C30: It's a Volvo, but not as we know it - Introduction

The C30 is a step outside the norm for Volvo.

The company has created a car that's hard to pigeonhole, even though it uses many of the parts also found in the S40 saloon, V50 estate and C70 coupe-cabriolet.

It's a four-seater with a glass tailgate that's more coupe than hatchback. Obvious rivals are the Alfa 147, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf, but more on price than on character.

Read on for our initial thoughts on the all new car.