C30 – Volvo’s funky newcomer

C30 – Volvo’s funky newcomer

17 April 2007

Volvo's all new C30 has arrived in New Zealand aimed at buyers who may not have previously considered the Swedish marque.

The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a dynamic group of drivers “a Volvo of their own.” It goes on sale at $49,990.

“The new C30 aims for a group of customers with an intense lifestyle. These people prioritise excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Motorcorp Distributors, the NZ importer of Volvo cars.

Volvo believes the C30 will appeal to singles, or couples without children who see the car as an entertaining tool for keeping up with their intense lives.

The new Volvo C30 is the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo’s model range. With a compact and solid body, sporty chassis, and powerful engine, it offers a very dynamic driving experience. The interior, which is functionally designed with a number of smart refinements, offers an unexpectedly high level of comfort and flexibility, not least in the rear seat.

And like all of the other Volvo models, the C30 has been developed to be a very safe car. The objective is: best in class! The compact format has not prevented Volvo from integrating much of what is best in the larger Volvo cars.

“Even the smallest Volvo should provide the right premium feel – in all respects. This applies not only in its appearance and the impression of quality, but just as much how it is to drive and use. Volvo’s intention is the Volvo C30 should attract people who love driving,” said Mr Dumper.

Thanks to its small size and well thought out design, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. Otherwise, it is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars. A compact and solid body, a generous track width, and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to giving it inspiring and stable driving characteristics.

The chassis, with MacPherson front wheel suspension and a Multilink rear axle, is optimized to enhance fun to drive. High levels of body control and precise response are key properties. A lowered sport chassis is available as an option.

Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, is standard. Steering is electro-hydraulic, with a distinct and controlled steering feel. There are ABS brakes with electronic brake assistance and distribution. The Volvo C30 sits on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 205/50 series Pirelli tyres.

The C30 is being launched with the T5 engine, the 162 kWs turbocharged 2.5 litre, five-cylinder petrol motor with a five-speed geartronic automatic transmission, which can be used manually.

The design of the production-ready model is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The front retains its dynamic character, with the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings in contrasting materials, and the sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows.

This is created by the narrowing roof and the wide shoulders. The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate.

The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seating positions in the rear seat, with generous head and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier.

Dual zone climate control air conditioning will be standard together with an 8 speaker sound system, which is MP3, iPod and WMA compatible.

Other features include an electric driver’s seat, split rear seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear lever, electric windows, cruise control, trip computer, self levelling headlights with washers, fog lights, rain sensing wipers and electric retractable door mirrors.

An alarm and engine immobiliser is standard and integrated with the remote control central locking. It has a three year unlimited kilometres warranty with roadside assistance.

It is expected that many Volvo C30s be purchased by customers who do not currently drive a Volvo.

Based on the S40 sedan chassis, the C30 will have the same high level of safety protection with six airbags and Volvo's industry leading crash deformation body construction.

ENDS

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