This agile little hatch exhibits negligible body lean in cornering and little nosedive when its sure-footed binders take hold. Despite its highly admirable pavement athletics, I didn't find the taut ride of my tester unduly rigid but don't expect to be cosseted in a cabin free of intrusion. Rough road surfaces and potholes are not well masked.

Volvo safety
When it comes to crash avoidance and occupant protection, no one out-shines Volvo. All C30s receive a full-suite of airbags along with Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control (DSTC) as standard gear. My tester was also equipped with BLIS, Volvo's unique Blind Spot Information System that activates a warning light to inform drivers that a vehicle is within the operator's blind spot on either side of the car.

The C30 T5 R-Design is somewhat of a non-conformist; it's not trying to be something it's not.

Wrap-up
The C30 T5 R-Design is somewhat of a non-conformist; it's not trying to be something it's not. Instead, this little Swede gives a respectful nod to yesteryear while fashionably stepping-up to compete with the big players in the lower-end of the premium-sports-compact market.

Pricing for the C30 T5 R-Design begins at $36,395 and climbs forth depending on options and packages chosen. That said, this vehicle is nicely equipped without the need to check-off any additional boxes unless an automatic transmission is required.

The C30 T5 R-Design supplies endless driving enjoyment combined with reasonable but not generous practicality. It's also a unit that protracts fuel fill-ups by initiating countless conversations with complete strangers, and how special is that in this day and age of heightened insecurity?


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell