C30: Smallest Volvo Car
by GLADY REIGN
Volvo has always been known for their top of the line safety features in their vehicles. Even if the automaker offers enhancement on other aspects, safety has always been the number one priority when it comes to their cars, and it is so with the new compact C30, which has taken the distinction of being Volvo��s smallest car.
The C30 was adapted from the Volvo S40 platform. However, it is 8.5 inches shorter and 320 pounds lighter. It��s a two-door hatchback rather than a four-door sedan, resembling a station wagon with its a massive glass hatch lid. And, it is more like the same size as a Ford Focus.
Though the C30 is considerably small in size, Volvo has retained the safety it offers. It has stability control and traction control to keep the vehicle moving without flaws. It comes with anti-lock brakes to ensure efficient stopping. Front and side-curtain air bags are also provided, along with headrests to minimize impact of collision. As part of safety, the nose was made with small, soft plastic beam in front of the bumper for the purpose of absorbing energy and further reducing injury at the event of any pedestrian accident.
The 2008 C30 comes in two versions: 1.0 and 2.0. The difference is in the standard radials, where 1.0 has 17 inches while 2.0 has 18 inches. The base price is $22,700 for the 1.0 and $25,700 for the 2.0.
The C30 is powered with a 2.5 L, 227 horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Standard is the 6-speed manual transmission, while 5-speed automatic with manual mode is made optional.
The mileage is not actually a big spot for the C30. It only has 19 m.p.g. in city driving and 27 m.p.g. on highway, of which are calculated based on the new ��more realistic�� testing procedures.
The Volvo C30 is considerably energetic, ideal for long-distance travels. That is since it comes with stiff seat backs, small seat bottoms and narrow side bolsters. It also has a dynamic chassis that makes up a firmer suspension.
The C30 offers a good leg and head room plus a decent space for luggage.
Volvo��s C30 is also considered the automaker��s first Custom Build vehicles, as it offers stand-alone options that include DVD navigation system ($2,120), power moon roof ($1,200), leather seats ($1,200) and power driver's seat ($450); or a climate package ($675) with heated seats, headlamp washers and rain-sensing wipers. Or 20 individual items such as power driver/passenger seats ($900), headlamp washers ($400), electronic climate control ($250) and blind-spot information system ($695 for cameras in the side-view mirrors detect vehicles in your blind spot and set off orange warning lights in the A-pillars along the windshield).
Paying a fee of $300 will allow you to customize the car, as you could choose from 17 exterior color options, 12 interior trim packages and nine seat/carpet/floor mat colors.
And more than being equipped with quality Volvo auto parts, the C30 also comes with standard equipments such as power windows/locks/mirrors, rear-window defroster, tinted windows, AM/FM radio with single disc in-dash CD player with auxiliary input and MP3 capability and Sirius satellite radio with a year��s free service.
