Beloved C30 Doesn’t Wow This Mom

2008 Volvo C30 R-Design

model as tested $30,200

Test Drove 9/15/08– 9/19/08
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

You know how frustrating it can be when other people really like a movie, but it just doesn’t resonate with you? That’s what I’m experiencing with the 2008 Volvo C30. I’ve long admired Volvos for their style, class and reputation for safety. The C30 has the classic Volvo look, at least in the front, and it provides a solid and safe-feeling ride (with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine thrown in for kicks and giggles).

I threw myself into the role of test driver. The C30 made its way through curves and crested hills with the greatest of ease – a true natural. Its handling was impeccable, which was apparent to everyone. As we pulled into a parking spot at my son’s school, all eyes were on the C30. Some kids in a nearby school bus even hollered out the windows, “Hey, we like your car!”

Positioned to compete with the Mini Cooper (a car that I really loved), the C30 does have a few added benefits that the Mini doesn’t, such as a slightly roomier interior with more rear legroom for the kids, more cargo space for the kids’ stuff, and a more car-like, less go-kart-like ride. But despite all of that, and despite my MotherProof.com colleague’s raves about the C30, I was still hesitant to offer it a standing ovation.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair

SENSE AND STYLE
Family friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair
Fun factor (None, Some, Good times, Groove on): Good times — Groove on

Read about Exterior Features

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