Ask Me Anything You Want To Know About The Volvo C30

"Zach Campbell" (zach-campbell) 01/28/2016 at 08:00 • Filed to: Volvo, C30, P1, Scandinavian, Sweden, Swedish, Oppositelock, Oppo, Zach Campbell

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Mornin’ Oppo!

One of our Volvo XC70's is in the shop for service, so I have a 2008 Volvo C30 T5 2.0 R-Design with 45K on the clock as a loaner. Whew, that was a mouthful.

First Impressions: I have had the C30 since yesterday afternoon, and so far I have put about 80 miles on it. It’s little 2.5 liter inline-5 develops a healthy 227 HP and 236 Ft-Lb of torque, plenty enough to move it to 60 MPH in a torque steer induced 6.3 seconds. The suspension is stiff, but well damped over choppy asphalt. It has fresh BF Goodrich Comp-2's wrapped around 18 inch wheels, which offer a quite ride while still nimble handling. Body roll is kept to a minimum, but as with any 200+ HP powered front wheel driven vehicle, understeer does become an issue at the limit. Overall, I am liking it. It is fun, and much more tossable than my XC.

I plan on reviewing this vehicle in-depth over the next couple days, so If you have any questions that you have been dying to ask about the C30 (or the P1 platform in general as I have spent a lot of seat time in a S40), ask away!

Here are some quick iPhone pics taken Downtown last night to tie you friends over until the full review.

Cheers!

PatBateman > Zach Campbell 01/28/2016 at 08:12

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How does it handle sweet jumps?

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Zach Campbell 01/28/2016 at 08:18

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What does it taste like.

Party-vi > Zach Campbell 01/28/2016 at 08:22

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Hot hatch or warm hatch?

OpposableTums > Zach Campbell 01/28/2016 at 08:54

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What sets this car apart from the rest of the zippy hatch segment? Besides the appearance in Twilight forever ago, of course. What niche does it fill/what kind of car buyer would be happiest with this over the other options?

Vi517, JDX Racing > Zach Campbell 01/28/2016 at 10:29

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I don’t have any questions after owning mine for 4 years so far, but I’d be able to answer any questions! I hope you enjoy the C30!

Vi517, JDX Racing > Party-vi 01/28/2016 at 11:16

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In stock form, warm hatch if you’re doing track work, hot hatch for road use.

Zach Campbell > Party-vi 01/30/2016 at 19:54

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After putting over 500 miles on it, I would have to say on road it’s a hot hatch. The throttle is responsive and the engine pulls hard. Manage wheel spin and it’ll take off like a little rocket. In the twisties, the BFG’s stick and provide excellent stability and traction. The C30 is every bit as good as a GTI, which, in my opinion, is the benchmark of this segment.

Zach Campbell > PanchoVilleneuve ST 01/30/2016 at 19:56

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With the weather my area has been having: salt. I could cure a ham with the amount on the car currently.

Zach Campbell > PatBateman 01/30/2016 at 19:57

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Sadly, I didn’t have an opportunity to answer that question.

Zach Campbell > Vi517, JDX Racing 01/30/2016 at 20:03

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Duuuuddeeee, I fell in love with it! Over 500 miles in 3 days and I was still reluctant to hand over the keys when picking up my XC. It’s easily the best driving Volvo I’ve ever driven. I hope to have my full review on Oppo within the next couple days.