Car Statistics: Volvo - C30 Series 07 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

The facelift brings a more dramatic front end and neater rear helps the C30 stand out as funky alternative among plainer family hatchbacks.

Handling (3 stars)

The C30 is safe, composed and grippy - but it lacks the sort of dynamic driving experience offered by the BMW 1 Series. The Sports chassis option, with lowered suspension, sharpens things up.

Comfort (4 stars)

Comfortable and well insulated thanks to excellent seats and good sound-deadening. Firm ride can get choppy on rougher surfaces.

Quality (4 stars)

Built as you'd expect for a modern Volvo - solid and with a good range of classy-feeling materials. The digital displays look a bit cheap, though.

Performance (4 stars)

The basic petrol engines are going to struggle with big loads and empty roads, but the 2.0-litre and T5 versions are more rapid. Fresh range of diesels offers impressive economy.

Roominess (3 stars)

Compared to segment rivals the C30 is more than spacious enough. But against people's expectations of what a Volvo should offer in terms of room and practicality, it doesn't quite measure up.

Costs (3 stars)

Smaller petrol engines and diesels give good economy, but Volvo servicing is expensive and depreciation is untested.

Value (4 stars)

Good equipment levels and the wide choice of powerplants mean the C30 looks like good value compared to direct rivals - but they wear premium badges and it doesn't.

Stereo (4 stars)

Standard audio system is excellent, with a range of upgrades also available. Satnav isn't one of the better-looking systems, but it works well enough.