Volvo C30 facelift

Volvo's C30 has been handed a mid-life update with exterior tweaks and a new, greener engine.

A redesigned front end featuring new panels and a pair of restyled, longer headlamps gives the car a more dynamic and sporty look. Elsewhere, the rear remains relatively unchanged aside from a new 'faux-diffuser' which can be colour-coded to the bodywork or in a contrasting colour.

Meanwhile, under the skin the facelifted C30 is available with an optional Sport chassis to give a sharper ride. With this option in place the car is lowered by 10mm and springs and dampers are stiffened to allow for a more precise and responsive ride.

Aside from the usual petrol and diesel engines, Volvo are offering the 1.6D DRIVe Start/Stop which claims economy figures of 72.4mpg (combined) and 104g/km of CO2.

The new C30 will be officially unveiled at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show and full details and prices will be announced in closer to the on-sale date in 2010.