Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.5 T5 R-Design 3dr

For The fastest C30 is an appealing mix of sober Swedish design, classy build and some of the quickest performance figures for any hot hatch.

Against The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine is never going to be easy on the wallet, while the low-speed ride is firm, so town driving can be a chore.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

There's a lot to like about this Volvo hot hatch thanks to its performance and striking good looks. The firm ride, lofty price and high running costs count against it, though.

Reader review rating

3.964286

Key facts

0–60mph: 6.2 secs
Top speed: 149 mph
Average mpg: 32.5
Tank range: 442 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Volvo C30 Hatchback range

Cheaper

Hatchback 2.5 Polestar 3dr
Hatchback 2.0 ES 3dr
£14,995
Hatchback 2.0 SE 3dr
£16,760
Hatchback 2.0 R-Design 3dr
£17,010
Hatchback 2.0 SE Lux 3dr
£17,760
Hatchback 1.6 D2 ES 3dr
£18,245
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe ES S/S 3dr
£18,745
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE S/S 3dr
£20,495
Hatchback 1.6 D2 R-Design 3dr
£20,785
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux S/S 3dr
£21,495
Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE 3dr
£21,535
Hatchback 2.0 D3 R-Design 3dr
£21,785
Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE 3dr
£22,060
Hatchback 2.5 T5 R-Design 3dr
£22,125
Hatchback 2.0 D4 R-Design 3dr
£22,310
Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE Lux 3dr
£22,535
Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE Lux 3dr
£23,060

More expensive

Hatchback 2.5 Polestar 3dr
Hatchback 2.0 ES 3dr
£14,995
Hatchback 2.0 SE 3dr
£16,760
Hatchback 2.0 R-Design 3dr
£17,010
Hatchback 2.0 SE Lux 3dr
£17,760
Hatchback 1.6 D2 ES 3dr
£18,245
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe ES S/S 3dr
£18,745
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE S/S 3dr
£20,495
Hatchback 1.6 D2 R-Design 3dr
£20,785
Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux S/S 3dr
£21,495
Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE 3dr
£21,535
Hatchback 2.0 D3 R-Design 3dr
£21,785
Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE 3dr
£22,060
Hatchback 2.5 T5 R-Design 3dr
£22,125
Hatchback 2.0 D4 R-Design 3dr
£22,310
Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE Lux 3dr
£22,535
Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE Lux 3dr
£23,060

The Volvo C30 Hatchback full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
The diesel engines make most sense
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Assured handling; unsettled around town
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Some intrusions, but they're acceptable
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Sensibly priced; DRIVe model is frugal
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Classy cabin and engines are proven
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
As you'd expect, safety is excellent
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Smart dash, but some fiddly controls
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Fine up front; boot is small
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Even the basic model is well equipped

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Volvo C30 stands out from other small family hatchbacks, with dimunitive dimensions and distinctive styling that mean it looks more like a coupe.

Practicality is not as bad as you might think, but the boot is small and space in the two rear seats isn't as generous as in more conventional small hatches.

No matter, the Volvo has a classy cabin finish, and performance from the range of petrol and diesel engines is good.

It's also good to drive, helped by being based on the same platform as the Ford Focus. The C30 handles neatly and makes for a good motorway cruiser, although the low-speed ride is a bit firm.

All C30s are well equipped and build quality is not an issue. Nor is safety equipment, as you would expect of a Volvo, while security is also a strong point.

The incredibly frugal and clean DRIVe model with the start/stop system is our favourite.