Cars in European cities became more and more, the constant traffic jams and parking problems revived the boom on cars of compact size. Taking the C1 platform, which has already proven itself from the best side, which is used on the Volvo S40, Ford Focus and Mazda 3, the Swedes began to work hard. The design of the production car largely corresponds to the forms of the Volvo C30 Design Concept conceptual model, which was presented at the Detroit Motor Show in early 2006.
The production car was presented to the public at the September Paris Motor Show. Production began in late 2006. The new C30 is the most compact (4250 mm length) and expressive car in the company's model range. It turned out to be very interesting in appearance, the design of the stern of the car, made in the style of the 2001 Safety Concept Car (SCC) 2001, is immediately striking. The almost round glass of the rear door, traditionally bordered by lanterns fitted into racks, is in fact the rear door, that is, the trunk opening has turned out to be high and almost semi-circular.
Curved headlights complete with a wide grille and the original hood line define the dynamic character of the front end. Low landing and sloping roof are components of the rapid silhouette of the car, which emphasize the side windows. This effect was achieved by narrowing the roof and extending the side elements. The back of the car on the showiness does not lag behind the front. The tail lights stretched upwards, the glass fifth door and, as a finishing touch, a stylish spoiler in its upper part. The lower part with larger tailpipes is offered either in one color range with the body, or in another color.
The wide palette of available colors for the lower part of the body allows you to make many individual combinations. By the way, a completely new color, Cosmic White mother of pearl, was developed especially for this model. In general, the car is externally made in the same style with the current Volvo S40 and V50 models.
Despite its compact size, the Volvo C30 saloon features comfort and functionality, creating the impression of a large car. There is enough space in the car for four adults. Ergonomic front seats allow the driver to take a correct and comfortable position. They easily fold back and forth, providing convenient access to the rear seats. For easy access, the back center is narrowed down. Creating the C30, the Swedes cared, above all, about the driver and thought through ergonomics so that, first of all, it was comfortable for someone who was driving. Separate, self-contained rear seats provide ample individual space.
The seats are installed closer to the center axis of the car, thereby increasing the space and offering an excellent overview. This arrangement also allows you to place niches for storage on the sides of the cabin, and in addition, allows front and rear passengers to communicate freely with the driver and among themselves. The rear seatbacks are independently adjustable. The rear seats can be folded both from the luggage compartment and from the passenger compartment. The rear glass door opens and closes very easily, providing convenient access to the luggage compartment.
To hide the contents of the luggage compartment from prying eyes, you can use two types of curtains: soft and hard option. The interior of the C30 has also been designed in such a way as to satisfy the individual wishes of each client. Even as standard, a red or blue upholstery is available. Black upholstery with contrasting red rugs is also available. As standard, it will be possible to choose three different trim options. Volvo's famous “floating” console is now available in a variety of options. Buyers have the opportunity to install original parts inside the cabin.
For example, such as a sports steering wheel, a sports gearshift lever with aluminum inserts, pedals with aluminum coating and floor mats designed specifically for the C30. To provide the desired atmosphere inside the cabin, the Volvo C30 provides air conditioning with a filter. The car can also be equipped with an electronic climate control system ECC (Electronic Climate Control), which is fully automated and maintains the selected temperature inside the cabin, regardless of the temperature overboard. It is possible to maintain different temperatures in the left and right sides of the cabin.
The climate control system can be supplemented with an IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) cabin air quality control system, which monitors the level of carbon monoxide in the air entering the passenger compartment and automatically closes the air intakes when it exceeds the norm. The system is also equipped with a carbon filter that prevents particles of dirt and dust, as well as unpleasant odors, from entering the cabin. From the list of "pleasant" equipment that is found in this car, it should be noted audio system. It can be of three types. Perfomance - with a 4x20 W amplifier and four speakers.
High performance - with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight speakers. True music fans can install Premium Sound with an ICE Power 5x130 Watt digital audio amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and 10 speakers from the Danish manufacturer Dynaudio in their car. To minimize the possibility of distractions during dangerous driving situations, the Volvo C30 comes standard with an Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS). This system constantly monitors certain functions of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, the degree of accelerator pedal depression, the direction of travel sensors, and the brake.
ImageData is processed, and in certain situations, the reception of information detrimental to traffic safety (for example, text messages or incoming calls from the built-in phone) is postponed until more favorable conditions occur. At the request of the driver, IDIS can be configured to receive GSM calls under any circumstances. Like all Volvo cars, the C30 is distinguished by a special attitude to safety issues already at the design stage. The car body is divided into so-called "deformation zones", made of different types of steel, having different deformation characteristics. This allows you to effectively redistribute and absorb the loads that arise in a collision.
The lower side members are designed in such a way that they do not allow the front wheels to penetrate the passenger compartment in a collision. To ensure the safety of the driver in a frontal collision, the car is equipped with a deformable pedal unit. The standard equipment of the car includes two-stage airbags, side airbags, complemented by inflatable curtains, seat belts (front with pretensioners), seats with active head restraints that protect the neck of passengers when they are hit from behind. Optional for the Volvo C30 is available the BLIS system, which helps the driver to recognize vehicles that are in the dead zone of the rear-view mirrors.
In addition, the front seats are equipped with WHIPS (Volvo's Whiplash Protection System) whiplash protection system, reducing the risk of neck damage. And the steering column when struck develops in a telescopic manner, which allows it to effectively interact with the airbag. The engine is positioned transversely and in such a way that with a frontal impact in the engine compartment, there is enough space to shift it without transferring the load to the passenger compartment. The fuel tank is located in front of the rear suspension - in the most protected place.
The Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) side-impact protection system, side-curtain airbags, and IC (Inflatable curtains) side curtains provide effective side impact protection. Pedestrians are not forgotten. The Volvo C30 has a wide range of engines. Three of them have four cylinders, arranged in a row, in working volumes of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters, and develop 100, 125 and 145 hp.
respectively. There are also diesel engines: 1.6 / 109 hp, 2.0 / 136 hp, 2.4 / 163 hp and 2.4 / 180 hp The most powerful are two five-cylinder in-line engine volumes of 2.4 and 2.5 liters. And if the first of them develops 170 hp, then the second, thanks to the turbocharger produces 220 hp.
Volvo powertrains provide fast acceleration, high torque, low fuel consumption and low emissions. Thanks to its unique style, the C30 will certainly attract young buyers to Volvo products. The car was created to entertain and maintain the active rhythm of its life. A rich equipment, a wide range of engines, excellent handling, elegant design will not leave indifferent everyone who chooses for himself this extraordinary car.
