The Volvo C30 T5 burst onto the scene, immediately capturing attention with its distinctive design and premium sport compact appeal. For the 2013 model year, the Volvo C30 T5 continues to charm drivers with its striking good looks, dynamic performance, and compelling value. This sporty hatchback offers a unique blend of style and substance, making it a standout choice in its class.
Exploring the Volvo C30 T5 Trim Levels and Pricing
Volvo streamlined the C30 T5 lineup by offering various trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Starting with the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), you can find a Volvo C30 T5 to match your needs:
- C30 T5: Starting at $25,500
- C30 T5 Premier: Priced from $27,100, adding enhanced features and comfort.
- C30 T5 Premier Plus: For $28,200, stepping up the luxury and convenience.
- C30 T5 Platinum: The top-tier trim at $30,500, offering premium audio and navigation.
- C30 T5 R-Design: Sport-focused aesthetics and performance starting at $27,850.
- C30 T5 R-Design Premier: Combining sporty design with premium features for $29,450.
- C30 T5 R-Design Premier Plus: Further enhancing the R-Design with advanced tech and comfort at $30,550.
- C30 T5 R-Design Platinum: The ultimate sporty and luxurious C30 T5, priced at $32,850.
A destination charge of $895 applies to all models.
Image alt text: Front view of a Volvo C30 T5 R-Design showcasing its sporty grille and headlights.
For 2013, Volvo added even more value across the range. Rain sensor windshield wipers and headlight washers became standard on all C30 T5 models. The base C30 T5 also received stylish new 17-inch “Spider” alloy wheels, and two fresh exterior colors, Titanium Grey Metallic and Electric Silver Metallic, joined the palette, allowing for greater personalization.
The introduction of trim levels simplifies the buying process, grouping popular options together. The new Premier trim for 2013 adds desirable features like a power glass sunroof, a power driver’s seat with memory function, and a convenient soft load cover to the already well-equipped standard model. Inside, the C30 T5 gains aluminum dash inlays for a more modern feel, while the T5 R-Design includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass.
Stepping up to the Premier Plus trim includes all Premier features and adds a power passenger seat and distinctive LED daytime running lights. Keyless Drive and active dual Xenon headlights are also included at this level, enhancing both convenience and safety.
For those seeking top-of-the-line technology, the Platinum trim is the answer. Building upon the Premier Plus features, it incorporates the exceptional Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound, boasting 10 speakers and a powerful 650 watts. A Navigation System with real-time traffic updates, remote control, map care, and SiriusXM satellite radio is also standard in the Platinum trim.
Individual options and the Climate Package remain available across all trim levels, allowing buyers to further customize their Volvo C30 T5 to their exact specifications.
Volvo C30 T5: Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Volvo C30 T5 is powered by a responsive 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 227 horsepower in both the standard T5 and the T5 R-Design models, providing ample power for spirited driving. Drivers can choose between a standard six-speed manual transmission for a more engaging experience or a five-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission with an “Auto-stick” function for added convenience.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Volvo C30 T5 engine bay, highlighting the turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.
The Volvo C30 T5’s compact dimensions and intelligent design contribute to its fun-to-drive nature. Its wide front and rear tracks, combined with a relatively long wheelbase, ensure stable and inspiring handling. The chassis, featuring MacPherson front suspension and multilink rear suspension, is finely tuned to provide excellent control and precise feedback to driver inputs.
The Sport Chassis, standard on the C30 T5 R-Design, elevates the driving experience further. It provides enhanced chassis dynamics and sharper steering reflexes. Compared to the standard T5, the R-Design’s spring stiffness is increased by 30 percent, and the dampers feature a mono-tube design for 20 percent increased low-speed damping. Stiffer bushings and a 10 percent quicker steering ratio contribute to more precise steering feel.
Key Features and Standard Equipment of the Volvo C30 T5
Volvo equips the C30 T5 with a generous list of standard features focused on safety, comfort, and convenience. Standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Volvo’s renowned Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), and Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS). Inside, you’ll find a leather gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, cruise control, a high-performance 160-watt audio system with eight speakers, iPod/USB and auxiliary inputs, HD Radio, and Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming.
The R-Design trim stands as the pinnacle of the C30 range, boasting unique styling cues and top-tier equipment. Standard R-Design features encompass a color-coordinated body kit, premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logos, a distinctive R-Design front grille logo, matte finish outside rearview mirrors, a sporty R-Design instrument cluster, unique aluminum inlays, an R-Design sport steering wheel, and sport pedals.
Safety is a core tenet of Volvo, and the C30 T5 incorporates Volvo’s patented front structure. This structure is divided into zones with varying deformation properties to effectively manage impact forces in a frontal collision. Different grades of steel, including high-strength steel, are strategically used throughout the vehicle’s structure to optimize occupant protection in various collision scenarios, including rear-end impacts.
In conclusion, the 2013 Volvo C30 T5 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish, sporty, and well-equipped compact car. With its range of trim levels and focus on both performance and safety, the Volvo C30 T5 offers a unique and rewarding driving experience.
