Safe and sporty coexist beautifully in the Volvo C30 Sports coupe, a car with two doors, four seats and one bold personality. A healthy dose of styling rounds out the trifecta, giving buyers a unique choice that calls to mind the classic Volvo P1800 ES.

 

Unmistakably a Volvo, the 2011 C30 (MSRP $24,600) comes in T5 and R Design models. The C30 has the “shoulders” of historic Volvo models, and enhances that design cue with a rakish silhouette and glass tailgate that exude a sporty personality. The distinctive iron symbol that is Volvo’s trademark takes its place of prominence on the front grille, and an R Design version is available with a further enhanced exterior design. R-Design C30s gain a color coordinated body kit that enhances the looks of the lowered suspension. Unique alloy wheels are another distinctive feature of the R-Design models, and special instruments dress up the interior, along with a three-spoke steering wheel and aluminum trim inserts.

 

Four adults will find generous space inside any version of the C30. The design of the cabin and instrument panel is inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of clean surfaces that showcase the materials. Even in the two rear seats, often a challenge in hatchbacks, full-size adults find comfort thanks to the slightly inboard positioning of the rear seats, improving space and visibility for backseat passengers. The ultra-thin center stack that appears to be floating has become a significant feature of modern Volvo interior design. The elegantly curving design flows down from the dashboard and between the front seats, and continues through to provide a divider between the rear seats as well.

 

The promise made by the sporty looks is held up by the carefully tuned chassis. Small and nimble, the C30’s structure is filled with high-strength steel in strategic locations. The wheelbase is long for this class of car, pushing the wheels at the corners for secure, responsive handling. Volvo’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) is standard on the C30. The DSTC system can detect and mitigate wheel slip and slides.

 

The available sport-tuned chassis (also available with the R Design) outfits the C30 with stiffer bushings and a ride height that’s 10mm lower. A faster steering rack gives quicker response, and spring rates are up by 30 percent, too. Stiffer monotube dampers and revised stabilizer bars all combine to deliver an agile, sporty drive that lives up to its looks.

 

Volvo’s inline five-cylinder engine provides satisfying torque thanks to its responsive turbocharger. The 2.5-liter engine delivers 227 hp and 236 lb/ft of torque while also returning up to 30 mpg with the five-speed Geartronic^® automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is the C30’s standard gearbox.

 

The C30 fulfills your entertainment and information needs in many ways. The standard eight-speaker CD/MP3/WMA High Performance audio system includes HD^® Radio, USB/auxiliary inputs and steering wheel audio controls. An available Multimedia Package includes a Volvo Navigation System with Real-time Traffic and a Volvo Premium Dolby Pro Logic^® II surround-sound audio system. The Climate Package includes heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Electronic Climate Control, headlight washers and the Interior Air Quality System. Buyers can also opt for the Preferred Package to gain front foglights (standard on R-Design models), aluminum inlays for the interior, power front passenger’s seat and three-position memory for the driver’s seat. A power glass moonroof is also part of the Preferred Package.

 

Being a Volvo, the C30’s sport, style and technology is fully underpinned by exclusive technology. Volvo takes a systematic approach to keeping you safe, and then ties all the individual pieces together into a network of protection. The body itself has a high level of torsional rigidity using Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), a first line of defense. In the event of a collision, Volvo’s expertise in designing structures that distribute and manage crash forces keeps the passenger compartment well protected. Active safety technology includes dual-stage front airbags plus front and rear side-curtains, and a Whiplash Protection System is also part of the arsenal. Volvo’s Side Impact Protection System is also an integral part of the C30’s bodyshell design and helps reduce force impact.

 

All C30s also benefit from Volvo’s best in class, five-year complimentary maintenance plan, Safe + Secure. With Safe + Secure, all factory scheduled maintenance is covered, and that includes wear and tear coverage as well.

 

Sport, style and safety – in the 2011 Volvo C30, it all comes together as a new kind of Volvo that is aimed at a new kind of buyer looking for fun with their security.