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2013 Volvo C30

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Overview

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2013 Volvo C30 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

The 2013 Volvo C30 is an upscale compact carryall that blurs the distinction between hatchback and small station wagon. It is priced above the Mini Cooper and below the Audi A3, but looks nothing like them – or anything else on the road for that matter. Even its engine is unusual, being a turbocharged 5-cylinder that aims for 6-cylinder performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy. Inside, the C30 defies more convention with only four seats instead of the typical five. The C30's differences make it a stylish, fun-to-drive car for individualists.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a stylish, solid and quick compact hatch with a premium feel that stands apart from just about everything else on the road, the C30 is an appealing option.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to move more than four people and their gear, look to a slightly more spacious Audi A3, Volkswagen GTI, Mazda3 5-door or Honda Fit.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

7.1
Comfort & Convenience

6.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.3
Value

6.7
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#9

out of 10

MPG

#1

out of 10

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, Volvo continues to expand the trim-level offerings on the C30, adding a new Premier trim. Rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers are fitted across the line, and the Premier Plus trim gets new keyless entry and starting as well as active xenon headlights.

Driving the C30

Driving Impressions The 2013 Volvo C30 is quick, but not blazingly fast. Still, with a stated 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 6.5 seconds, the C30 has absolutely no problem getting up...

to speed on the freeway. What the C30 really has going for it is a solid, planted, and ultimately safe feel that belies its small size. In base T5 form, the front-wheel-drive C30 offers bigger-car comfort, while the R-Design model has a tighter suspension for better cornering. Power level is the same for both models, though either can be boosted with the available Polestar Performance upgrade, which tunes the engine to 250 horsepower for noticeably more sizzle. Both models have a pleasingly quiet cabin. The seating position is comfortable, but for some people, the seatbelts have a tendency to creep up. Outward sightlines are among the best.

Favorite Features

EXCEPTIONAL OUTWARD VISIBILITY
The C30's rear window looks great from the outside, and it's even better from within. Thanks to that long panel of glass flowing down the hatch, this Volvo provides astounding rearward visibility.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
A turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine gives the C30 a great balance of performance and efficiency, falling neatly between a smaller 4-cylinder and a larger 6-cylinder. And the turbocharger responds with almost no throttle lag.

2013 Volvo C30 Details

2013 Volvo C30 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

If you've been in any recent Volvo, the C30's cabin will be instantly familiar. It's functional yet stylish, looking as sleek and angular as anything from an IKEA store. Two-tone leather seating is available, which helps give the C30 a premium look. R-Design models get extra garnishments like aluminum inlays and logos on the seats and steering wheel. In back are two – but only two – sculpted seats, roomy enough for adults. Behind the rear seats is 12.9 cubic feet of storage, which expands to over 20 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior

A squat profile, deep curves, angular front and beautifully contoured rear make the Volvo C30 a car that looks truly one-of-a-kind. Its defining feature is the lovely panel of rear glass stretching halfway down the car and differentiating it from all other hatchbacks. The window allows exceptional visibility outward, but also lets onlookers peer in, so owners would do well to keep valuables covered in the cargo bay. R-Design models get identifying cues such as a rear spoiler, larger exhaust tips and a smattering of logos. Base models have 17-inch wheels while R-Design editions roll on 18-inchers.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All 2013 Volvo C30 models come with a 6-speed manual transmission, cruise control and a 160-watt/6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio, CD player and auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs. Also standard are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth wireless connectivity with audio streaming, and – deep breath – a pollen filter. All current Volvos are backed by a 5-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

Optional Equipment

The new Premier package on the 2013 Volvo C30 adds a sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat and cargo-area cover. Premier Plus brings power adjustability for the passenger seat, dual xenon headlights and LED running lights. The top-line Platinum package has a 10-speaker/650-watt premium sound system and navigation system with real-time traffic. Additional options include a 5-speed automatic transmission, climate package, blind-spot monitoring system, and the power-bumping Polestar Performance Package.

Under the Hood

All Volvo C30s are powered by a turbocharged 5-cylinder inline engine that makes 227 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque across a wide rpm range. This means the car's power is readily available any time, and there is plenty of it. The standard 6-speed manual transmission has precise, if rather long, shift throws. The optional 5-speed automatic works well but lacks paddle shifters. Unlike many cars with turbocharged engines, this one can run on regular-grade gasoline. For drivers who want more power, the dealer-installed Polestar Performance Package retunes the engine to make 250 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Gloriously, the Polestar performance boost does not affect rated fuel economy, emissions or warranty coverage.

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (manual), 21/30 mpg (automatic)

Note: The dealer-installed Polestar Performance Package increases the C30 engine output to 250 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy figures are not affected.

