Fast Cars Gear

Archive for August 26th, 2009

The Spot Lights Are On For Volvos C30 Hatchback

Volvo has once again grabbed the limelight of the auto industry when it finally unveiled its premium hatchback the C30. It has been a challenge for Volvo to come up with something as interesting or much better than the BMW 1 series Audi 3 and Volkswagen GTI. The Volvo C30 has not failed the automaker as a matter of fact it improved their sales tremendously and a result enhance the standing of the automaker in the industry.

The Volvo C30 is a small family car threedoor fourseat hatchback version of the S40 V50 and C70 luxury vehicles. It is powered by I4 and I5 engines. Created on Ford C1 platform same as its siblings it shares identical sheet metal. The C30 has made its word debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The hatchback was especially designed to meet the needs of young generation Volvo buyers. The unique design of the vehicle that includes exotic frameless glass tailgate a confident stance and the broad shoulders has became Volvos trademark and has helped it to standout amidst the stiff competition. According to Fredrik Arp President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation “The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo. It is a car that aims for a group of young singles or couples with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly.”

The hatchback is offered with a wide variety of diesel engines and gasoline. The diesel engines include the 109 horsepower 1.6 liter inline4 and a 180 horsepower 2.4 liter inline5. On the other hand the petrol engines include a 100 horsepower 1.6 liter I4 a 170 horsepower 2.4 liter inline5 and a 220 horsepower turbocharged 2.5 liter inline5.

The C30is also equipped with an upgraded sound system that includes a digital 5×130 watt ICE Power amplifier from Alpine that features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and 10 loudspeakers from Danish Dynaudio. This particular feature is designed to attract the youth market. Moreover the C30 also caters to personal choices of customers particularly in terms of auto parts like Volvo control arms. Anne Blec President and CEO of VCNA commented “The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30′s youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo’s traditional customers.”

Steve Mattin Volvo Cars Design Director has also something to say regarding the C30 “The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC Safety Concept Car or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following.”

Volvo has a track record for its safety features and the C30 hatchback has exemplified the legendary reputation of the automaker in the said aspect. The hatchback is equipped with BLIS short for Blind Spot Information System which helps drivers in identifying another vehicle in the blind spot. The C30 being a true Volvo breed is not going to be allowed to stray without IDIS or Intelligent Driver Information System WHIPS or Whiplash protection System and a Side Impact protection System that comes with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain IC.

The hatchback is also given the patented front and rear structure that would absorb and redistribute impact on the vehicle in case of accident. Added protections for passengers are also installed like seatbelts with unique pretensioners.

Arp further stated that Volvo is planning to sell as much as 65000 cars every year and 75 of those sales are expected to come from Europe market.

About the writer:  Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.