Volvo S30 1.6
Choosing a hatchback is an odd process at times. In a world of me-too styling and doing things the done way, there is a plethora of seemingly identical cars. Ooh look, it all changed, flame surface styling. Oh no, they all did it. Sigh. Steadily improving manufacturing has led to the Germans being me-tooed by the Japanese, who in turn are seemingly religiously immitated by the Koreans and so our world homogenises in a world where you are never too far from your next big mac. Would you like fries with that sir?
Nary a difference can be picked up between most of them without resorting to reading the labels. There is some hope, VW with the excellent Scirrocco, Renault with their quirky designs, but lust for a two door and the prices rapidly approach executive saloon territory. So you want the convenience of a hatchback, lust for a two door but want something stylish that should say something about you that isn't a stereotype derived from years of so-called evolution stying. Not much to choose from here. Enter Volvo a few years back with the quirky C30. Aparently designed by women for women, this is the butchest hatch of them all as far as I can discern.
Sexy interior and exterior. A
bit like Orson Wells doing a voice
over; understated yet forcefull.
Minimalist, yet pretty. A little
macho but not in your face. About
the only hatch with a completely
different rear facade. Volvo's reliabilty without its fuddy duddy
image. Perfect brand
postitioning to take ownership of
all the non conformist groups out
there.
In 1.6 manual form, the hatch
is surprisingly quick, good grip,
reasonably good steering
response. Sporty all in all.
While I found the suspension
compliant, it certainly had no
tendancy to roll in corners. Well
sorted chassis then. Officialy
the 1.6 gets from standstill to
100 in 11.8 seconds, but it feels
quicker, much quicker. The
engine revs smoothly and
willingly, if with an uninspiring
note. Gearchanges were slick.
Really a T5 light, one of my favourite cars from the last few years, one I will return to in a few weeks. I digress though. Fuel consumption is in the excellent range. With petrol engines like this one wonders at the desire for small diesels. Cheaper to buy and service, and almost as economical… The tank just seemed to go on forever and in spite of VERY spirited driving I beat the claimed 7l/100km combined cycle. What more could you want? I'll tell you what more! Damnit, from a manufacturer wallowing in safety claims, install bluetooth standard. Cheap brands are installing them as standard, it is about time Volvo led the way. Bluetooth connectivity shouldn't be an option. South African Drivers are going to talk while they drive. Safety first? Also what in Thor's name were they thinking when they “designed” the rear parcel shelf?
Without doubt the worst from any manufacturer. Impossible to remove with your dignity intact, it doesnt lift up with the door. In fact your only option is a little lift up section to stuff small parcels through. What this car makes up for despite, or because of, its difference and flaws is character.
Lots of it, and I for one relish in it. Volvo, give us more like this. You have truely shed the shroud of domesticity with this one.
