New C30 vs Audi A3

Going green is as much about saving money as saving the planet. As our tax system favours cars which emit the least CO2, taking the green option can benefit private and company drivers alike.

This strikes a chord in the ultra-competitive compact executive class, which is dominated by business buyers who value prestige just as much as low emissions and generous equipment.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Volvo C30

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Into this unforgiving arena comes Volvo’s revised C30. It has always been one of the class’s sharpest looking cars, but the pretty hatch has a bold new design to go with its attention-grabbing CO2 claims. A 99g/km output from its 1.6-litre diesel provides the eco credentials of a city car or supermini.

Up against it here is another green premium machine. The Audi A3 has been fitted with stop-start just in time to take on the fresh Volvo. And buyers can even specify the S tronic twin-clutch box – so this is one of the first auto models to get the fuel-saving kit.

But can an A3 with an automated transmission beat a manual C30 in a battle in which style and handling are as important as economy and costs?

Verdict

These cars aim to be as efficient as possible, while offering practical yet stylish packaging. And ultimately, it’s
the Volvo which manages to do this better.With a new face, distinctive rear end styling and an individual interior design, it simply feels newer and more adventurous than the A3. Add in fuel economy which was nearly 4mpg better over the course of our test, and it has the edge overall.Yet that’s not to say the Audi is a bad car. For interior quality it still can’t be beaten, even after seven years on sale, and many of its running costs are cheaper than the Volvo’s.We expected the Audi’s S tronic gearbox to give it an advantage here, but this wasn’t the case. In fact, the A3’s combination of stop-start technology and an automated set-up only serves to seal the C30’s victory here.