2009 Volvo C30
The 2009 Volvo C30 ranks 5 out of 7 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo C30, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The C30 has a well-liked turbocharged engine and stylish appearance, but poor cargo room and minimal comfort in the rear detract from its overall appeal.

The 2009 Volvo C30 has a fun design, an engaging driving experience, and a lengthy list of safety features to recommend it. But its cool looks and nice drive don't dissuade auto writers from pointing out its shortcomings among other upscale small cars and hatchbacks. According to many, the C30's cargo space is sparse, and its conservative interior might not entice a target audience of young upwardly mobile drivers. Another snag to some -- although the Volvo C30's base price is relatively modest, options can quickly drive up the cost. "Like some Swedish build-it-yourself furniture, the options add handsomely to the price," Automobile Magazine writes. "Depending on the level of equipment, the C30 is actually almost $3,000 more than a GTI when outfitted similarly."

Just introduced in 2008, the 2009 model carries over with virtually no changes. If you're shopping in the upscale small car class, also consider Audi A3, a small car with good safety scores, a sporty ride and the expected cargo capacity for an upscale hatchback.

* "It offers cute looks, sporty performance, and sharp handling in a compact package." -- Car and Driver

* "Volvo has injected the C30 with shots of style and speed." -- Motor Trend

* "This is a sporty coupe-hatch done the Volvo way and there's nothing wrong with that for those who value Volvo's approach." -- Road and Track

* "It's so much fun to drive, so sophisticated in its features, that one can easily forgive any shortcomings." -- About.com

* "Overall, the Volvo C30 is good looking, fun to drive, and offers the easily accessible cargo utility of a hatchback. Volvo set out to build a fun, sporty car aimed at active young buyers, and has accomplished its task." -- New Car Test Drive

* "It's a tasty new addition to America's slowly growing menu of bite-size cars." -- Automobile Magazine
C30 Performance - 7.7 (Good)
Reviewers report the 2009 Volvo C30's performance as good for its class. Car and Driver reports, "coordinated responses" from the clutch shift, "wonderfully linear" brakes," and steering that "zeros in on 'straight down the road' when you cruise." But the car is not as swift as other upscale small cars, nor does it have the responsive steering expected for this segment. Continue with our full Performance Review for more on the new C30's polished performance.

C30 Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
Reviewers like the way the Volvo C30 looks, calling it modern, even muscular. In fact, Motor Trend says, "The curvy, ultramodern profile is the C30's strongest suit." Go to our Volvo C30 Photo Gallery to see a C30 in blue, or continue with our full Exterior Review gives detailed descriptions of the C30's most distinctive design trait -- it's sharply sloping rear.
C30 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2009 C30's interior is high on comfort and quality, but some say its design is uninspired. Road and Track describes the cabin as comfortable with easy-to-read controls. "Trouble is," they write, "the colors are on the dour side and for a car with sporting pretensions and targeting young-at-heart buyers, they're not dynamic enough." Click through our Volvo C30 Photo Gallery for up close images of the recognizable Volvo pit and floating center console. Continue with our full Interior Review for other experts opinions on the C30's cabin.

C30 Safety - NA
The Volvo C30 has not been crash tested yet, but reviewers are impressed with the standard safety features offered. Go to our full Safety Review for more information on the standard and optional equipment provided.

C30 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Volvo C30 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All Volvos are covered by a comprehensive warranty for the first four-years or 50,000-miles. Go to our full Reliability Review for more information on the C30's coverage

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