| Model year | 2008 |
| Make | Volvo |
| Model | C30 |
| Style | T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M) |
| Base MSRP | $26,445 |
| As-tested MSRP | $27,700 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-5 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2521cc (154 cu-in) |
| Valvetrain | double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 9.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 227 @ 5,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 236 @ 1,500 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed manual |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Speed-proportional power steering |
| Tire brand | Pirelli |
| Tire model | P Zero Rosso |
| Tire size, front | 215/45R18 |
| Tire size, rear | 215/45R18 |
| Wheel size | 18 X 7.5 |
| Wheel material | alloy |
| Brakes, front | Front ventilated disc -- Rear disc |
| Brakes, rear | disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.4 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.6 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 10.3 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.1 @ 94.5 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 30 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 117 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 69.1 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.85 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 44.5 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 71.8 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 67.4 |
| Acceleration comments | The C30's engine is very responsive at low rpm but struggles to get to redline higher in the range. Power delivery is impressive, but with limited front-drive grip, it's a challenge to get a good launch. We found the best technique is to rev the engine to about 4,500 rpm and feed in the clutch at a rate that will barely break the tires loose. The shifter isn't as precise as we would like, but we never missed a gear. |
| Braking rating | Very good |
| Braking comments | The C30's brake pedal isn't very firm. There's ample power, but braking from high speed would inspire more confidence if the pedal action had a pronounced point where the braking began in earnest. |
| Handling rating | Very good |
| Handling comments | Overall, the C30's steering and chassis response are impressive. There are clearly some fundamentally good (Mazda 3?) underpinnings at work here. With very sticky tires, the C30's limits are quite high. Balance favors understeer in every situation and we found it nearly impossible to get the C30 to rotate, which is both good and bad depending on the situation. The chassis is very stable through the slalom, but burdens its front tires heavily around the skid pad. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 421 |
| Temperature (°F) | 80.6 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2.5 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 18 city/28 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 22.8 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 15.9 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2,970 (3,198 as tested) |
| Length (in.) | 167.4 |
| Width (in.) | 70.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.0 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.9 |
| Track, front (in.) | 60.4 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 60.3 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 34.9 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.3 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 33.9 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.2 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 36.4 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 53.6 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 47.0 |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 12.9 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 20.2 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years/Unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 7,500 miles |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Emergency assistance system | Optional |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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