by NewCarTestDrive (World's Leading Provider of Automotive Reviews)

2011 Volvo C30
Fresh styling for premium hatch.
Reviewed by
  New Car Test Drive

Model Lineup

The 2011 C30 T5 ($24,600) comes standard with cloth upholstery; air conditioning; cruise control; keyless entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel; leather and aluminum shift knob; leather parking brake cover, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; height-adjustable manual driver's seat; trip computer; outside temperature display; power windows, locks and mirrors; 50/50 split-folding rear seat; 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers; Bluetooth hands-free phone interface; and 205/50R17 all-season tires on alloy wheels.   Full leather seating is optional ($1,200).   A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 5-speed automatic is an option ($1,250).  

The C30 T5 R-Design ($26,950) upgrades with two-tone leather/Flextech upholstery, aluminum interior trim, and blue-faced instruments.   Outside, R-Design is distinguished by additional bright trim and body-color (rather than black) wheel flares, sill extensions, and fog lights.   R-Design gets a sports suspension complemented by 215/45R18 tires.   Full leather is optional ($200).   A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, a 5-speed automatic is optional ($1,250).  

Options for both models: The Multimedia Package ($2,000) includes Sirius satellite radio and a 650-watt Dynaudio Premium Sound System with 10 speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound.   The Preferred Package ($1,800) comprises power-adjustable seats for both driver and front passenger, Keyless Drive, and active xenon headlights; on the base model it also includes fog lights and additional aluminum interior trim.   The Climate Package ($900) has heated front seats, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers, Electronic Climate Control with an Interior Air Quality System and a humidity sensor.   Volvo's Blind Spot Information System ($700) and Sirius Satellite Radio ($400) are optional.  

Safety features include the mandated dual front airbags, plus side-curtain airbags for head protection, and side-impact airbags for torso protection.   Active safety features consist of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.   The optional BLIS Blind Spot Information System can help alert the driver to a vehicle in the blind spot when signaling to change lanes.
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