Volvo C30, the last “small” Swedish

With the passage below Fordwhich took place in 1999, Volvo suddenly found itself changing its strategy: the vision of the American giant in fact imposes a massive economy of scale and, above all, aims to expand all the brands acquired also in lower segments.

For the Swedish brand it means returning to the compact sector, which it hasn’t seen since 1995, the year in which the 480, a two-volume that was revolutionary at the time, left the scene. The gap was filled in 2006 with the presentation to NAIAS in Detroit of the C30 concept, an anticipation of the model of the same name which however arrives over a year later.

Underneath is the Focus

The C30 was born on the global P1 platform, essentially the basis on which all the models of the C segment have been born in recent years, from the Ford Focus and its derivatives to the Mazda3 up to the same second generation Volvo S40/V50.

However, Volvo is not betting on a sedan, but on a three-door model with coupé ambitions, which finds its main inspiration precisely in the 480. The wheelbase is 2.64 metres, exactly the same as the other models mentioned, but the length stops at less than 4.3 metres, with a front volume very similar to that of the S40, but with a truncated tail.

The rear is characterized by a hexagonal hatch/rear window which still recalls the 480 and before that the 1800 ES of the 60’sthere are only four seats and the trunk, however small, is quite accessible and practical.

The engines are taken entirely from the S40 range, all four-cylinder except the flagship ones, the T5 2.5 and 230 CV and the 180 bhp D5 2.4. Below it there are 1.6, 1.8 (also Flexifuel petrol and ethanol) and 2.0 and diesel 1.6 and 2.0, with power ranging from 100 to 145 bhp.

Volvo C30 R-Design 2007 interior

Evolution

The C30 obtained a somewhat controversial response: appreciated for its line and the attempt to bring the brand back into a more “youthful” segment, it was however criticized for its “excessively Ford” origin and components. Also, the coupe body it somewhat limits its diffusion in a range in which all manufacturers are already moving towards doing without the three doors.

Volvo C30 2009 boot

Despite this, his career lasted about seven years, with a rather characterizing restyling that arrives at the end of 2009, at the Frankfurt Motor Showand sees a remodeling of the front, redesigned along the lines of that of the XC60 SUV.

On this occasion, the range of fittings and some finishes and equipment were redefined, while the engines did not change except for the update to Euro 5. The Volvo C30 went off the list in 2012 after just under 210,000 units produced.