The 2012 Volvo C30: A Debutant's Evolution
Breaking the norm of the automotive industry, the 2012 Volvo C30, a premium two-door vehicle, unveils its upgraded persona. The car's fresh face is supplemented by a new sports chassis, making it a head-turner in its segment. Volvo's aspirations to attract young and dynamic customers seem to manifest beautifully in the C30's distinctive design and enhanced personality.
Aesthetically Intriguing Exterior
Infusing the C30 with elements reminiscent of classic Volvo models like the 1800 ES, the car displays a contemporary look that pays homage to its proud lineage. The C30's distinctive grille pattern, wide shoulders, and sloping roofline make it appear agile and ready for the road. Additionally, the unique glass tailgate, an element borrowed from the Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), introduces an exclusive, convenient feature to the mix. Adding to the vehicle's dynamic aesthetics are the new five-spoke "Spider" diamond-cut wheels.
Expressive Colors and Daring R-Design
The C30 extends its color contrast collection with Terra Bronze, allowing drivers more personalization options. Moreover, the car is available in the R-Design version, featuring a body kit color-coordinated with the rest of the exterior. With the redesigned front and rear, the vehicle projects a lowered stance, even with a mere 10 mm reduction in ride height. The range of vibrant exterior colors enhances its expressive demeanor further, with shades from Hello Yellow to Caspian Blue.
Scandinavian-Inspired Interior
The C30 offers an individualistic four-seater layout, ensuring substantial space for all occupants. Inspired by Scandinavian product design, the interior of the C30 emphasizes clean surfaces and practicality. Central to this theme is the floating center stack, visible from outside due to the rear glass tailgate. The center stack design, influenced by the texture of classic Swedish Hagström guitars, adds a vintage charm to the modern setup. An intriguing Espresso/Blond combination is one of the many interior options available, further enhancing the car's expressive character.
Intuitive Connectivity and High-End Audio
Volvo has introduced a new mobile application extension of Volvo On Call, enabling owners to stay connected with their car via smartphones. Apart from facilitating hands-free phone conversations, the Bluetooth® technology also supports music streaming. This comprehensive integration of technology, available across the entire Volvo range, distinguishes the brand from its competitors. Furthermore, the high-performance audio system, compatible with iPod® and other MP3 players, adds a luxurious touch.
Engine Performance and Drive Dynamics
Volvo's decision to incorporate transverse in-line engines in the C30, both in five and four-cylinder configurations, pays off in providing swift acceleration and excellent driveability. Among the various petrol engine versions available, the standout is the C30 T5, which offers 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Additionally, the car offers two variants of a five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel, optimised for low fuel consumption, a critical factor in modern vehicle performance.
Safety Measures for Secure Driving
In its approach to ensuring optimum safety, Volvo implements a systematic approach involving IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System). This technology smartly delays incoming phone calls during complex traffic situations, thus reducing distraction risks.
In addition to this, the Volvo C30 offers a plethora of protective and preventive safety measures such as dual-stage airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains (IC), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), and seatbelt reminders for all the seats. All these features work together to ensure maximum protection during any unforeseen circumstances.
Further enhancing the safety portfolio, the C30 introduces the Collision Avoidance system and the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) system. The latter ensures that the vehicle achieves maximum braking effect in an emergency situation. For the added benefit of driver and pedestrian safety, the car also includes the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), making the car more visible during daylight conditions.
The car's robust safety cage, made of different grades of steel, plays a crucial role in distributing and absorbing the energy generated in a collision, keeping the cabin's occupants safe. Furthermore, the front structure is divided into zones that absorb collision forces in a controlled way, helping to protect the car's passengers.
Environmental Considerations
Volvo has made significant efforts to make the C30 a greener car. It features a Start/Stop function, which turns off the engine when the car is stationary, such as in traffic jams or at red lights, to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The use of recyclable materials for car parts and strict adherence to environmental standards in manufacturing processes further demonstrate Volvo's commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
By incorporating elements of traditional Volvo design with modern enhancements, the 2012 Volvo C30 presents a remarkable evolution. Its aesthetic allure, impressive engine performance, and comprehensive safety measures, combined with thoughtful environmental considerations, make the C30 a compelling choice in the premium compact car segment. The 2012 Volvo C30 indeed carries forward the Swedish automaker's longstanding commitment to style, safety, and sustainability.
