Autoblog

Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volvo

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design - click for high-res gallery

Possibly the biggest news to come out of Volvo's announcement of pricing for the 2011 C30 is that there is going to BE a 2011 C30. We ogled the nipped and tucked C30 T5 in Frankfurt and came away even more smitten than before with Volvo's neo-brake. The revised fascia and nipped and tucked bumpers bring the C30 into line with the future of Volvo design, however shaky that may be.

It's hard to deny the allure of the stylish little dumpling, and it won't even break the bank. Available in the United States exclusively in T5 trim for 2011, $24,600 (plus *$850 for destination and delivery charges) will get you into the Swedish hatch with a 227 horsepower inline-five hooked to a six-speed manual. If the swoopy Swede isn't enough for you in stock trim, the C30 T5 R-Design brings lowered ride height and a monochromatic bodykit that makes the car look like it's hunkered way down over its new 18-inch wheels.

The best part of the R-Design package are the suspension tweaks. Volvo says the stiffer bushings make the steering more direct and the rack's ratio is faster, too. Spring rates are up, and both the dampers and the swaybars have been stiffened, as well. Sounds expensive, doesn't it? Not so much - $26,950 (plus $850 D&D) strikes us as a small bargain for the nattily styled Volvo hatch with sharpened teeth. Of course, that's before a visit to Ye Olde Options List, where the bottom line can get pretty daunting pretty quickly. Press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 T5 R Design

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*

Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo

2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you're an auto ~~journalist~~ blogger, you're constantly, incessantly bombarded with a series of questions. Usually it's, "What's the best car you've ever driven?" (Personal answer: Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, followed by blank stares.) The other question we get more frequently than, "How you doing?" is, "What car should I buy?" Sorta like the initial question, we have a a few boilerplate responses. One of them just happens to be the sadly invisible but highly desirable Volvo C30. Really, if you're in the market for a small, stylish car under $30K, you can't do much better. Usually, we're totally ignored. Though one friend did heed our advice -- she also happens to own a 1972 Datsun 240Z. In other words, a woman with taste.

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.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30

Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Volvo

2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Volvo will do the nip tuck on its entry-level model, the C30 hatchback, for the 2010 model year. The first official pictures and an accompanying press release have just been unleashed ahead of the car's upcoming debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and, not surprisingly, the updates focus mainly on the front and rear fascias and closely mirror the modifications made to the C70 hardtop convertible.

Up front, an interesting mixture of sharp angles and creases join organic shapes and headlamps that are stretched well back into the fenders. Prominent badging puts Volvo's iron mark front and center in the shapely new grille. At the rear, the brand name is spelled out in larger script on the C30's trademark glass hatchback.

Besides the refreshed appearance, the 2010 C30 will also sport a bevy of new color options, including an Espresso/Blond interior combination. Chassis mods start and end with an available Sports package that lowers the car by 10 millimeters, adds stiffer bushings, dampers and stabilizer bars and a quicker steering ratio. Want more? Check out our gallery below and hit the jump for the U.K. press release.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo C30

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt

Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Volvo C30 earmarked for a 2010 refresh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volvo, Rumormill

Now that a series of images of Volvo's refreshed C70 hardtop convertible have hit the interwebs, the enterprising group at Swedespeed have put together an interesting preview of the C30 hatchback, a model that is expected to get a similar revitalization.

Up front is likely to be a new fascia that mimics the changes made to the C70. As such, expect a larger, more shapely grille flanked by blocky, upright head lamps that sweep well back into the front fenders. In the rear, the changes figure to be far less dramatic, with Swedespeed projecting alternations including a larger Volvo script across the trademark rear glass hatch along with LED tail lamps and a smoother rear bumper.

Expect to see both the 2010 Volvo C30 and C70 hardtop convertible make their official debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Rendered Speculation: Volvo C30 earmarked for a 2010 refresh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volvo working on electric C30, will show concept in Frankfurt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

Volvo ReCharge concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

According to Autocar, Volvo has confirmed it's planning to debut an all-electric C30 hatchback at its Innovation for Life event at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. We first heard rumors of such a machine last week, but at the time the Swedish automaker wasn't willing to confirm its presence.

Says an unnamed source from Volvo, "One of the cars that will be shown at the... event will be an all-electric C30 and that car will be driven. At the moment, the all-electric C30 is just a concept and Volvo has no current plans to put it into production." When pressed about its chances of hitting dealers, the source said, "It is an evaluation concept... It's being worked on and is part of an ongoing evaluation and we will make a decision in the future. At the moment, we are not considering putting it into production."

