Autoblog

Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

Dutch website NU recently reported that Volvo expects low demand for its C30 Electric, and therefore it decided to stop building the mostly electric car (it has a small, ethanol-burning heater to keep passengers warm). The original source for this information was a story in the Belgian newspaper The Age that cited Volvo's government affairs director, Anders Kärrberg. Turns out, this isn't quite right.

First, Volvo has always said the C30 Electric is a limited program. When the company started making the attractive EV in last summer, the public plan was to make just 250 units. So, the fact that the automaker is getting ready to finish up building the 250 units and then reevaluate the situation is not a surprise.

We asked Volvo's Malin Persson about the situation, and she told Autoblog that "[it has] never been our aim to continue with production of C30 Electric for a longer period of time." She added that:

[Volvo Car Corporation] will not end the production of the C30 Electric - but it has always been a project limited in numbers and time.
Approximately 200 cars have been built from the first generation, another 50 remain to be built before summer.
In the second generation, starting after the summer, 100 cars will be built in cooperation with Siemens and with Siemens technology.
The know-how and experience VCC has gained and will gain from the C30 Electric project will be extremely valuable when taking decisions about the way forward when it comes to electric cars.

So, instead of reporting that Volvo is stopping C30 Electric production, the reality is that 100 vehicles has been added to the build order. How aggressively Volvo continues to push on with electric technology beyond its C30 program - in something like the XC60 plug-in hybrid - remains to be seen. Kärrberg told The Age that Volvo thinks EVs will only make up one percent of the market in the next eight years, thanks to expensive batteries and a hodgepodge of government incentives.

Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo V40 caught testing in winter wonderland

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Volvo, Luxury

Our spy photographers have manged to lay lenses on the new Volvo V40 as engineers put the vehicle through a little cold-weather testing. Until just recently, we'd heard that the five-door version of the C30 would be called the V30, but Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has confirmed that the model will actually come wearing V40 badges.

Whatever they call it, Volvo is hoping the new machine will be capable of giving the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW X1 a run for their respective Euros. Details are understandably scarce at the moment, though we feel safe assuming the V40 will debut with a range of gasoline and diesel engine options.

The most potent of that bunch will likely be a 240-horspeower turbocharged four-cylinder that puts power to the front wheels... which certainly sounds like a good time to us. So far, Volvo hasn't said word one about an all-wheel-drive variant, though there's some indication that a plug-in hybrid may show its face in the near future.

Volvo V40 caught testing in winter wonderland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Volvo

Volvo enthusiasts should know the name Polestar well. The performance garage has a long history of tuning Volvos, and was anointed by the factory to run its works touring car program. Based on that success, Polestar launched a radical C30 PCP concept that is tipped to jump-start a new era of performance models from the Swedish auto marque.

Most recently, Volvo turned to Polestar to help tweak its R-Design specs, and had the tuning house start work on an ECU reflash for the S60. Now Volvo has officially announced the availability of the fruit of its collaboration with an upgrade for select models.

For $1,295 (including installation), owners of the C30, C70 and S40 (and soon the V50) with the T5 engine will be able to have an extra 23 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque squeezed out of their turbocharged five-pots with a dealer-installed tuning package.

The enhancement is affected by increasing airflow and optimizing spark timing, and while the aftermarket could surely squeeze out more for less, for a factory-backed upgrade, it strikes us as a good deal. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo, Rumormill, Electric

The Volvo C30 is nearing the end of its lifecycle and that means Volvo can take its compact hatch in one of two directions: plug on with a three-door variant or make a more spacious five-door to compete with the Audi A3.

According to Autobild and based off these previous spy shots, Volvo plans to go the latter route, with a new stretched hatchback to take on the BMW X1, upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK and Volkswagen Golf abroad. Slated to arrive sometime next year, the so-called V30 would pack a range of gasoline and diesel mills, maxing out with a 240-horsepower four-cylinder driving the front wheels. There's not talk of an all-wheel-drive version, but an all-electric variant that extends the capabilities and range of the C30 EV prototypes running around Europe is most certainly in the cards.

Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volvo

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

If you ever looked at those old Volvo ads that suggested their station wagons were the next logical step up from a Lotus, well, you can stop snickering. Sure, it may still be a long shot, but Volvo appears to be getting serious about offering performance-oriented automobiles.

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you a report that indicated Volvo was forging a closer relationship with Polestar, the racing outfit that fields the company's entries in the Scandinavian and World Touring Car Championships. Volvo, it seemed, had already turned to Polestar to squeeze a bit of extra juice from its S60 and XC60 R-Design models, and according to the report, was prepared to utilize Polestar's talents even more in the future.

A clearer picture of that that partnership is now emerging, and so far, it looks promising. Their first collaborative project is tipped to be a production version of the baby-blue, 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive C30 hatchback unveiled last year. If given the go-ahead, we could be looking at a limited run of 500 cars priced around £50,000 in the UK - about the same as a BMW M3.

Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge - referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo's other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.

Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Volvo

Polestar Volvo C30 WTCC at Zolder - Click above for high-res image

Last year, Volvo's factory-backed Polestar Racing team clinched the title in the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Based on that success, the Swedish outfit elected to bump up its efforts to challenge for the World Touring Car Championship, all the while fighting to defend its national title back home where the Swedish series has merged with the Danish one to form the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship.

This week saw the debuts of both the World and Scandinavian series, the former kicking off at Belgium's Zolder circuit and the latter at the Jyllands-Ringen in nearby Denmark. Volvo Polestar made a strong showing in both with its competition-spec C30.

At Zolder, Polestar/Volvo landed 13th place in the first race and 7th in the second, scoring its first points in front of 27,000 spectators and a television audience of 45 million. Meanwhile, in Denmark, the team finished on the podium in 2nd and 3rd in the first race but 8th and 13th for the second when the starting grid was reversed, putting the team second in the standings so far.

Polestar continues working on a new turbocharged engine that it figures will account for the difference between its position at Zolder and the leader's. The WTCC heads to Monza in three weeks for the next round, as the STCC heads back to Sweden in one week. Follow the jump for the official press releases.

Continue reading Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing

Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Design/Style

2011 Volvo C30 Black Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volvo C30 is a bit of a divisive design. Some love the radical P1800ES-inspired hatch, while others find it awkward. But maybe the brand's latest special edition can help.

Called the C30 Black Design, it's limited exclusively to the Italian market and to just 600 examples. What sets it apart is the application of a 3M carbon-look film to the roof, pillars, grille surround and wing mirrors. There's also 17-inch matte black wheels (upgradable to 18-inchers) and a specially trimmed interior with individualized dedication plaque.

Italian buyers can choose between the 115-horsepower D2 or 150-hp D3 turbo-diesel engines, or a 145-hp 2.0-liter gasoline four, and specify theirs in white, gray or orange. The question is, does the faux-carbon trim make the C30 look better or worse? Cast your vote in our poll below after looking over the gallery.

View Poll

Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 Black Design

[Source: OmniAuto.it (translated)]

Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo considering insanely high $2,100/month lease for C30 Electric

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

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

A trial fleet of around 400 Volvo C30 Electrics is coming, and anyone who wants one had better have an awful big piggy bank. Speaking at a media launch near Indianapolis, IN today, the president of Volvo Car Special Vehicles, Lennart Stegland, said that, while the final price for the car hasn't been set, Volvo will not sell the EV, but instead offer the car through a three-year lease for around 1,500 Euros. Per month.

1,500 Euros comes out to about $2,129.85 at today's exchange rates, so if you stick it out for the full 36 months, you get to spend $76,674 to not buy a car. Even worse, Stegland said that Volvo will lose money on the deal. Ouch. Developing electric vehicles for mass production (which, on Volvo's schedule, will happen sometime around 2013 or so) is more than mildly expensive.

