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KISS MY GLASS

You don’t need a window sticker to know what kind of a statement the Volvo C30 is spelling out to other compact hatchbacks on the market, as its rear end speaks for itself.

This svelte 2-door Swedish concept is characterised by its horseshoe-shaped glass tailgate, innovative rear lighting configuration, prominent bumper and boarder-line trim. Its angled headlamps, low, wide grille, distinguished wheel arches and 19” alloys also cohere to the same ultra sporty design code. Quite frankly though, it had to look superb if was going to pose any kind of threat to such a merciless class of opponents.

Of course, the type of audience Volvo is hoping to poach is largely VW Golf buyers, as well as those pondering over the purchase of an Audi A3 or the BMW 1 series. Tapping in to this market could prove to be a rather lucrative decision and Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars reckons that potential customers are already primed for the hatchback’s launch; “We know there are large numbers of fairly young, successful people who are attracted to our brand, but who still cannot find a model in our range that exactly matches their taste and lifestyle. The Volvo C30 Design Concept was developed precisely for this group.”
Such lifestyle considerations include the C30’s shorter length which may take away some of the fraught of squeezing in to a parking space in the city. The hatchback also provides easy rear access and the multipurpose fold flat rear seats seem to be a gesture of compromise for the meagre boot space. However if you’re just carrying a briefcase, gym bag or sports equipment then the two individual rear seats appear to provide enough comfort and room for two adult passengers.

Yet sitting in the front is an even more favourable position as you have full control of all the creature comforts and gadgets. The cabin is set to be finished with high quality materials as well as exhibiting a well laid out dash. The audio system is also pretty special; the 5X130 watt digital ICE power amplifier from Alpine has Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio, acompany which are based in Denmark.
Now we’ve built you up to a climax, you must be hoping that Sweden’s new prize beauty has the goods to perform? Well there’s every chance her reign of 260 horses is made to thrill. As the power throbs through that in-line Five-cylinder 2.4 litre turbocharged engine, you can shift through Six manual gears to reach its limited top speed of 250km/h. The maximum torque of 350Nm will kick in from 2100 revs and last through to 5000. Right from turning the key, you’re sure to get a sense of its sporty intentions, press firmly down on the accelerator and you’ll sprint from 0-100km/h in just Six seconds. Counteracting this surge of power is the squeeze of Bremo Four-pot brakes with aluminium callipers and 330 millimetre ventilated brake discs both at the front and rear.

Well, it sounds like it will be a hit but we’ll have to wait until at least autumn to know for sure. It’s unlikely that all this hard work will be kissed goodbye but will the strength of sales be enough to raise glasses in the boardroom? Germany’s contenders are holding strong but the Swedish allure could well tip the balance.

Verdict

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Spec

ENGINE: Five cylinder, 2.4 litre turbo charged unit
POWER: 260bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 350Nm from 2100 rpm - 5000rpm
0-60mph (sec): 6
TOP SPEED: 150mph
TRANSMISSION: Six speed manual
BRAKES: Bremo Four-pot brakes with alluminum callipers