Being absent from the hatchback-coupe market with the latest model released in the 70’s, Volvo designed the C30, a 2-door hatchback with retro accents borrowed from the 1800ES such as the large trapezoidal glass hatch.
The boxy nose and the grille were also kept and redesigned for a more modern look.

The underpinnings of the C30 were the S40’s, sharing the same wheelbase. The C30 was shorter than the Volvo’s S40 sedan.

Under the hood, the C30 was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine that developed no less than 227 hp.

The power was sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Two trim levels were offered with the C30, the T5 and the T5 R-design.

The base trim level offered 17-inch alloys, a telescopic steering wheel with audio controls and an 8-speaker audio system that featured an AUX jack.

The R-Design came with larger 18-inch alloys wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, cruise control and a better 10-speaker audio system and dedicated exterior accents.

As expected, the C30 featured many safety systems to ensure passenger protection. The C30 came with antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and side airbags. An optional Blind Spot Information System was available.