Used Volvo C30 Hatchback 2007 - 2013 review

Category: Family car

The Volvo C30 is neither a true coupe nor a small family hatchback

Volvo C30 Hatchback (07 - 13)
  • Volvo C30 Hatchback (07 - 13)
  • Volvo C30 Hatchback (07 - 13)
Used Volvo C30 Hatchback 2007 - 2013 review
Star rating

What's the used Volvo C30 coupe like?

The 'C' in Volvo C30 is supposed to stand for coupe, but from most angle angles it looks distinctly like a hatchback, and unfortunately it hasn't proved a big hit with buyers.

Volvos have a reputation for practicality, but the C30 is more of a lifestyle hatchback. It has three doors, so won't appeal to those with children, and it doesn't have the prestige of some three-door rivals, such as the Mini.

Overview

The Volvo C30 is neither a true coupe nor a small family hatchback

  • Unusual design
  • Good build quality
  • Efficient diesels
  • Limited practicality
  • Hard to find on used market

It's based on the same platform as the S40 small family car, so it's good to drive with decent body control, but the ride is a little firm. Despite being described as a coupe it does has four full-size seats, but leg room is limited in the back and the boot isn't that big.

In reality, it's a halfway house; offering neither the flexibility of most small-family hatchbacks, nor the pleasure of an all-out coupe.

Ownership cost

What used Volvo C30 coupe will I get for my budget?

How much does it cost to run a Volvo C30 coupe?

The diesel C30s are the most popular models, thanks to their frugal nature. The 1.6-litre diesel manages 57.6mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2, but the DRIVe versions beat that with average economy up to 74.3mpg (officially, at least) and emissions as low as 99g/km. The 2.0-litre diesel comes in at 48.7mpg and 153g/km and the 2.4-litre at 45.6mpg and 164g/km.

It's not a pretty picture with the petrol models. The 1.6-litre baby of the family can muster an official average of only 39.2mpg and emissions of 167g/km, the 1.8-litre does 38.7mpg and emits 174g/km, the 2.0-litre manages 37.2mpg and 177g/km, while the 2.5-litre turbo averages 31.4mpg and 211g/km of CO2.

Not only is servicing a C30 more expensive than similar cars from prestige brands, such Audi and BMW, but it's considerably more than small family car rivals such as the Honda Civic and VW Golf.

Although the smaller petrol models sit in insurance group 14, the popular diesels start at group 22. The most powerful petrol, the 2.5T, is in group 34.

Our recommendations

Which used Volvo C30 coupe should I buy?

Despite nine engines being on offer, only a few are worth serious consideration.

The 99bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine is acceptable, but can never be classed as fast, while the 123bhp 1.8-litre and a 143bhp 2.0-litre are swifter, but not exactly sporty. The turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine is full of character (it was also used in the Ford Focus ST), but is rather pointless in a car of this size.

The majority of used C30s are diesels, and the 108bhp 1.6 is refined and punchy. A frugal DRIVe version was introduced 2008, and this was improved with the addition of an engine stop-start system. There's also a 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel and a 178bhp 2.4-litre.

All models are generously equipped, and the entry-level S trim gets climate control, alloy wheels and electric windows, while SE trim adds cruise control, better-quality upholstery and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. SE Lux models have leather upholstery and heated front seats, while the R-Design versions get sporty trim options.

A comprehensive face-lift at the end of 2009 brought the C30 in line with newer members of the Volvo family.

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Volvo C30 coupe?