C30: It's a Volvo, but not as we know it - On the road

The C30 has the same wheelbase as the S40, but it's shorter, lower and wider.

Volvo is keeping full details of the engine range and performance figures secret until the car's official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, but it has confirmed there'll be 1.6-litre petrol and turbodiesel engines at the bottom of the range and a 220bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol (the T5 model in our pictures) and a 180bhp 2.4-litre turbodiesel at the top.

The T5 promises to be pretty hot – with a 0-60mph time that 'begins with a six,' claims Volvo.

The C30's good looks doesn't come at the expense of its ride and handling, Volvo says. The company maintains it has given same priority to the chassis, regardless of which engine is chosen.

The suspension system is similar to the S40's, which in turn is indebted to the Ford Focus. It's a good bloodline.