Sure, for the three years you drive the C30 Electric, you'll probably be quite happy with the car. We certainly were when we drove it last fall and fell for it again in Indiana today (our full write up is coming soon). To convince EV skeptics, Volvo is pushing its traditional safety message pretty hard with the C30 Electric, and we're sure the car is as safe as can be. We'll see how powerful this argument is when a hundred C30 Electrics come to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2012. An official lease price hasn't been set but, as much as we like it, it'll be hard to justify two-large a month for four-seat hatch.

Gallery: Volvo C30 Electric

Volvo considering insanely high $2,100/month lease for C30 Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo announces foray into World Touring Car Championship after claiming Swedish title

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Volvo

The past year didn't look too bright for the World Touring Car Championship. First BMW cut its program down from three works teams to one, then reports came in indicating that Seat - fresh from back-to-back titles - was scaling down its factory-backed team as well. But the latest reports give those behind the premier tin-top series something to smile about as Volvo announces its plans to mount an assault on the championship over the next couple of seasons.

The news comes on the back of the Swedish Touring Car Championship which the local automaker - fielded by Polestar and driven by Robert Dahlgren - seized this past weekend at Mantorp Park. With little in the way of an off-season, the 2011 STCC season is set to begin in just a couple of months. But while Volvo and Polestar prepare to defend their title, the two will also be participating in select rounds of the big league championship next season as well.

Polestar and Dahlgren will also be behind the WTCC effort, campaigning the ethanol-powered C30 DRIVe touring car, but while the BMW, Seat and Chevrolet-powered teams fix their eyes on the prize, the Volvo entry will be oriented primarily towards evaluating the series with an eye towards a full Volvo works entry the following season. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo announces foray into World Touring Car Championship after claiming Swedish title

Volvo announces foray into World Touring Car Championship after claiming Swedish title originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volvo, Specialty

Once again an automaker is turning to you, The American Car Buyer, to find out what you want. This time, it's Volvo wondering what America's consumer audience thinks of a special edition C30 that would combine metallic Orange Flame paint and 17-inch wheels outside with two-tone seats in T-Tec and orange cloth, Sirius Satellite, an an upgraded audio system inside. If you answered, "Yes, I like the sound of that," Volvo wants to know if an automatic, climate control and bi-xenons would also be on your list.

The Orange Metallic paint is a current option on U.S. C30s - this is really about the interior and the special wheels, which aren't available. There is nothing to indicate that you'll have a chance to buy such a C30 no matter how badly you want it, but Volvo product communications guru Dan Johnston is listening to all comments left over at our friends at Swedespeed. Check 'em out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R'

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Volvo

Polestar Volvo C30 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier this year, Volvo and Polestar debuted the C30 Polestar Performance Prototype hot hatch, showing what would happen if a Swedish touring car were tuned down for road car use. It's a menacing little devil, what with its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five boosted to 405 horsepower, Haldex all-wheel drive, massive brakes and raft of other performance add-ons.

The team at Autocar recently had the chance to flog the Polestar C30 around Volvo's proving grounds, saying that the hatch feels like a well-sorted version of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution or even a "junior Nissan GT-R." High praise, indeed, and we don't doubt them. Obviously, we won't be seeing a production version of the vicious C30 anytime soon, but this exercise mostly shows what sort of performance machines could come from a partnership between Volvo and Polestar. This would certainly give BMW's M and Audi's S/RS divisions a run for their money, and we'll never complain about having too many hot hatches on the market.

Follow the jump to watch Autocar's test of the Polestar C30, and head back to our earlier post to read all the details about the road-ready touring car.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R'

Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Walk-around of 450-hp Volvo Polestar C30

Zach Bowman — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volvo, Specialty, Racing

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Prototype Concept - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you've been itching for a closer look at the Polestar Performance Volvo C30 Performance Concept Prototype, you're in luck. The Swedish carmaker has rolled out a tasty little video that includes a complete walk-around of the hopped-up hatch and an interview with Derek Crabb, the brand's vice president of powertrain engineering and the executive director of motorsports engineering. There's even a few clips of the genuine C30 racers going fender to fender in the Swedish Touring Car Championship.

