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Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

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

Used Volvo C30 Hatchback 2007 - 2013

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

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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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

Owners are generally complimentary about the C30's reliability, but there are some niggling faults to report.

Have a good listen for rattling trim on your test drive and make sure the ventilation - including the air-con - works properly. Older cars are also susceptible to a stability control system failure, which can be expensive to fix.

The C30 has also been the subject of several recalls, along with other models in the Volvo range. These concern key items such as the brakes, steering and engine cooling. Owners should be automatically notified of a recall, but it's worth checking with a Volvo dealer to make sure that all relevant work has been carried out.

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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.

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.

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Used Volvo C30 Hatchback 2007 - 2013 review

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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.,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. 

Read the definitive used Volvo C30 2007 - 2013 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

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Used Volvo C30 Hatchback 2007 - 2013 review

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