Volvo has long been associated with sensible cars capable of swallowing wardrobes whole, the sort of high-minded boxy motoring that hogs the middle lane. You can imagine that the marketing department must be champing at the bit to try and change that perception of the company's cars, and finally the designers have provided them with something to try and do just that.
The C30 is a coupe-like hatchback in a similar vein to the three-door versions of the Vauxhall Astra, Renault Megane or Audi A3, but Volvo hopes that having the single sleek model in this particular range will lend the car some credibility. The idea of the car is based on the 480 coupe the company sold in the late-'80s, which enjoyed a minor cult following but never gained much mass-market exposure.
There are bold, sleek lines on display on the C30 - it's a visually aggressive car for Volvo, and it certainly won't fit a wardrobe in the back. The interior is very similar to the S40 saloon, with a minimalist look and the floating centre console that now serves as a signature feature for modern Volvos. The quality is good, on a par with other cars in the manufacturer's range - build is just as solid and the effect is pleasant, if not quite premium.
Compared to rivals sharing a similar concept the C30 is quite spacious - the rear seats are a little cramped and hard to gain access to, but the boot is a reasonable size and the space for occupants in the front seats is more than adequate. If you're expecting the car to compare with other Volvos, though, then you are fairly certain to be disappointed.
On the move the C30 is a very comfortable car - the ride is a little on the firm side, but the comfortable seats make up for it. The steering is light and fairly uninvolving but the car does have high levels of basic grip, providing some enjoyment on a twisty road. There is a Sports chassis option which tightens things up a little. General refinement is high, though, and the C30 is a pleasant way to travel.
The engines available for the C30 are all fairly capable units; none of them stand out as duff so it depends on personal preference what you choose. Overall though, the C30 is a surprisingly cool car from Volvo and might dispel some of those preconceptions.