Christian Dahl also makes an appearance in the quick video. Dahl is the managing director at Polestar, and brought along his own insights into what it takes to build a 400 horsepower, all-wheel drive C30. According to Polestar, the team was able to build the C30 Performance Concept Prototype well above what the standard racing regulations allow, which allowed parts like those massive Brembo brakes to make their way into the creation.

All in all, it's a lot of work for a one-off car designed to do nothing more than build Volvo enthusiast's awareness of the Polestar brand. Now if only Geely would sign off on a limited production run. Head past the jump to see the video for yourself.

Gallery: Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype

[Source: Volvo via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Walk-around of 450-hp Volvo Polestar C30

Video: Walk-around of 450-hp Volvo Polestar C30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Racing

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

Volvo and Polestar are set to officially unveil the C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype this weekend. Designed to be an exercise in what would happen if a race team was allowed to do what they do best without the burden of a regulatory body looming over them, the wicked hatch is about as far from what's available at your local Volvo dealer as you can get.

The base C30 gets its power from a 2.5-liter, 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder, and the Polestar version bumps that same mill up to a heavenly 405 ponies thanks to a larger turbo, massive intercooler and custom internals. The pistons, connecting rods and camshaft are all unique units build just for the project.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system stays in place, though mechanical differentials, front and rear, have been fitted to add a little control to the chaos. Polestar also dropped in a quick-ratio steering rack and an Ohlins suspension. Brake work gets handled by epic Brembo six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back.

Obviously Volvo doesn't have any plans to bring a Polestar C30 to production, though it is cool to see a road-going version of a Swedish touring car come to life. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept

Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo XC30 compact crossover coming in 2012

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Volvo, Rumormill

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

Much like the 3 Series-based BMW X1, Volvo is reportedly hard at work on its own diminutive soft-roader, modeled on the C30 hatchback. The new small crossover, said to be dubbed XC30 (natch), will ride on a slightly taller version of the C30's chassis, and while the drivetrain and powerplants are likely to be straight out of the three-door hatch, it's been reported that the styling will be more akin to that of the larger XC60 CUV.

The addition of a small(er) crossover to Volvo's lineup doesn't shock us, especially since other European luxury marques have discussed the possibility of creating crossovers in this segment as well. Audi is supposedly working on a Q3 to slot below the hot-selling Q5, and Mercedes-Benz has been rumored to be creating a crossover based on the next-generation B-Class, possibly called BLK.

Volvo is also said to be working on a five-door wagon-like version of the C30 (possibly called V30), but that supposed project remains in murkier parts of the rumormill for now. Look for the XC30 crossover to bow sometime in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30

[Source: CarsGuide]

Report: Volvo XC30 compact crossover coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

Volvo C30 EV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Volvo brought along an all-electric C30 hatchback concept to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. While this isn't a production vehicle at this point, Volvo says the car is a fully drivable prototype with a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

We made our way down to Volvo's area here at Cobo in Detroit to check the battery-electric C30 out for ourselves, and honestly we came away impressed. As Volvo says, the C30 EV is a complete package with little evidence that it's not a production model. See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30

Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Volvo, Electric

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo has built versions of its C30 hatchback with efficient diesel engines, plug-in hybrid powerplants, flex-fuel ICEs, and pure electric drivetrains. It's the all-electric version that will get some extra attention at the Detroit Auto Show next month with Volvo's announcement today that it will build at least 50 units of the BEV C30. The cars will be made next year and are due to start real-world tests in 2011.

Volvo brought a drivable prototype version of the C30 BEV to the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, but the machine that will be shown in Detroit is a more evolved iteration. Volvo says that the NAIAS unit has a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, said in a statement, "The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues. We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30's cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product." Want to know more? Check out the high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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: 2011 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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