Volvo C30 is a small three-door, four-seat hatchback family car powered by I4 and I5 engines, first unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Volvo C30 is actually the hatchback / coupe version of the S40/V50/C70 luxury Volvo vehicle range, produced by Premier Automotive Group of Ford Motors. C30 has since launched in late 2006 in Europe, and will be introduced in the U.S. market in October as a 2008 model year, with the T5 as the single version. Volvo C30 premium hatchback will definitely be a draw for first-time Volvo customers, young executives and youth market.

Mother Proof previews Volvo C30 and concludes that “I, the suburban wife and mother of three, also appreciated the easy-to-clean, wetsuit-like material — called Kalix T-tech — that’s available for the seats. Also, the Latch connectors appeared to be fairly accessible (Destiny made me leave my child seats behind, so I couldn’t test that one for you). I actually think the C30 would make a great vehicle for either Destiny (the sexy, single city girl), my husband (the commuter), or my teenage son (the soon-to-be driver).”

Popular Mechanics test drives 2008 Volvo C30 and concludes that the Volvo is not a sports car. But it is a lot of fun to hustle—especially with the Version 2.0’s larger wheels and tires. But compared to a Mini Cooper, the C30 doesn’t feel as raw, edgy or performance focused. The steering is less communicative and the chassis rolls a bit more. Around town, though, we’d rather be driving the softer, more relaxed Volvo. Starting at $23,920, the C30 is a fun, practical and fairly inexpensive way to get a hip European ride.