FIRST DRIVE
Volvo C30 1.6D R-Design Sport
The Volvo C30 R-Design is one of the best looking cars on the market with its stylish bodykit, it includes, a roof spoiler, alloy wheels and unique R badging. It certainly turned a lot of heads –the two-tone colour scheme really suits this model.
We had the 1.6 diesel engine on test – read on to see if the C30 has got as much substance as it has style.
‘Stunning’, ‘sexy’, ‘funky’ thats what some of the people told IMN when they saw it pull up. We agree, IMN believes this car is a design classic, the Swedish maker has made the R-Design models a work of art –the C30 R-Design has a subtle sporty look but is classy unlike some rivals.
Step into the cabin and you’ll notice that the car has been decked out in quality materials giving the interior an executive look. Even though the floating aluminium with a carbon fibre-effect finish central console has been out for a few years it looks timeless and it has got a use as it has a small cubby behind it allowing you to store sunglasses or other nik-naks.
Have a seat and you’ll been in the lap of luxury, they are very comfortable, thickly padded sports seats, and are covered in two-tone cream and black leather, while the steering wheel is also wrapped in hide.
Unfortunately, the Achilles’ Heel for the C30 is its lack of space. Four adults will fit in the car but it is tight for legroom while boot space is at a premium. It’s the same size as that of a Ford Fiesta – yes that’s right - 233 litres of load space.
On the road, we were impressed by the C30 R-Design. The 109PS 1.6.-litre diesel delivers a good turn of pace. Overtaking is made easy as the car has 240Nm of torque at 1750rpm. Performance isn’t too bad – you’ll get from zero to 60mph in 11.3 seconds –while the top speed is 118mph. The punchy engine is mated to a smooth shifting five-speed gearbox. When at speed the power plant is refined and there is little noise intrusion in the cabin.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Focus you do feel that the C30 should offer a bit more in the handling stakes. On the motorway the C30 has a comfortable ride – push it on the B roads and you’ll find that the car isn’t as planted as the Focus but it does behave quite well. The accurate steering impressed us, but a downside was its numbness, a little more weighting would enhance the driving experience.
On test our car returned 50.9mpg on the combined cycle while it emits 129g/km of CO2 emissions. This puts the C30 1.6-litre diesel in a VED band of C.
At a glance
| Name/Price: | Volvo C30 1.6D R-Design Sport/ From Ł14,995 |
| Engine/power: | 1.6-litre D/109PS |
| Co2 emissions: | 129g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 57.6mpg |
IMN Verdict
If there is only two of you then buy this car – it’s a cracker, looks good, drives well and its residuals should perform well when you wish to sell it on. If you have a family and you want a second car then again this must be added to your choice – it really is that good.
Simon McBride