Volvo to sell C30 in U.S.

Sep 28th 2006 at 5:56PM
Soon after Volvo unveiled its C30 in Paris, it was announced that the diminutive hatch will find its way stateside. Although its primary market will be Europe, Volvo would like to see a fair number of the 65,000 C30s produced finding a home in American garages.

The C30 rides on an identical wheel base as its larger sibling the S40, pushing the wheels to the outside of the car for better handling characteristics. The same 218 HP, turbocharged inline-5 will be shoved under the bonnet, producing a tractable 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

Typical for Volvo, safety is the name of the game. Beyond the expected passive safety devices, the C30 will come equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which will aid drivers in lane change maneuvers.

All this and more will hit American shores no sooner than 2008, with pricing expected to be in the mid-to-high $20k segment.

The full press release can be seen after the jump.


PRESS RELEASE

Volvo Cars of North America Announces It Will Sell the Exciting New C30 in the U.S. Market

PARIS, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with Volvo Cars dramatic unveiling of the all-new C30 at today's Paris Motor Show, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced that it will bring the car to the U.S. market no earlier than the 2008 model year. The announcement comes just nine months after the C30 Design Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early 2006.

The C30's primary markets will be in Europe, with the largest markets being Italy, the U.K., Germany and Spain. Volvo Cars estimates global sales of the C30 at 65,000 units annually. Pricing and volume expectations for the U.S.-bound C30 have not yet been set.

The C30 will represent a new segment entry for Volvo; one that will bring a younger buyer into Volvo retailers. "The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30's youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo's traditional customers," commented Anne Belec, President and CEO of VCNA.

To get those younger buyers interested, the edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark. "The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package," noted Volvo Car's Design Director Steve Mattin. "Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following."

218 horsepower and 8.5-inches shorter than a Volvo S40

Putting 218 horsepower to the front wheels, the new C30 is powered by a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine that produces 236 pound-feet of torque.

Measuring in at just 167 inches in length, the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo's model range -- an impressive 8.5 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan while still retaining the 103.9 inch wheel base, which really pushes the wheels towards the end of the car. "A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel," said C30 project leader Hakan Abrahamsson. "Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering."

Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine(R), Dolby(R) Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio(R). Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Simply put, it rocks.

Volvo's legendary safety is well represented in the new C30

When it comes to safety, the new C30 is a true Volvo. Among other things, it will be available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car.

The front end incorporates the same patented multi-steel structure as the S40 and V50. Combined with airbags and safety belt pretensioners, the C30 offers first class safety. But the C30 wouldn't be a Volvo if it didn't also include such standard safety equipment as the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.

 Preliminary Specifications

 Engine:

  2.5-liter double overhead cam turbocharged 5-cylinder

  218 hp at 5,000 rpm

  236 lb.-ft of torque at 1,500 - 4,800 rpm

 Dimensions:

  Length - 167.4 inches

  Width - 80.3 inches

  Height - 57.0 inches

  Weight - 2,900 pounds (estimated)

  Wheelbase - 103.9 inches

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