Musings after 2 weeks of ownership - Volvo C30 Forums and Community

metadalek · 08-30-2007, 04:18 AM

Well, I have had my oz spec C30 T5 for 2 weeks now, so I thought I would post a few random thoughts.

Overall

Excellent. Exceeded my expectations in most areas.

Engine

Not as lively as I expected. My previous V40T4 (chipped) certainly felt quicker. The slight reduction in power (172Kw -> 169Kw) and extra 80Kg is noticable. On the other hand, heaps more torque and much nicer to drive (the C30 that is). The C30 feels more relaxed and cruise is effortless. Fuel consumption is pretty good in my opionion. I am getting around 9.5L/100Km commuting to work. 8L/100Km on the
open road.

Handling

Very impressed. 18" wheels and Pzero tyres really seem to stick to the road. But it comes at a price, see the next section.

Ride quality

The ride is VERY firm. At low speed it is annoying. Speed bumps are a pain. At high speed things get better. At 120Km/H is really starts to work well. Of course, what we all want is active suspension so we get the best of all worlds.

Gearbox

6 speed manual, very nice. I was a bit worried about this and you can accidentally select the wrong gear, especially on downshift. But you can and do get used to it and just take a little extra care. The gearbox is silky smooth compared to the V40.

Extras

I got BLIS which I already really like. It just helps keep track of the traffic around you and is really nice when someone changes into the lane next to you. You get alerted automatically that something is there. I like it.

Mine came with high performance sound, which is adequate without being brilliant. Maybe I should have paid up and got dynaudio. Oh well...

I also got keyless drive, which I have to say is quite nice but takes a little getting used to. I still find I get my key out when I get close to the car by force of habit. But when your hands are full, its real nice not to have to stuff around unlocking the car.

Oh and one thing I REALLY REALLY like is the automatic dimming of headlights in the rear mirror at night even though so far I have not figured out how it does that....

draconus · 08-30-2007, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metadalek

Well, I have had my oz spec C30 T5 for 2 weeks now, so I thought I would post a few random thoughts.

Overall

Excellent. Exceeded my expectations in most areas.

Engine

Not as lively as I expected. My previous V40T4 (chipped) certainly felt quicker. The slight reduction in power (172Kw -> 169Kw) and extra 80Kg is noticable. On the other hand, heaps more torque and much nicer to drive. Then car feels more relaxed and cruise is effortless. Fuel consumption is pretty good in my opionion. I am getting around 9.5L/100Km commuting to work. 8L/100Km on the
open road.

Handling

Very impressed. 18" wheels and Pzero tyres really seem to stick to the road. But it comes at a price, see the next section.

Ride quality

The ride is VERY firm. At low speed it is annoying. Speed bumps are a pain. At high speed things get better. At 120Km/H is really starts to work well. Of course, what we all want is active suspension so we get the best of all worlds.

Gearbox

6 speed manual, very nice. I was a bit worried about this and you can accidentally select the wrong gear, especially on downshift. But you can and do get used to it and just take a little extra care. The gearbox is silky smooth compared to the V40.

Extras

I got BLIS which I already really like. It just helps keep track of the traffic around you and is really nice when someone changes into the lane next to you. You get alerted automatically that something is there. I like it.

Mine came with high performance sound, which is adequate without being brilliant. Maybe I should have paid up and got dynaudio. Oh well...

I also got keyless drive, which I have to say is quite nice but takes a little getting used to. I still find I get my key out when I get close to the car by force of habit. But when your hands are full, its real nice not to have to stuff around unlocking the car.

Oh and one thing I REALLY REALLY like is the automatic dimming of headlights in the rear mirror at night even though so far I have not figured out how it does that....

Hey, cool !!

Welcome to the fold. Glad you really like it. Surprised though you felt it could be quicker? I hadn't driven a Volvo before this, so my frame of reference may be a little blurred, but when I stick the boot into my T5 (Geartronic) I simply need to hang on tight - especially using manual shift. Flooring it from 110km gets me to over the ton before I can say faaaaark !