Volvo has confirmed an upcoming plug-in hybrid hybrid version of its V70 wagon using an electric motor to power the rear wheels and a diesel engine to power the front. That car is expected to debut in full production form in 2012.

Gallery: Volvo ReCharge PHEV project

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Volvo working on electric C30, will show concept in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Scion, Volvo

IIHS 2009 two-door crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that two-door automobiles perform differently when crash tested than their four-door stablemates, particularly in side crashes. Due to the vastly different structural makeup of coupes versus sedans, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has decided to test both two- and four-door versions of automobiles for 2009, and the results aren't always predictable.

For instance, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe joins Volvo's 2009 C30 as a two-door vehicle that earns the agency's Top Safety Pick rating, yet the four-door Focus scored a lower Acceptable rating in previous IIHS side crash testing. Conversely, the 2009 Honda Civic flips those ratings with the newly-tested coupe garnering an Acceptable side crash score versus the sedan's Top Safety Pick rating.

While the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC and Volvo C30 all performed fairly well in both frontal and side crash testing, the tC was judged the poorest performer overall and was the only vehicle that failed to earn either a Good or Acceptable rating for rear crash protection. Check out the gallery of smashed-up coupes below and see the official press release after the break for additional details on the testing results.

Gallery: IIHS 2009 Two-Door Crash Tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New details on Audi S1 emerge

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Image removed at owner's request.

Auto Express got the inside dope on the upcoming Audi S1, and the the compact hatch has its sights set on the MINI Cooper JCW, Fiat 500 Abarth SS, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA and Volvo C30. Based on the new Audi A1, the S1 will feature a cranked up version of VW/Audi's Twincharger 1.4L TSI four tweaked to produce 200 hp and 221 ft-lb of torque. Power might be down compared to the S1's competitors, but expect the three-door to hold its own with a rear-biased quattro setup, a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox and a lowered and stiffened suspension that might feature Audi's magnetic dampers. AE is projecting a 0-60 time of around six seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The car should look as good as it moves, with styling that apes the metroproject quattro we saw in Tokyo last year. Expect an aggressive bodykit, 19-inch alloys, roof spoiler, and chrome accents. Inside, you'll find a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and aluminum pedals, along with a version of Audi's mobile electronic device. The dash-mounted Audi iPhone-alternative can actually control some of the car's systems remotely, but we wouldn't be surprised if the system doesn't make it to production for at least another two years. The baby S3 won't be is cheap, so expect the S1 to start at almost double the A1's £13,000 starting price when sales begin abroad next year.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S1 rendering

[Source: Auto Express]

New details on Audi S1 emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo developing 300-hp C30 with AWD

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Volvo, UK

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 R-Design

Rumors of a new Volvo hot hatch have gotten hot again with talk of a new 300-horsepower C30 for Europe. According to reports, the new model would be powered by the same 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder turbo engine that powers the new Ford Focus RS. One difference between the two cars, which share a similar platform, is that the Swedish beauty would be offered with a Haldex all-wheel drive system in contrast to the Blue Oval's torque-steer inducing front-engine, front-drive layout. Larger 20-inch wheels ought to fill out the arches quite nicely, and a special body kit should bring the whole look closer to the tarmac. To keep demand high, Volvo may limit the new model to 4,500 units worldwide, though we have no idea where it will offer the hatch besides the U.K. Considering that the Swedish automaker has diluted its R-nameplate, we're also not certain what this performance-minded C30 will be called, but we're sure it'll be the most fun we've had in a Volvo for quite a long time.

Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design

[Source: Autocar]

Volvo developing 300-hp C30 with AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo bringing ethanol-powered C30 racer to WTCC

Noah Joseph — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Green, Volvo

Click to view a hi-res gallery of the Volvo C30 Green Racer

Let's play a little word association game here. When I say "Volvo", what comes to mind? Swedish. Safety. Soccer moms. Station wagons. But racing?

Granted, Volvo is not one of the better-known names in motorsport, but the company has been competing for the last couple of seasons in the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Volvo Motorsport actually took the first two championships of the series in 1996 and 1997, and came back to the series last year with an E85 ethanol-powered C30, campaigned by Polestar Racing AB. Although the green racing hatch has yet to reclaim the national title for Volvo, it has won a couple of races against conventionally-fueled competitors from the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Opel. The Swedish automaker has now decided to bring the vehicle up a level to the World Touring Car Championship when the series comes to Brands Hatch in the UK next weekend. It will be interesting to see how the E85 Volvo will fare against the diesel-powered Seats and the other gasoline-powered regulars in the WTCC, however Volvo's entry will be strictly for exhibition and not eligible for points. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volvo C30 Green Racer

