The new Volvo C30 T5 and C30 T5 R-Design with dramatic changes in the 2011 models.  The whole entire front clip has been redesigned to give a more sportier look,  which including the soft nose, front fenders, grille, headlights and lower front spoiler. This gives the car a new appearance with a distinctive personality .   The air intake has also grown in size and resembles the intake in the XC60. The grille has a new pattern used exclusively on both C30 variants.  Both cars are equipped with a standard turbocharged 227 horsepower inline 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, which comes from the Ford Focus ST’s six-speed gearbox.

On the handling side of the C30 T5 R-Design, the aim is to create a sporty driving experience and a sophisticated feeling of comfort with main attention on the chassis and steering wheel.  The new body kit gives a visual impression that the car has been much lowered than the actual 10 mm reduction in ride height. Stiffer bushings are used for more precise handling. The steering ratio is lower, which gives a 10 percent faster response to driver input. Spring stiffness is also increased by 30 percent to give maintain the C30 T5 R-Design’s handling during spirit driving, although the ride may be a bit harsher but the C30 T5 still maintains a quite cabin. The mono-tube dampers are stiffer and build up pressure much more quickly for corners and curves during fast driving. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning when taking corners.  In summary, the new Volvo C30 T5 R-Design is a much sportier car and ready for the track or to take a beating during enthusiastic driving.

Performance

The new turbocharged 227 horsepower inline 5-cylinder engine is rated at 227 horsepower at 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 236 lb*ft at 5000 rpm.  The C30 T5 R-Design can sprint from 0-60 in merely about 6.2 second with maximum speed up to 150 mph.  The new turbo charged engine is very fuel efficient also, which gives a combined of 32.5 miles per gallon.

Pricing and Options

Even with the attractive styling and premium feel, starting price at $24,600 is just too stiff for this C30 T5 hatchback;  If money matters, Mazda 3 turbo hatchback could be your alternative.

2011 C30 T5 – $24,600*

2011 C30 T5 R-Design – $26,950*

Preferred Package – $1,800

Power driver seat

Power passenger seat

Keyless drive (R-Design only)

Power glass moonroof
Aluminum Inlay (T5 Only)

Climate Package – $900

Heated front seats

Headlight washers

Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)

Electronic climate control

Rainsensor windshield wipers

Multimedia Package – $2,000

Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound

Navigation system with real-time traffic

2 complimentary map updates

Stand Alone Options

Metallic paint  – $550

Premium Electric Silver Metallic Pain (R-Design only) – $675

5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic – $1,250

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) – $700

SIRIUS satellite radio with complimentary 6-month subscription – $400

Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights (ABL) – $800

Portable navigation system – $750

Leather seating surfaces – $1,200

Exterior styling kit (C30 T5 only) – $1,445

Interior styling kit (C30 T5 only) – $295