I'm sure there are faster 3-door hatches out there, but the C30 would need to be up there with the best of them.

Maybe I have a bigger shoe size ;-)

Anyway, again, welcome aboard !

CosmicC30 · 08-30-2007, 07:31 AM

Great write up!

I was wondering what BLIS and keyless drive was like, and you answered them.
It confirms that I want to order those options now.

metadalek · 08-30-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draconus

Hey, cool !!

Welcome to the fold. Glad you really like it. Surprised though you felt it could be quicker?

/*stuff deleted*/

I'm sure there are faster 3-door hatches out there, but the C30 would need to be up there with the best of them.

Agreed, and you will note I was careful to say the V40 felt quicker, I did not say it was quicker. The V40 certainly was a handful under full throttle which gives the impression of speed while the C30 is always refined.

Black Rod · 08-31-2007, 07:01 AM

Metadalek, fantastic write-up and much appreciated. I specified 'keyless' on a whim just because it sounded like fun. However, I'm pleased to see it does have a practical use in the real world. Also glad I didn't go for the Atreus although they do look fine, I would be happier to keep my fillings in my teeth.

08-30-2007, 04:18 AM	#1
metadalek C30 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 43	Musings after 2 weeks of ownership Well, I have had my oz spec C30 T5 for 2 weeks now, so I thought I would post a few random thoughts. Overall Excellent. Exceeded my expectations in most areas. Engine Not as lively as I expected. My previous V40T4 (chipped) certainly felt quicker. The slight reduction in power (172Kw -> 169Kw) and extra 80Kg is noticable. On the other hand, heaps more torque and much nicer to drive (the C30 that is). The C30 feels more relaxed and cruise is effortless. Fuel consumption is pretty good in my opionion. I am getting around 9.5L/100Km commuting to work. 8L/100Km on the open road. Handling Very impressed. 18" wheels and Pzero tyres really seem to stick to the road. But it comes at a price, see the next section. Ride quality The ride is VERY firm. At low speed it is annoying. Speed bumps are a pain. At high speed things get better. At 120Km/H is really starts to work well. Of course, what we all want is active suspension so we get the best of all worlds. Gearbox 6 speed manual, very nice. I was a bit worried about this and you can accidentally select the wrong gear, especially on downshift. But you can and do get used to it and just take a little extra care. The gearbox is silky smooth compared to the V40. Extras I got BLIS which I already really like. It just helps keep track of the traffic around you and is really nice when someone changes into the lane next to you. You get alerted automatically that something is there. I like it. Mine came with high performance sound, which is adequate without being brilliant. Maybe I should have paid up and got dynaudio. Oh well... I also got keyless drive, which I have to say is quite nice but takes a little getting used to. I still find I get my key out when I get close to the car by force of habit. But when your hands are full, its real nice not to have to stuff around unlocking the car. Oh and one thing I REALLY REALLY like is the automatic dimming of headlights in the rear mirror at night even though so far I have not figured out how it does that.... __________________ C30 T5 MY08 Ice white exterior/Black body trim Offblack leather seats Virtual white interior trim High performance audio/6 stack CD 18" Atreus wheels/Pzero tyres BLIS and Keyless drive Last edited by metadalek; 08-30-2007 at 08:38 AM. Reason: add clarification

08-31-2007, 07:01 AM	#5
Black Rod So shallow I love my C30 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 790	Metadalek, fantastic write-up and much appreciated. I specified 'keyless' on a whim just because it sounded like fun. However, I'm pleased to see it does have a practical use in the real world. Also glad I didn't go for the Atreus although they do look fine, I would be happier to keep my fillings in my teeth. __________________ Black Rod MY08 T5/SA Calcite Scotia Prem +6 stack Keyless

08-30-2007, 07:31 AM	#3
CosmicC30 C3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa Posts: 28	Great write up! I was wondering what BLIS and keyless drive was like, and you answered them. It confirms that I want to order those options now.