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Volvo C30

Volvo C30 T5 Geartronic

Does Volvo's C30 make more sense as a high-speed cruiser with the firm’s Geartronic auto box?

Inspired by S40, C30’s nose isn’t as dramatic as rear

By Sam Hardy

December 2006

Relaxed, refined and blisteringly fast – that’s what Volvo’s flagship turbocharged models are all about. But does the same apply to the new C30? The six-speed manual T5 we drove in Issue 931 wasn’t quite the hot hatch we had hoped for. So does the car make more sense as a high-speed cruiser with the firm’s Geartronic auto box?
 
With its 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine delivering 217bhp, there’s no doubting this C30’s pace.

With its 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine delivering 217bhp, there’s no doubting this C30’s pace. The automatic sprints from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds – only 0.4 seconds down on the manual car. Changes are smooth and swift, while it’s clear refinement is definitely one of the T5’s strengths.

However, the transmission is slow to react from a standstill, leading to lurchy getaways, and the sequential ‘manual’ option provides very jerky downshifts. There’s happier news about the rest of the driving experience. With excellent body control and a ride that gets caught out only by small bumps and ruts in town, the T5 is capable and fast.

But that’s not to say it’s a perfect package. It’s a pity the S40-derived nose isn’t as dramatic as the rear end and, despite the classy cabin, the boot is tiny.

Costing £21,045, the C30 T5 Geartronic certainly isn’t cheap although, thanks to the Volvo badge, it’s guaranteed to hold on to its value well.

However, we’d save a very handy £1,250 and stick with the regular six-speed manual variant. In the company’s fine tradition, that model is a relaxed, refined and blisteringly fast Volvo.

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For an alternative review of the latest Volvo C30 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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FIRST OPINION

    The performance versions of Volvo’s larger models are well suited to the smooth Geartronic transmission. But in the C30, the set-up is let down by its poor responses and jerky downshifts in manual mode – as well as its £1,250 price. The manual variant is a much better proposition. It isn’t perfect – as with all C30s, the packaging needs work – but it makes much better sense.
 

AT A GLANCE

    In addition to a bodykit, our range-topping SE Sport features climate and cruise control, a trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch alloys as standard.
    Engine: 2.5-litre 5cyl, 217bhp
    Price: £21,045 
     
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