Volvo wanted to focus on other models, so they stopped making the C30. In 2013, Volvo officially announced they were going to stop making the C30 to “better position Volvo for the future and the next stage of our model.” This was likely due to low sales of the C30 because it only sold about 4500 units annually.
All about the Volvo C30
The C30 made its debut in 2006 at the Paris Motor Show, and it was available in the United States in 2007. Volvo introduced it as a premium compact hatchback. It had two engine variants: the inline-four engine and the inline-five engine. The platform used in this car was the Volvo P1 platform.
Models
Volvo introduced several models all over the world, but in the US, they only had two trim levels available. They also launched an R-design later in 2008. The US only had gasoline-based models and there was only one generation, but it received many major upgrades.
The C30 also had a special edition in the US named Boston Red Sox edition in 2008. There was also a performance option made by the Polestar and Volvo combined. It had software modifications that enhanced the car’s performance from 227 hp to 250 hp.
In 2010, Volvo also announced the C30 DRIVe Electric model, which was a limited-production concept car and fully electric. The electric model had a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an 82 kW electric motor. The car had an estimated range of 93 miles and could run from 0 to 50 km/h (0-31mph) in just 4 seconds.
Reliability
Volvo is considered to be one of the most reliable luxury brands in the car world. The C30 also became famous due to its indestructible structure and reliability. The hatchback was famous for its overall durability, safety, and reliability factors.
It had an overall reliability score of 70.65, where the average reliability score is 57. It also had an affordable maintenance cost of around $720. All of this made the C30 a brilliant, reliable choice for people to buy at the time.
Safety
As is the case with all Volvos, the C30 also had the best safety features of the time. The safety features were a big highlight of the car. The IIHS also awarded the C30 with the Top Safety Pick award. It had the Volvo’s Intelligent Driver Information System, which monitored the driver’s attention all the time. The car had the other following safety features:
- Blindspot detection system
- Anti-lock braking system
- Whiplash protection system
- Four different steel grades to distribute impact energy
- Side Impact Protection System
- Electronic stability program
- Traction control system
- Airbags and inflatable curtains
Discontinuation of the C30
Volvo confirmed the C30’s discontinuation in 2013. Volvo announced that they were stopping the production of the C30 to get ready for the future of Volvo and make room for their new plans and models. However, the low sales of the car certainly impacted the decision to discontinue the car.
The car had the best sales in 2008 with only 4299 units sold. This numbers continued to fall each year. In 2009, Volvo only sold around 4266 units. The number fell drastically in 2010 with only 2906 units sold. For comparison, its competitor, the MINI Cooper hatchback sold a total of 28,067 units in 2011.
Problems with the C30
The first major problem with the car was its price. It was way more expensive than its other competitors like the MINI Cooper hatchback or Volkswagen GTI. The car’s price tag was $26,395, which was rather expensive for a hatchback. Other than that, the car is still pretty solid if you’re looking to buy a used C30. Some minor issues still appeared at around 80-120k miles like:
- Suspension
- Timing belt
- Control arms
- CV boots
- Timing belt
- Water pump
Motorsport
A racecar version of the C30 was designed in 2010 as the STCC-Volvo. In 2011, the Polestar racing team used Volvo C30 DRIVe as their main racing car. They had a good run in the 2011 FIA WTCC Race of Belgium. In 2011, the C30 won five races in the Pirelli World Challenge season.
The C30 electric came in first in the 130-kilometer Michelin Challenge Bibendum rally, and also won awards for handling. The C30 was also featured in the 2011 WTCC season. Overall, it had a good motorsport career.
Future with the new C40
The C30 was discontinued in 2013, but it was replaced by the Volvo V40 with its second generation. The V40 was then also discontinued in 2019 due to Volvo’s focus on the electrification of the cars. However, the all-new Volvo C40 is all set to replace V40, and it will become the ultimate successor of the C30 in 2022.
FAQ
Does Volvo make hatchback cars?
Volvo used to make hatchbacks like the V40 or the C30. These cars were pretty famous hatchbacks by Volvo. These were premium and luxury quality hatchbacks with good handling and fuel efficiency. Volvo discontinued them and instead has shifted focus to electric cars and electrification.
Why do people like hatchbacks?
There are many reasons to love small hatchbacks compared to big sedans or SUVs. First of all, they are small, so they can fit anywhere. If you live in a city where space is very important, then hatchbacks are easy to handle. They also have better headroom than sedans.
The handling is also better in hatchbacks because of their small size. Hatchbacks are pretty flexible in terms of carrying people and cargo. You can fit your cargo inside the car by folding the back seats, and the back seats are also usually spacious. Hatchbacks also use less fuel, which is economical.
Is the Volvo C40 a good car?
The Volvo C40 recharge is Volvo’s first-ever fully electric vehicle. It is a premium quality electric car, and it has an estimated range of around 200+ miles. The car also supports fast charging, and it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes with a fast charger. It has good acceleration and can run 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Overall, it is a good car to buy.