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo bringing ethanol-powered C30 racer to WTCC

Volvo bringing ethanol-powered C30 racer to WTCC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 350 hp Volvo C30 R in the works

Drew Phillips — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo, Rumormill

Click above for a high resolution image of the C30 D-Design package

Volvo gave its C30 hatchback a pretty aggressive look when it introduced the R-Design package, but unfortunately none of that sportiness made its way beneath the hood. Adding some show to the go, Volvo has reportedly created a C30 prototype fitted with a turbocharged inline-5 pumping out 350 horsepower using the Ford Focus RS engine block as a base. Best of all, it would be able fully put down all that power combined with Volvo's AWD system, unlike the FWD system on the Focus RS. Unfortunately, Volvo has no current plans to bring the car to production, and with high gas prices and upcoming fuel consumption regulations, it would be tough to convince them otherwise.

[Source: MotorAuthority.com]

Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design

Rumormill: 350 hp Volvo C30 R in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo planning more small models, more diesels

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Volvo

click above image for high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 Efficiency

In the wake of rapidly diminishing sales of large and not-particularly fuel efficient cars, Volvo is doing what only seems rational: introducing smaller vehicles with more fuel efficient engines. The company reportedly has plans to introduce three new diesel powered vehicles by the fall. We are unclear on where Volvo intends to target with its little green ~~men~~ cars besides emerging markets such as China and Russia, but we'd love to see some more stylish and fuel efficient options in the U.S. It's too early to speculate on what vehicles Volvo is referring to, but that's never stopped us before. The C30 is currently the Swedish automakers smallest vehicle and at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Volvo showed off its C30 Efficiency concept. We'd say that the timing certainly appears right for a production version of just such a machine. After all, who wouldn't appreciate the 52.26 miles per gallon from its 105 horsepower 1.6L turbodiesel engine?

Gallery: Volvo C30 Efficiency

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. required]

Volvo planning more small models, more diesels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This needed to happen: RWD Volvo C30

Dan Roth — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Hatchback, Volvo

Click above for a photo galllery of Skruffse's RWD C30

While Volvo's C30 has wily charms in its stock configuration, we could see how it'd be even more entertaining with the power being sent to the proper wheels. While we're talking revisions, a honkingly large turbocharger and external-reservoir dampers would be welcome additions, too. The race-ready ride height is dead sexy, and while it's a crazy thing to do to a perfectly good brand new Volvo, Sweden's Skruffse has carried out some beautiful fabrication work. The use is obviously racing of some sort, and with wide tires at all four corners we're surmising that it's something that involves turning, versus drag racing. Seeing this car's tow rig - a first-generation V70, it all comes together -- those willing to strip the C30 down like a stolen Pinto and rejigger the chassis are true Volvo nuts. We're pretty sure the warranty has been voided, though.

Gallery: Skruffse RWD C30 Racer

[Source: CarScoop]

This needed to happen: RWD Volvo C30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Change your C30's character with official swappable designs

John Neff — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Hatchback, Volvo

Click above to view the rest of these crazy Swedish exterior designs

Looking at the pictures above and in our gallery below, you may think that Volvo has either totally lost it or forgot that April Fools Day is on the first of the month. But we're assured this is real and even visited Volvo's official Swedish media site for verification. Beginning on April 7th, Volvo C30 owners in Sweden can completely change the character of their car by ordering one of 20 different nonpermanent films that safely adhere to the exterior of their hatches. The designs are outlandish to say the least and include everything from mock woodie panels to zebra stripes to pink camo to gay pride colors (probably an unintended association for that last one, but it works). The film, which in some cases appears to cover every exterior surface, is guaranteed not to hurt the paint, but actually protect it for up to two years when it's time to replace the film. It is an investment though at the equivalent of $3,130 USD, which is probably more than what it would cost to have the car custom painted with any of these designs. But then it couldn't be removed when you wise up and realize your car looks absolutely ridiculous.

Gallery: Volvo C30 exterior film designs

[Source: Volvo via CarScoop]

Change your C30's character with official swappable designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445

Michael Harley — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Europe, Volvo

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 R-Design

Following up on our story about the Volvo C30 R-Design at the New York Auto Show, Volvo announced pricing today for its sporty hatchback tunerish trim level. MSRP will be $25,700, plus destination charges of $745. Doing simple math, you can put one of these hot turbocharged Swedes in your garage at a base price of $26,445. Of course, most of you will want to add available goodies such as the DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, or the Dynaudio premium sound system...and they'll cost you extra, which will balloon the price into what many consider too dear for a Swedish hatchback.

