions and backrests are trimmed in contrasting crème-colored leather. The R-Design logo is embossed neatly into the front bucket seatbacks.
Inspired by Volvo's legendary high-performance R models, the C30 R-Design sports a blue-face instrument cluster. The C30's signature super-slim center console is finished with a unique inlay with subtle circular patterns that take the standard aluminum inlay to the next level. A special leather-wrapped steering with aluminum inlays proudly displays the R-Design logo. Additional features include sport pedals, sport shifter, and floor mats.
Like the regular production C30, the R-Design delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Equipped as a complete package which includes 18" Atreus wheels and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 6 month introductory subscription as std. equipment, customers can select from an abbreviated list of options for the C30 R-Design including 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system with real time traffic, power driver's seat, Climate Package, power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights, Serapis alloy wheels and Dynaudio premium sound system.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Matt 2:08PM (3/20/2008)
Pretty. :)
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Razor1973 2:10PM (3/20/2008)
Coming from an S60R myself, I can appreciate the subtle styling changes, but I can't believe Volvo is doing nothing more than what Audi did with the S-Line. They need to bring the real soul of the R line back. I certainly miss mine.
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Aki 2:12PM (3/20/2008)
No new suspension? Same power? Bleh.
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khim 2:42PM (3/20/2008)
Still front wheel drive? I will wait.
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PJ 2:54PM (3/20/2008)
Very pretty. Now how about a limited-edition "steering feel" package...? Or a "not-crap-shifter" option?
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Andrew 2:33PM (3/20/2008)
Ditto. I don't want an R "line" cosmetic upgrade, I want an R motor. Maybe if it sells well, they'll bring some actual performance upgrades.
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SPG 2:38PM (3/20/2008)
It's nice, but I'm sure the T5 with the same suspension and engine will wear better over the years.
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Razor1973 2:44PM (3/20/2008)
I doubt it will. R-design will be an instant never-was for Volvo.
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3seriesisking 2:52PM (3/20/2008)
I certainly hope not. I like the look of this car. Very nice overall.
Razor1973 2:58PM (3/20/2008)
"No cutting surfaces", "softer plastics" and "no hollow sounding compartments" will come as extras with that package.
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polar 3:12PM (3/20/2008)
I'll miss the real R cars, the 850, the V70 and S60.
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Emro 5:01PM (3/20/2008)
I don't think that's Orinoco Blue... too dark
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KCurtis 3:42PM (3/20/2008)
I'm a Volvo guy, and I want one. :D
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Razor1973 3:49PM (3/20/2008)
Hey, we have the same car! Well, unless you have the V6 or no Sport package. hehe ;)
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Tom 4:22PM (3/20/2008)
I like the look a lot. I wish Honda would offer a sporty trim line across their cars. I know they have the si Civic, but an si Accord would be very sweet.
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zamafir 4:25PM (3/20/2008)
It's weird you should ask that, as the SI actually provides significant improvements in power, handling, and looks, where as this is just a cosmetic package. Maybe Volvo has it right for their intended market? Maybe all the few who've bought the C30 want is a little different lip spoiler?
I'd love for an SI accord, more power, even stiffer ride, more driver focused, vs just a new aero kit.
zamafir 4:23PM (3/20/2008)
I like the look of the car, esp with this R package, I'm just not really clear who it's being sold to, well or not sold very well to. Yes I get it's a volvo, but it's hard to sell a car in its price bracket that's not as fun to drive as a GTi/R32/Mini and significantly blander then those or the A3. I just wish something made it stand out, maybe this cosmetic kit will be it?
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dtm 4:43PM (3/20/2008)
Okay... It's just like the Mini Clubman story again. There was a post on Autoblog evey hour about it! Same with this under par Volvo. Car manufactureres don't know what to do to make people buy their lame products. Make it longer, put some bling biling on it and call it limited edition - whatever works. Please no more posts about the Volvo hatchback - we got the idea!
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Tom 4:30PM (3/20/2008)
I appreciate the option to get a sportier looking car for less coin, even if that means sticking with the smaller (likely more fuel efficient engine). I think the Audi s-line package is sharp, even if it is mostly cosmetic (I think it does come with a firmer/sportier suspension). I wish bmw offered an "m-line" package. 325s look pretty silly with their tiny wheels and lack of a body kit and they aren't cheap.
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James 4:46PM (3/20/2008)
C30 is so disappointing. It's beautiful inside and out, but FWD and subpar driving dynamics make it a bit of a poseur. This would totally be on my short list if it came with AWD (and a bit more power).
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