Used 2013 Volvo C30

The 2013 Volvo C30 is an upscale compact carryall that blurs the distinction between hatchback and small station wagon. It is priced above the Mini Cooper and below the Audi A3, but looks nothing like them – or anything else on the road for that matter. Even its engine is unusual, being a turbocharged 5-cylinder that aims for 6-cylinder performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy. Inside, the C30 defies more convention with only four seats instead of the typical five. The C30’s differences make it a stylish, fun-to-drive car for individualists.

The 2013 Volvo C30 is quick, but not blazingly fast. Still, with a stated 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 6.5 seconds, the C30 has absolutely no problem getting up to speed on the freeway. What the C30 really has going for it is a solid, planted, and ultimately safe feel that belies its small size. In base T5 form, the front-wheel-drive C30 offers bigger-car comfort, while the R-Design model has a tighter suspension for better cornering. Power level is the same for both models, though either can be boosted with the available Polestar Performance upgrade, which tunes the engine to 250 horsepower for noticeably more sizzle. Both models have a pleasingly quiet cabin. The seating position is comfortable, but for some people, the seatbelts have a tendency to creep up. Outward sightlines are among the best.

If you’ve been in any recent Volvo, the C30’s cabin will be instantly familiar. It’s functional yet stylish, looking as sleek and angular as anything from an IKEA store. Two-tone leather seating is available, which helps give the C30 a premium look. R-Design models get extra garnishments like aluminum inlays and logos on the seats and steering wheel. In back are two – but only two – sculpted seats, roomy enough for adults. Behind the rear seats is 12.9 cubic feet of storage, which expands to over 20 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

A squat profile, deep curves, angular front and beautifully contoured rear make the Volvo C30 a car that looks truly one-of-a-kind. Its defining feature is the lovely panel of rear glass stretching halfway down the car and differentiating it from all other hatchbacks. The window allows exceptional visibility outward, but also lets onlookers peer in, so owners would do well to keep valuables covered in the cargo bay. R-Design models get identifying cues such as a rear spoiler, larger exhaust tips and a smattering of logos. Base models have 17-inch wheels while R-Design editions roll on 18-inchers.

EXCEPTIONAL OUTWARD VISIBILITY
The C30’s rear window looks great from the outside, and it’s even better from within. Thanks to that long panel of glass flowing down the hatch, this Volvo provides astounding rearward visibility.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
A turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine gives the C30 a great balance of performance and efficiency, falling neatly between a smaller 4-cylinder and a larger 6-cylinder. And the turbocharger responds with almost no throttle lag.

All 2013 Volvo C30 models come with a 6-speed manual transmission, cruise control and a 160-watt/6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio, CD player and auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs. Also standard are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth wireless connectivity with audio streaming, and – deep breath – a pollen filter. All current Volvos are backed by a 5-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

The new Premier package on the 2013 Volvo C30 adds a sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat and cargo-area cover. Premier Plus brings power adjustability for the passenger seat, dual xenon headlights and LED running lights. The top-line Platinum package has a 10-speaker/650-watt premium sound system and navigation system with real-time traffic. Additional options include a 5-speed automatic transmission, climate package, blind-spot monitoring system, and the power-bumping Polestar Performance Package.

All Volvo C30s are powered by a turbocharged 5-cylinder inline engine that makes 227 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque across a wide rpm range. This means the car’s power is readily available any time, and there is plenty of it. The standard 6-speed manual transmission has precise, if rather long, shift throws. The optional 5-speed automatic works well but lacks paddle shifters. Unlike many cars with turbocharged engines, this one can run on regular-grade gasoline. For drivers who want more power, the dealer-installed Polestar Performance Package retunes the engine to make 250 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Gloriously, the Polestar performance boost does not affect rated fuel economy, emissions or warranty coverage.

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (manual), 21/30 mpg (automatic)

Note: The dealer-installed Polestar Performance Package increases the C30 engine output to 250 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy figures are not affected.