Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right
2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery
When you're an auto
For 2010 Volvo has updated the C30. The biggest change is that the small hatch's snout is now up to snuff with its rear. We especially dig the new grill (also seen on the 2010 C70). Kinda looks like an upside down Aston Martin front end, no? The long, arching headlights are major improvement, too. We even like the the mirrors. Inside, the song remains very much the same -- think icy, Scando fortress of solitude. And of course, the rear end is as killer looking as ever. Sure it harkens back to the P1800's stern, but the C30's isn't slavishly derivative. In fact, the 2010 model's reworked bumper makes it look even better. Long story short, as long as Volvo's around, we'll keep recommending the C30. Especially since it's as close to we can get to a shooting-brake.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 11:07AM (9/16/2009)
"Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right"
Gets what right? All they did was change a few body panels, and made very minor tweaks to the steering and handling. In the end, it's still lacking AWD, and it's still underpowered.
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zamafir 11:28AM (9/16/2009)
don't forget that interior. it makes a golf seem positively vibrant in beetles yellow submarine kinda way.
Other Man 11:34AM (9/16/2009)
That brings up a good point. With AWD and the Focus RS' 300 hp I-5 turbo, Volvo would sell a fun car again.
Jake B 12:18PM (9/16/2009)
Can we get some pics posted of the woman with her datsun? Fast cars, loose women!!!
Ken Stamper 9:16PM (9/16/2009)
Underpowered? A 3000 lb car with 220 bhp?
Jared 2:59PM (9/17/2009)
3,000lbs w/ 220HP is average now adays. You must remember as time advances, so does our technology. Which means, what was powerful back in the day is only average now. Look at computers for instance, ppl didn't "need" the super power until they were spoiled with it, and then wanted more.
I still hate the squarish surrounds around round fog lights. I can't begin to say how many new car posts I've seen with them. Soo ugly IMO. too much cheap black plastic, fill it with some shapped lights or something, don't get lazy on design.
FThorn 11:10AM (9/16/2009)
When I was around the C30 at its first auto show, regular folks on the floor were really in love with it. More than any other 'affordable' car there.
I like the concept. Volvo dealerships just are not convenient here. Might as well own a Tesla
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Paul 11:10AM (9/16/2009)
AWD would make it WAY too heavy
underpowered? it seems you have never driven one. They are no sports car, but they certainly are a sporty car.
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Mark 11:15AM (9/16/2009)
Agree with Paul.....I've driven many a Volvo (including the S60 R) and the overall driving experience has been far from soul stirring, electrifying, etc. No seat time in the C30 yet but have heard and read that it carries on the Volvo tradition of too numb a driving experience. Does look great though!
Paul 11:17AM (9/16/2009)
Mark then you don't agree with me. The C30 is an excellent driving experience for THAT type of buyer. Compared to a base Mini for example I would take the C30 hands down. Its no JCW Mini but even compared to the S it gives it a run for the money.
Mike 1:29PM (9/16/2009)
Count me in the crowd that would take a C30 over a MINI. Having spent some time in both, the Volvo treats you like a human (with respect to comfort.) The MINI is just too expensive to be so unrefined. A street legal track car like the Elise gets away with this, but come on... a Civic Si treats you nicer.
Alex Hobbs 11:15AM (9/16/2009)
I take back all my previous negative comments on this redo, I really like the grille as well and the little lights in the headlight cluster are a nice detail. Overall its very sharp and wish it was more of a success here for Volvo, from what I understand it sells very well in Europe
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larry raines 11:33AM (9/16/2009)
The grille has a dinner plate sized logo in the middle of it now! What ever happened to Swedish subtly?
That front end is WAY to busy, what are all those angles and edges under the headlights? There is allot going on down there just for a couple of fog lights (and fake air intakes)
Alex Hobbs 11:48AM (9/16/2009)
I agree about the dinner plate logo, looks silly but the grille pattern is great IMO. The fog lights could use some work, rather cheap looking but overall its better than my first reaction.
larry raines 12:12PM (9/16/2009)
yea - that pattern is pretty cool
Way of D Future 11:27AM (9/16/2009)
looks HOT!!
but for that price i would go MazdaSpeed3, since it's just a lot faster
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Bryan 11:53AM (9/16/2009)
When is the update coming to the states?
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TimO 11:52AM (9/16/2009)
Did they fix the pedals?
The previous-gen one broke my heart when I noticed the brake and gas pedals have a ~8" height difference between them. No heel-toeing = fail.
Tragic, too, because this could be one of my favorite cars ever. I'd much rather have one of these than a Mini.
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Vijay 1:18PM (9/16/2009)
@Jonny: I think Volvo has a huge market for this, except the people who want it can't afford it, or want more fuel-efficiency (or both). Like me. I've drooled after it since it was but a concept car. Give me a C30 ReCharge at or below $30K, and I'll be a happy camper.
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Mitchell Scott 1:59PM (9/16/2009)
I love the C30, and this new update makes it dead sexy. Unfortunately for Volvo, there is something called the Volkswagen GTI MkVI...
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