Volvo's new C30

Discussion in 'Volvo C30' started by Ed, Sep 21, 2007.

  1. Ed

    Ed Guest

    Ed, Sep 21, 2007
    #1
  2. Ed

    Mal from Oz. Guest

    If that price is for the T5, then you folks (in the US) are getting it a
    darn sight cheaper than we are down here in Oz !
    Using today's exchange rate of AUD$1 = US$0.86, that equates to AUD$27,273 !

    The C30 T5 Geartronic is around the AUD$44k here (US$38k) and that's before
    taxes and on-road costs which brings it up to around AUD$50K on the road.

    They are right about the fuel consumption too, it's very thirsty around
    town, but pretty good out on the highway.

    Cheers
    Mal
    Oz
     
    Mal from Oz., Sep 24, 2007
    #2
  3. Ed

    Roadie Guest

    It's a nice looking small car with a cramped interior that is best
    described as a 2 seater with modest storage room. A much roomier V70
    2.5T can beat the really poor MPG of the C30 easily.
     
    Roadie, Sep 24, 2007
    #3
  4. Ed

    Mal from Oz. Guest

    Cramped ?? You must breed them long and tall where you come from !

    Correct it is not a large car, definitely not aimed at families with
    children or a large dog. I had a couple of 6 footers in the rear, and their
    feedback was along the lines of 'good leg room for a car of this size',
    they were impressed. Granted this was on a relatively short trip.

    It is a 4 seater (only 4 seats and belts) but it appears the rear seats are
    pushed back a little to create the rear leg room. This probably accounts for
    the very small boot (trunk). This can be an issue if you carry a lot of
    stuff around. Folding down the rear seat gives you some additional room
    (quickly) and I haven't had any issues with this so far apart from trying to
    fit a 6 burner BBQ in the back - a bit optimistic !

    Storage space for books, maps is Ok, but not great. Glove Box is very
    small. The map pocket under the front seat is a good idea though. I use
    the central arm-rest storage box for my CD's. Once this is gone there isn't
    much left apart from the doors and behind the floating console. But you can
    manage. We go out most weekends into the hills and take the kettle, camping
    stove, a couple of folding chairs, picnic basket etc and it all fits in
    nicely without having to fold the seats forward.

    This car isn't going to suit a lot of people and there are other Volvos that
    will meet their particular needs better. We need to remember the rationale
    behind the design of the C30 in that they (Volvo) are trying to attract a
    new demographic to the marque - one that may not have considered Volvo in
    the past. Whether we like them or not the 3-door sports hatch format seems
    to be very popular (aka VW GTI, BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Alpha 147, Opel Astra
    etc) so what better way for Volvo to take advantage of this popularity and
    introduce the C30. This strategy appears to be working down here in
    Australia as each shipment is presold before it hits the shore.

    According to Volvo my wife and I fit the target demo quite well, late 40's,
    kids left home and a bit of disposable income to play with. We bought it
    because it's the format we like (3-door) looks great, is well appointed,
    drives well and is (for the moment) a little more exclusive on the
    Australian roads.

    Cheers
    Mal
    Oz
    (no, I don't work for Volvo..just a satisfied customer)
     
    Mal from Oz., Sep 25, 2007
    #4
  5. The 3-door format may look good but the doors are much larger and much
    more difficult to use when parked next to other cars. Of course some
    people are more concerned about looks than practical matters.
     
    Stephen Henning, Sep 25, 2007
    #5
  6. Ed

    Mal from Oz. Guest

    Concur, you do need to be careful when opening the doors. This is my 3rd
    hatch so I'm quite used to squeezing out through the small gap - it also
    helps that my wife and are are not endowed with the 'tall' gene!

    Mind you the worst one we had was a Mitsubishi Lancer my wife had a few
    years back, the doors were bloody huge

    It's just a pity other people are not as careful when they open their's.

    Cheers
    Mal
    Oz
     
    Mal from Oz., Sep 26, 2007
    #6
  7. Added to that, the
     
    Espressopithecus (Java Man), Sep 29, 2007
    #7
  8. On top of that, the rear hatch is so darned small that the C30 is less
    useful than a 1990 Honda Civic hatchback! You'd have a hard time
    squeezing a boxed full-size microwave oven into the back. Too bad - I
    really like the styling.
     
    Espressopithecus (Java Man), Sep 29, 2007
    #8
  9. to me, volvo is still all about safety...how will the c30
    do in a blunt/fast collision w/a gmc yukon ?





    On top of that, the rear hatch is so darned small that the C30 is less
    useful than a 1990 Honda Civic hatchback! You'd have a hard time
    squeezing a boxed full-size microwave oven into the back. Too bad - I
    really like the styling.[/QUOTE]
     
    ~^ beancounter ~^, Sep 29, 2007
    #9
  10. Ed

    Mal from Oz Guest

    If you want to regularly move big stuff, don't but the bloody C30 then !

    or pay the microwave shop to deliver the darn thing !

    --
    Cheers
    Mal
    Oz
    http://maloz.bigblog.com.au/index.do
    "Espressopithecus (Java Man) >" <Espressopithecus<>
    wrote in message
     
    Mal from Oz, Sep 29, 2007
    #10
  11. Ed

    Mal from Oz Guest

    Not very well I'd suggest.

    Then I'm not one to go through life wondering 'what if?'
     
    Mal from Oz, Sep 29, 2007
    #11
  12. Ed

    Walt Kienzle Guest

    Has anyone seen/driven the C30 with the 1.8F engine? (F = Flexifuel)
     
    Walt Kienzle, Sep 29, 2007
    #12
  13. I don't consider a microwave oven to be "big stuff". Most 2-door
    hatches will handle a microwave with ease -- including a 1990 Honda
    Civic.

    Java
     
    Espressopithecus (Java Man), Sep 30, 2007
    #13
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