2011 Volvo C30 T-5 Performance

2011 Volvo C30 T-5

Volvo C30 is based on the Ford C1 platform, so there were no surprises that the C30's drive felt unnervingly similar to the Focus. The chunky feel of the driving instruments and the firm, but not uncomfortable seat are practically identical between the Ford and the Volvo. So much so that if I closed my eyes I would be hard-pushed to recognize which one I was in. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though, as has been proved many times, the Focus is a great drive for a great price. So to split these two apart, price may be the deciding factor.

2011 Volvo C30 T-5

The Volvo C30 starts off at around £14,995, which is a slightly awkward price given that a similar spec on the Focus comes in at around 3-4 grand cheaper. Here we have two relatively identical cars, yet such a gulf in price. It's no wonder that the Focus has got such a stranglehold over the competition. The question begs then, what are you paying all that extra money for? It's not the badge surely? It's definitely not a load of extras. So what precisely is it?

2011 Volvo C30 T-5

The answer is quite simply safety; one word that sums up the entire Volvo modus operandi. For 70 years now Volvo have been slowly but surely building an enviable reputation for immense safety and one which is backed up by industry accreditation's. The extra mark-up on the Volvo C30 would be explained by an executive as "not wanting to put a price on your safety" or some such drivel, but they may have a point. The strengthen bodywork has been rigorously tested to make sure that in the event of an impact, the occupants of the vehicle are as safe as they would be in a nuclear bunker (well maybe not quite). If you are paranoid about fellow drivers not being as cautious as you behind the wheel, the extra promise of safety could well swing your decision in favour of the Volvo C30 over the Focus.

2011 Volvo C30 T-5

2011 Volvo C30 T5 Hatchback Vehicle Performance

• Turbocharged
• Engine: 2.5L in-linefive-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
• 2011 Volvo C30 T5 Hatchback Premium unleaded fuel
• Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 21 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, 24 MPG combined and 380 mi. range
• Multi-point fuel injection
• 15.9-gallon fuel tank 2011 Volvo C30 T5 Hatchback
• Power(SAE): 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm; 236 ft lb of torque @ 1,500 rpm