Volvo’s baby off to MIAS

MANILA, Philippines—Before you gaze at the Volvo C30 in the Manila International Auto Show on April 7, brush up first on your knowledge of Volvo here.

This Swedish marque has gone a long way since its inception in 1927. Auto historian Jonathan Mantle described early Volvo automobiles as “’tough as tanks,” while another auto historian Giles Chapman described them as having “Swedish steel sturdy enough to cope with Sweden’s often tortuous roads.” Perhaps, owing to the hazards of the country’s roads back then, Volvo had to put a premium on safety in its products, a habit it has carried over to worldwide production. It wouldn’t be a wonder, then, that many safety features we take for granted today, such as the safety belts (the precursor of the seatbelt) and side impact protection systems, originated from Volvo designs.

But the modern-day Volvo hasn’t been all about designing for safety. In recent years, Volvo’s lines have been configured to convey dynamism and sportiness, too, although they still incorporate new safety and environmentally conscious touches.

The luxury carmaker introduced its two-door compact C30 in 2007 in the Philippines, then launched the redesigned version last year for “the young, dynamic urbanites with accelerating careers and intensive lifestyles.” It went head to head with the likes of Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes Benz CLC 180 and Mercedes Benz B 160.

When it debuted in the Philippines, the C30 bagged the Car of the Year-Philippines award, becoming the first and only premium European car brand awarded that title by far. The reintroduced variant is of a smaller engine displacement from the original C30 (from 2.4-liter to 2.0-liter); but then there is also the new 2.5-liter C30 T5 for more spirited driving. Expectedly, the new C30 costs more (from P1.6 million to P1.988 million).

Many would agree that the C30 is still the prettiest hatchback in the country. The sporty rear glass hatch is reminiscent of the classic Volvo P1800 ES, with ample rear view for safer driving. The re-design includes front fog lights, honeycomb grille, the projector-type headlamps and the power adjustable exterior rear view mirrors. The side view mirror automatically folds when you lock the doors, then unfolds as you unlock.

This writer was lent a titanium grey pearl C30 2.0L Powershift unit (with colorful stickers to boot). The 4-cylinder, DOHC engine mated to a 6-speed Powershift with geartronic churns out 145hp/6000rpm, 185Nm at 4500 rpm, and has a top speed of 205 kph (as disclosed by manufacturer). It features 4-channel ABS with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist. Its Powershift dual clutch technology has been touted to reduce fuel consumption by eight percent compared with conventional automatic trannies (the Powershift transmission has been developed by Volvo in cooperation with transmission partner Getrag).

According to Volvo engineers, the Powershift operates in principle as two parallel manual gearboxes. Twin “wet clutches” work independently of each other. One clutch controls the odd gears (1, 3, 5 and reverse), while the other handles the even gears. The two clutches operate alternately, with one engaging while the other disengages.

With a curb weight of 1327 kg and the double clutch doing its thing, the C30 yielded a 15km/liter fuel efficiency on the digital readout (straight highway) and between 5 to 10 km per liter in combined city/highway drives.

The audio and cruise controls are standard on the steering wheel. Other notable interior features include the free-floating center console, front/rear armrest, power adjustable driver seat with three memory settings, reading lamps at the front and rear, auto dim rear view mirror, cabin pollen filter, and dual zone electronic climate control.

Getting into the rear seats may become quite a struggle on this 2-door, since passengers may find themselves tripping over the front passenger seatbelts.

An owner’s POV

Inquirer Motoring has asked a C30 owner, whom we shall name Henry, a 36-year-old businessman and car enthusiast, what he thought of the car (Mr. Henry has asked us to withhold his full identity). Henry shares that the best points of his 2009 C30 2.5L T5 are: performance and safety; superb suspension for a small car versus the BMW 3 series and Mercedes B160 (he also owns both); the sunroof and Dynaudio system; the BLIS [Blind Spot Information System] and the anti-whiplash seats; superb handling and acceleration; and fuel efficiency. “Most of all, it also uses boron steel (an extremely strong metal).”

His C30’s downsides? “I can’t think of anything that is lacking (in my C30). How about not being able to drive it on coded days? If ever, I would have liked my C30 to have auto headlamps, and a bigger trunk to fit in all my golf equipment,” he said.

He chose the C30 over the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes Benz CLC 180 and Mercedes Benz B 160 because “they’re all expensive and yet still lack features and performance. For me, I can say a Volvo is a perfect gadget, and when you say gadget, it has to be something very useful, something you can depend on.”

He swears that his Volvo C30 T5, at P2.5 million, is already a customized car. The 2.5-liter engine is turbocharged for 230hp, and accelerates from standstill to 100 kph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 240 kph (governed).

“I was attracted to the C30 because, somehow, I can relate to its personality. Being a Volvo, it has this understated air about it. It is not as flashy as some, but the design speaks of a refined and modern style,” Henry explains.

To be sure, the presence of the Volvo C30 would add refinement and modern style to MIAS itself. And that’s an understatement.