The C30 is Volvo's first hatchback vehicle since the 480 of the 1980s, which followed the P1800 ES of the 1970s. The C30 was first introduced for the 2007 model year, following the successful unveiling of a concept by the same name in early 2006.

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Now for 2010 onward, the C30 gains a redesigned front-end as well as more standard features. The list includes standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, leather gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, leather parking brake cover, trip computer and cruise control.

Offered in two models, the C30 T5 and T5 R-Design are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard while a 5-speed "Geartronic" automatic with "Auto-stick" function is optional.

Volvo's unique implementation of a 5-cylinder engine will return 21 city, 30 highway with the automatic -- and suffer a single digit drop to 29 highway for the manual edition for either the T5 or T5 R-design models.

The chassis, with MacPherson front suspension and a multilink rear axle, is optimized to provide outstanding control and precise response to the driver's inputs.

The R-Design continues as the ultimate expression of C30 dynamism fitted with distinctive styling cues and range topping equipment. Standard features include off-black Flextech/Creme premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logo, a special front grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, matte finish outside rearview mirrors, R-Design watch dial instrument cluster, unique aluminum inlays, R-Design sport steering wheel and sport pedals. It gains standard Bluetooth, fog lights and trip computer for the new model year.

Volvo has eliminated the Custom Build program for 2010. Some of the previously available features are now offered in new and revised option packages. The new Multimedia Package includes Sirius satellite radio and the Dynaudio Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, 10 Dynaudio loudspeakers and 650 watts.

The Preferred Package gains a power driver's seat and Keyless Drive and the Climate Package adds Electronic Climate Control (ECC), Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) and humidity sensor.

The list of available stand-alone options includes the Volvo HDD navigation system with real time traffic, remote control and map care, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), a power glass moonroof, leather seating surfaces for the T5 and various hues of metallic paint.

Driving enthusiasts will appreciate that the C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and weighs around 320 pounds less than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. But while the C30 may be shorter, there is still plenty of room for four adults and their gear.

The C30 features Volvo's patented front structure that is divided into zones to enable different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed.

To ensure that each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used. Different steel grades also are used in the rear to help protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.