Model Overview: 2013 Volvo C30
07/01/2012
Volvo
From the moment the unique C30 premium sport compact appeared on the street, it created love-at-first-glance emotion among a new generation of Volvo buyers. The attraction remains strong for 2013 as the youthful C30 continues to capture the hearts and minds of those who are smitten with its sensational good looks, dynamic performance and excellent value.
Volvo sweetens the deal by making rain sensor windshield wipers and headlight washers standard across the lineup for 2013. The C30 T5 receives new standard 17-inch "Spider" alloy wheels and Titanium Grey Metallic and Electric Silver Metallic are added to its palette of exterior color choices.
A trim level strategy was introduced on the C30 last year. Buyers can select the base C30 T5 and R-Design models, or select trim levels for each. These trim levels group popular options together for convenience in obtaining a C30 that's just right.
The new Premier trim level debuts for 2013. To the extensive list of standard features, the Premier trim adds a power glass sunroof, power driver's seat with memory and soft loadcover. The C30 T5 also receives aluminum dash inlays while the T5 R-Design includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.
Moving up to the Premier Plus trim level nets all of the Premier features plus a power passenger's seat and LED daytime running lights. Keyless Drive and active dual Xenon headlights are new additions to this trim.
Those who crave more technology can select the Platinum trim. This includes all the features of Premier Plus while adding the superb Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II Surround Sound, 10 loudspeakers and an astonishing 650 watts. Also included is a Navigation System with real time traffic, remote control and map care plus Sirius/XM satellite radio.
The C30's Climate package can be added to any trim level, as well as individual features from the list of stand-alone options.
Motivation for the C30 T5 and T5 R-Design continues to be supplied by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that generates 227 horsepower in both models. Drivers can select a standard six-speed manual transmission or opt for a five-speed "Geartronic" automatic with "Auto-stick" function.
Thanks to its compact size and clever design, the Volvo C30 is as fun to drive as it is to admire. Its generous front and rear tracks and a relatively long wheelbase contribute to inspiring and stable driving characteristics. The chassis, with MacPherson front suspension and multilink rear, is optimized to provide outstanding control and precise response to the driver's inputs.
A Sport Chassis, standard on the C30 T5 R-Design, provides enhanced chassis dynamics and steering reflexes. Compared to the T5, spring stiffness for the R-Design is increased by 30 percent while the dampers feature a mono-tube design that builds up pressure quicker for 20 percent increased low-speed damping. Steering is more precise with stiffer bushings and a 10 percent quicker steering ratio.
Volvo endows the C30 T5 with a generous roster of standard equipment. The list includes standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Volvo's Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), leather gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, cruise control, a high performance 160-watt audio system with eight speakers, iPod/USB and auxiliary inputs, HD Radio, and Bluetooth integrated interface including audio streaming.
The R-Design continues as the ultimate C30 fitted with distinctive styling cues and range-topping equipment. Standard features include a color-coordinated body kit, premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logo, a special front grille R-Design logo, matte finish outside rearview mirrors, R-Design watch dial instrument cluster, unique aluminum inlays, R-Design sport steering wheel and sport pedals.
The C30 features Volvo's patented front structure. Divided into zones, it incorporates different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed. To ensure that each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used. Different steel grades also are used in the rear to help protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.