As you would expect from a Volvo vehicle, the C30 T5 comes equipped with a range of comfort and safety features, from a multitude of airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, DSTC, the all new BLIS to leather seats and a high performance Bluetooth ready 8 speaker driven 4X40W amplifier. And this being a sporty model you also get one of the best steering wheels on the market. It’s very nice to take hold of and made me want to drive the car at every spare moment. Strange coming from Volvo, I know, but it’s quite true.
Only two versions of the C30 are sold in Malaysia – the 2-liter non turbo at RM215,579.50 and our test car the T5. Both come with a 6-speed auto. Stepping inside the car for the first time, it’s clear that the additional RM45,000 has not been entirely squandered only on the T5 engine. The seats are very sporty and have enough adjust ability to ensure most drivers will be able to relax in comfort. Everything feels nice. One small issue that irked me when driving, however, was the cup holders in front of the central armrest. You can put a bottle in there, but it gets pushed forward at an awkward angle when you work the gearbox in manual mode. The model we tested included a Garmin satellite navigation. The centre
console now comes with a metallic brushed finish which got its inspiration from a ‘guitar’. Rear seating is good for adults and getting in quite easy as the front seats move forward enough.
It comes with keyless go, so just twist the ignition and little drama is heard, which is needed in any hot hatchback. The juicy hit of torque early in the rev range gives the car a very strong feel through the bottom end that flows through into the mid-range, and when you’re sitting behind the wheel and dialing in more throttle, the C30 T5 feels delightfully nimble and swift and it’s deep power reserves make overtaking a cinch. The engine is plenty tractable, able to coax the car along at very low revs and keep fuel consumption low, yet has the kind of top end power that allows it to pour on the speed and fire out of corners like an over-engineered bullet.
Question to ask, is the Volvo C30 T5 more desirable than the Renault Megane RS or the VW Scirocco? Well…it looks different and goes like a bat out of heel on the straights, unfortunately it cant execute corners as goos as the Reno or VW and is does not look special enough inside to warrant its asking price. Still, it is a Volvo!
Volvo C30 T5 Specifications
Engine: 5-cylinder petrol turbo Displacement: 2521cc
Max power: 230bhp @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 320Nm @ 1500-5000rpm
0-100km/h: 7.1secs
Top Speed: 235 km/h Transmission: 5-Speed Geartronic
Price: RM260,685.00
