Volvo C30 (2007 - 2012) 2.0D R DESIGN Sport 3d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I would hope it says I have good taste and don't follow the crowd.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most people comment that it is a great looking car, which it is. Opinion is divided about the all glass tailgate though, personally I love it but someone suggested that I might like to adorn it with a net curtain and a potted plant.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would. Mainly because I like driving something different and also because the dealers are so good.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably the same but especially if Volvo manage to inject more driver enjoyment into the chassis. If funds allow I would go for the D5 engine instead though.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£17,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think I got a very good deal. Retail price is £18000 to which I added £1000 worth of extras. I managed to get the car for less than £17500 all in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I bought this car because it is different. They are not a common site and I think its a very good looking car. The C30 also has a premium feel and seems a good quality product.

What was the dealer like?

Very professional, polite and easy to deal with. If all Volvo dealers are this good, then its the right way to win customers.

What's it like to drive?

Performance is more than adequate with a relaxed and quiet drive. Probably one of the quietest diesel engine cars I have driven. The C30 is comfortable and handles well through the corners, but it would be nice if the driving experience was more sporty to match the look of the car. If anything its the lack of driver involvement that lets this car down.

What's it like to park?

Very easy indeed. The large glass tailgate drops right down to the bumper so it is easy to see where the rear of the car is. However, the C30 is a wide car and fills parking spaces such that getting in and out can prove a nuisance if you are unlucky enough to have a 4x4 or people carrier in the next parking space.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It is too new to say. At the time of writing I have only had it 2 months. There was a minor rattle from the drivers seatbelt mounting but the dealer rectified the problem in one visit.

What's most practical about your car?

Practicality isn't the C30's strong point really, but it does seat 2 adults comfortably in the back with enough head and leg room. Boot is too shallow though.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I specified the ipod/USB connection to the high performance stereo. Worth every penny, I can take all my music with me without having to fiddle with CDs.