If a cosmetically-enhanced C30 is just your thing, however, we suggest you act fast. With a production run limited to just 400 examples, the exclusive R-Design will probably roll quickly out of showrooms starting in April.

Gallery: New York 2008: Volvo C30 R Design

Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design

[Source: Volvo Cars of North America]

Continue reading Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445

Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Volvo

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

Continue reading New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some

New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0

Dan Roth — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Volvo

2008 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been told for so long that hatches don't sell here in the U.S., so it's surprising to see a new crop of two-box premium cars going on sale. MINI started it with its R53 Coopers; retro flash met modern dash and it sold successfully enough to warrant an upgrade to the R56. Volvo's got the same lust for entry-level customers to its premium wares, so on the scene rolls the C30. Based off the S40, the C30 reaches back over three generations of boxy-but-good styling to a time when Swedish cars wearing the alchemist's symbol for iron had curves and a shooting brake profile. Hatch/wagon/brake/estate - call it what you will, Volvo's hoping it can call the C30 a success.

Gallery: Review: Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0

Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volvo plans XC30 CUV to join V30 wagon and C30 hatch

John Neff — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Volvo

We recently got confirmation from a Volvo PR person that the Swedish automaker's new C30 hatchback will soon be joined by a V30 five-door wagon. Just-Auto.com is going one step further by reporting that Volvo will also add a new XC CUV model to its lineup based on the C30 hatch to be called, not unsurprisingly, the XC30. Presumably it will also be a five-door model with all-wheel-drive that's jacked up off the ground a bit.

The burgeoning of Volvo's 30 series of cars will come at the expense of the S40 sedan, which will be merged with the larger S60 eventually creating a common mid-size sedan likely to retain the S60 name. The new S60 won't get a V-named wagon counterpart, however, which would be too close in concept to Volvo's standalone V70 and XC70 models. Do expect, however, an XC60 CUV model to be based on the XC60 Concept that debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.

Finally, as we recently reported, rumors of the larger XC90's demise have been exaggerated and Volvo's largest SUV is expected to get a refresh soon and a full-on replacement eventually. Clearly, however, Volvo sees future profits by filling out its small car lineup with versions of the C30 hatchback that will sell well all over the world, and not just the U.S.

[Source: Just-Auto.com]

Gallery: Volvo C30 T5

REPORT: Volvo plans XC30 CUV to join V30 wagon and C30 hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS could beget Volvo C30R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo

Mere minutes after receiving word that Volvo would begin producing the C30 hatch, we've been speculating about the possibility of a performance version that would evolve the stylish three-door into a GTI competitor. The announcement that Ford is developing a new Focus RS has given us even more reason to be hopeful. Pure speculation and performance prognostication says that the 2.5-liter turbocharged mill shouldn't be an issue since it's already fitted into the C30 and its platform siblings, the Focus ST and S40, plus, all-wheel-drive could be part of the equation.

A 300 hp C30R has the potential of joining the Mazdaspeed3 as another way of satiating our desire for a hot Focus, and if the price, we're smelling a hit.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

Ford Focus RS could beget Volvo C30R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows

Could premium small cars be the next hot segment? Things appear to be heating up with the MINI being joined by the Volvo C30 and word of another Swede stepping into the fray. Saab will unveil its Delta platform-based 9-1 at the 2008 London Motor Show and it will be available for purchase in late 2009. Nondefinitive descriptors provided by Saab assure us that the 9-1 will be dramatically styled with an iconic shape. There had been some attention paid to a high-roof small CUV idea, but Saab asserts the 9-1 will be sporty in that Saab way, though it will have the functionality younger buyers are looking for.

Rather than pile on to the CUV segment, Saab could cash in some retro love and still make a very Saaby and useful car that doesn't put on truck airs. The Saab 99 of the 1970s could provide some inspiration for the 9-1, resulting in a car that doesn't occupy a lot of space, but can swallow a refrigerator. Look to the 9-3X and 9X for hints about what the car might actually look like.

[Source: Autocar]

MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo C50?: Volvo considering five-door C30

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Volvo

During a sit down with Volvo's senior veep of R&D, Magnus Jonsson told Automotive News that a five-door version of the C30 might be in the cards. "The five-door would be less exciting from a design perspective, but we're looking to expand." That seems like an accurate statement considering that stretching the three-door model could have a few negative aesthetic implications. But if sales of the C30 in the U.S. and Japan go through the roof, a five-door model could be a competitive product for buyers looking to move up market from the C30's platform sibling, the Mazda3.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo C50?: Volvo considering five-door C30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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