Volvo C30 T5 Review: Meatballz'a Flyin!

Sport it is not.

The C30 is based on Ford’s C1 platform, and shares its underpinnings with the S40, V50 and the high powered Focus ST. There are MacPherson struts in the front and a good, proper multilink rear setup unlike those torsion beams one might find under a hot hatch.

Importantly, the C30 was tuned to be sportier than the S40. The ride is firm, and the grip through corners is just awesome. We had the model with the 18 inch tyres and wheels that were just to die for.

I must say, that these things do not make the C30 feel like a sports car, but it was never mean to outrightly be one. It still feels like a true Volvo – proper, stable, and extremely comfortable. It still makes one feel invincible behind the wheel, and it still pampers the driver to earth’s end.

Put it this way - the C30 is capable in the same way that the Audi's A3. It is safe, very nicely predictable when its limits are breached, and very very comfortable.

I do admit that the enthusiast will want greater agility and more steering feedback, but only because this car looks so handsome, the hardcore car maniac in me can only wish that it was more performance oriented.

Doing this however, would decrease the scope of buyers. Those who buy this car are already assured that they will find themselves driving a machine that is genuinely different and not to mention, unique.

It is distinctive. More so than a 3 Series coupe, more practical than a Mini or an Audi TT, and it possesses certain depth of ability that goes far beyond its pretty face.

While I wished the C30 was a little more exciting to drive, I can’t deny that it would be the ultimate ride for that someone looking to feel special, and it goes a foot and a mile in doing so - a perfect cure for a midlife crisis!

Credits: Text and Photos by Amery Reuben. Location courtesy of Raintree Spa.