2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volvo, New Car Reviews

Last Hurrah Comes and Goes In A Hurry

It isn't very often that we drive a new car that's already out of production, but that's exactly what has happened with this 2013 Volvo C30. After just five years on the North American market, the last C30 quietly rolled off the assembly line back in December. But before that happened, Volvo decided to send its compact hatchback out on a high note with a little added performance and exclusivity courtesy of this R-Design Polestar Limited Edition model.

The term "hot hatch" is admittedly tossed around a lot these days, but the combination of an R-Design styling package coupled with a good number of extra ponies under the hood should be more than enough to put the C30 in the mix with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and its not-too-distant cousin, the Mazdaspeed3. The chief problem with the Polestar Limited Edition, though, is that it's priced against sportier all-wheel-drive compacts like the Golf R and Subaru WRX STI, so we decided to spend a week with the Polestar to see if its exclusivity and performance are enough to make up for its higher price tag.

Continue reading 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volvo

Volvo is adding a bit of exclusivity to its C30 hatchback for the 2013 model year by offering a special Polestar Limited Edition model in the United States. And we do mean limited - only 250 of the Rebel Blue hatches will be offered, boasting upgraded performance (sort of) and a whole host of standard kit.

We say "sort of" because, well, the Polestar power kit for this special C30 isn't any different than what you can spec on the standard car. Still, it offers an additional 23 horsepower and 27 pound-feet of torque, bringing the turbocharged inline-five's output numbers up to 250 and 273, respectively, paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Aside from its new blue hue (that we really like, by the way), the Polestar Limited Edition is set apart from other C30 models with the addition of unique 17-inch Styx matte black alloy wheels, as well as a color-coordinated R-Design body kit. Inside, standard equipment matches that of the C30 Premium Plus model, meaning all of the Limited Edition cars are fitted with a sunroof, power seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED daytime running lights and Xenon headlamps. Of course, if you're feeling spendy, you can option up for the Platinum model, which adds navigation and a premium sound system to the mix.

All of this limited-run goodness comes at a price, though - the front-wheel-drive Polestar Edition retails for $32,445, including $895 for destination. Ticking the Platinum option will no doubt increase that cost by a few grand, and while it'll certainly be a hoot to drive, it's far more expensive than loaded competitors like the Mazdaspeed3 and runs into all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R territory.

We've asked Volvo to pass along more images aside from the one poorly cropped, low-res shot you see here, and we'll be sure to update you if more photos surface. In the meantime, scroll down to read all of the details in the official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available

2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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