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Volvo C30 T5 has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,395, while the R-Design model starts at $28,745. Loading up a C30 T5 R-Design with the Platinum package and other options can push the price past $36,000. The Polestar retro-fit tuning upgrade, which boosts horsepower from 227 to 250, adds $1,295 to any C30 configuration. The C30's base price undercuts the Audi A3 and Lexus CT 200h, and comes in higher than a Volkswagen GTI, Mazdaspeed3 and Mini Cooper Clubman. Be sure to check KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the Volvo C30. Over time, the C30 is expected to retain its resale value well, comparable to an A3, but not as strong as a VW GTI or Mini Cooper Clubman.

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2013 Volvo C30 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 58 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.5/10

Great choice in its class

By Stanny (NJ) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Performance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I really enjoy my car. I have the 2012 c30 premier plus. No r design, no polestar upgrade. Convenience/utility -- It is a 2 person car. The 2 seats in the back are comfy but a real pain to get to. Also you will not be picking up 3 people with tons of luggage in this car. For occasional use the back seats are ok, but nothing more. Performance -- very zippy little car. Handles well, accelerates well. It does not compete with $40-50k sports cars, but it is not meant to compete with them. It beats out every 200hp and less engine that I've tried. More fun than bmw 328i, because its just so much fun to throw the little c30 around. If I could get this car with volvos t6 engine and all wheel drive, I would in a heartbeat. But for front wheel drive, the engine is as powerful as you want. Interior/ Comfort -- I have cloth seats, but I got power heated seats and moonroof. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and I've done a few 6-7 hour trips. The interior can feel depressing because it is so non -luxurious. Very utilitarian, especially compared to a decked out bmw 3 or mercedes c. Then again, the c30 is the cheapest volvo. I will never choose cloth seats again. Value/reliability -- great value. 5 year free maintenance except tires, that is really awesome. Reliability hopefully will be good (no issues after 7500 miles). Driving in the northeast winter no problem, probably because the tires this comes with are so awesome (Also I think the dstc helps). Overall -- I would buy again. My criteria was, a new car for $30k or less. Something fun, safe and worry free. This car fits the bill perfectly. 5 years of warranty, by then I'll know if the car is prone to issues. I drive carefully, you can have fun without taking the engine to the redline RPM. If I had $50k I would not buy this car. For $30k new, I can't think of a more fun car (and I drove a bunch of them)."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Very unique, fun to drive car

By Siebenburgen (OH) on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, unique design, built like a tank"

Cons: "outdated center stack with tiny screen"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2012 Volvo C30. I drove it 25,000 miles in one year of ownership and I am very satisfied with it. It is a very unique car (only saw a couple other C30s on the road in an entire year). If you would like to buy one I would not waste any more time because production stopped in December 2012, so once the current dealer stock of new 2013 C30s is gone, it's gone for good. Ergonomics are outstanding, it has four bucket seats (the back seats are similar to the ones in front). The five cylinder turbo engine is very nice and plenty powerful for me, and the six speed manual transmission is very smooth. Visibility is great due to the huge hatch which is entirely made of glass. I also have the optional BLIS system which constantly monitors blind spots. If you are looking for a center stack with a big color touch screen this isn't the car for you. The display is monochromatic and it automatically switches from black on white during daytime to white on black at night. It is very simple and provides all the necessary information but it is quite spartan. The heated seats work very well, the stereo sounds very good and it has separate equalizers for front and back speakers (not only bass and treble, but an actual equalizer that you can adjust to your liking). My experience with my local Volvo dealer has been outstanding and I will most likely buy another Volvo when it's time for a new car. This is a very unique car and I am quite happy to be driving something that stands out from the millions of Hondas and Toyotas around me."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Unique Auto

By Wolfie (TN) on Sunday, May 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Stylish, unique, quick and responsive"

Cons: "1990's Technology, doors are heavy and long"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Purchased the C30 R - Series in February 2012 from NASHVILLE Volvo. Had a great experience with the dealer. Driving this vehicle is like no experience I have had behind the wheel of a 5 cylinder turbo engine. It handles like a go-cart and has the power when you need it. The R-design interior is very stylish and fits my 6 foot frame to perfection. It really is a two seater and has some draw backs like the doors are very heavy and cumbersome until you get adjusted to a two door, also the display is pretty antiquated for 2012 compared to some of the competitors in this space. I am a cyclist and purchased the bike and wheel holder with the roof rack system from Volvo and I love it, its functional and very stylish. I have driven BMWs for more than 15 years and love the euro driving experience, if you want something a little different and not something everyone has this is a fine choice for the money. I also received a 5 year 60,000 full warranty from the dealer, which was a selling feature for me. Take a test drive!!!"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Great Little Car

By love volvos (VT) on Sunday, May 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "powerful, comfortable, luxurious, good price"

Cons: "cargo room is tight"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Our second Volvo(we also had a XC90), bought this car brand new in 2009 and it has been a great vehicle to own. The seats are so very comfortable and the interior isn't crowded like other small cars. Good gas milage and a strong engine are other highs. Definitely would buy another C30, it is definitey a luxurious car at a reasonable price, would reccomend it to anybody who is interested in buying a smaller car."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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