Volvo C30 R-Design

Now that 'bloody Volvo driver' has been replaced by 'SUV road hog', it's time to get back behind the wheel of one of Sweden's biggest exports. Nik Howe goes for a spin

Style

Volvo has a reputation for making sensible cars bought by Barber jacket-wearing people who match. Not so the C30 R-Design. This is a car for urbanites who live in Paddington, eat in the Grand National and have accelerated career paths.

And there's a fair chance Volvo will gather a lot of buyers who like the idea of an imported, premium-strength, three-door hatchback with sporty signals that isn't from Germany. Or Italy.

Alfa's 147 would be the C30's obvious competitor. But the C30 R-Design is more Ford Focus-in-Swedish-clobber than style-over-substance Mediterranean charmer.

It is an enticing and angry-looking automobile - a fiercer version of the S40 with broad rear shoulders and deep, all-glass rear hatch which grows on you over time. The front end is equally menacing with flared arches, 18-inch wheels and threatening-looking grille.

Inside, you can tell the R-Design C30 is a car made for the iPod generation, with a monochrome finish, smatterings of carbon fibre and brilliantly bright LCD. The deep rear window makes for great visibility and easy reverse parking.

Our only gripe would be the slow-moving electronic seats that have to be moved in order for you to clamber into the back - not good for families or drivers with more than one mate.

Performance

Styling is important in C30 world, but this car has a torquey engine and hauls itself around in eager fashion a lot like a Ford Focus ST or Golf GTI. You wouldn't expect a Volvo to handle like a VW, and it doesn't; the steering is lighter and softer, but the car responds well and is progressive and consistent. Were it not for the softening effect of the automatic transmission, it would no doubt feel sharper.

Around town or on the open road, the C30 comes across as a complete car with a firm but tidily controlled ride and a terrific driving position. Assuming you can find a parking spot, it will look nice outside your Victorian terrace, but will also give you some fun on a weekend away in the Hunter.

Take me out

The C30 is a trendsetter and dares to be different. But not too different; if she were to socialise, she would spend most weekends drinking Coopers Sparkling at The London before making tracks to Darlinghurst, dropping in at the Oxford Art Factory to watch New Young Pony Club.

After a lazy morning soaking in the sun on the driveway, she'd grab a milkshake or flat white at Ruby's Diner where she would recover all Sunday long!

Vital stats

Engine Five-cylinder, 2521cc, 20v, turbo
0-100kmh 7.1secs
Top speed 235kmh
Fuel consumption 9.41 per 100km
Price $43,950