Size, looks and resale value have always been key factors when solidifying long-term relationships with our automobiles. Short and thin is becoming acceptable to American buyers, who for too long felt satisfaction couldn’t be had without mass. The Smart is about to enter the states, joining other wee rides like the successful Mini Cooper and Honda Fit.
Even prestige brands are getting in on the action, giving rise to the premium compact segment. Volvo already has a nice contender in this class with their S40 sedan, but it doesn’t get your pulse racing. In a decisive appeal to garner younger buyers, the automaker will soon release the surprising C30 in the U.S. Mechanically similar to the S40, the C30 has radically different looks that, for a Volvo, are, well... radical.
Evaluating the car was a no-brainer, but picking a comparison wasn’t easy. In Europe, the C30 is pitched against the Audi A3 three-door and BMW 1 Series, and we envision a natural rivalry with the upcoming Mini Clubman. That’s all well and good for Europe, but what about us? It’ll probably be another year before the Clubman comes here, BMW won’t share the 1 Series and Audi only sent over its five-door A3. Like so many guys do when they can’t find the perfect partner, we compromised, and made a move for the A3. Though it can be had with a V6, automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, we picked the basic four-cylinder turbo with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive for closeness in performance and pricing.
We got intimately familiar with both, and now it’s time for the tell-all. We evaluated them based on performance, design, features, value, and overall driving experience for a total possible score of 100.
Volvo C30 T5
MSRP: $22,700Engine: 2.4-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder
Horsepower: 227 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
MPG: City: 20; Highway: 28
Performance - 15/20
It’s expected that we’ll only be treated to the turbocharged (but not all-wheel drive) T5 version of the C30 in the U.S. We’re comfortable hitting 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 149 mph with the six-speed manual transmission -- that’s the good part. Unfortunately, those specs aren’t pure pleasure to obtain. In general, the five-cylinder’s performance is delivered without the solid, buttoned-down feeling of German road cars. Bumps don’t escape the suspension, but it doesn’t seem altogether precise -- sort of a lose-lose. Turbo lag wasn’t bothersome, but the clear and present torque steer made us wonder if Saab engineers snuck into the Volvo factory and punked their rivals.Exterior design - 18/20
As a concept car, we were blown away by the C30, partly because it was a feasible design for the street. We are very grateful that few changes were made for the production model. If the polarizing look snags you as it does us, it’ll be rewarding to view every time you leave the house. The nose announces this is a new Volvo, while the controversial rear looks a little like an old one. Designers honored the landmark P1800 ES in the C30’s glass hatch design. Less obvious are the subtle cues lifted from the “safety concept car” project. Love it or hate it, this car gets noticed.Interior design - 6/10
Fit and finish is typical of Volvo, but so is the excitement level. To be fair, it may not inspire, but it doesn’t leave you cramped. Actually, the lack of "funk" in the cabin might be a positive thing, allowing the C30 to be a more comfortable, harmonious place to spend time every day. This is an area where the S40-derived component setup is obvious.The controls aren’t quite intuitive, but they’re easy to learn once you devote a little time. The “floating center stack” console extends from the dash to the rear seats, which are actually two more comfortable buckets. In the end, this means that taller drivers will be able to ride in tandem with their rear occupants without feeling that they’re on the road to purgatory. On the road to IKEA, however, you’ll appreciate knowing that the rear seats fold flat to accommodate bigger loads.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Understanding that the C30’s target demographic consists of audiophiles and techies, Volvo has taken measures to please. Presuming the equipment will largely mirror that of the S40, expect a single-CD audio system with standard steering-wheel controls, digital surround sound and an optional six-disc changer. Regarding the actually sound output, expect a 5x130-watt digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio. Being a Volvo, it will also come with a laundry list of safety features named with enough acronyms to make the U.S. government proud.Bang for buck - 18/20
In general, Volvo has successfully avoided pricing safety, luxury and quality out of reach. Sure, you can easily spend well over $40,000 on a new one with all the bells and whistles, but much of those attributes can be had at a little over half the price. With the C30, a healthy measure of style and performance is factored into the equation.Driving experience - 17/20
There’s a distinctively European feel about the C30; it just doesn’t happen to originate in Germany. For an automaker that doesn’t aspire to be an also-ran, that’s perfectly acceptable. We doubt that the handling will bother a lot of buyers. Our beefs with the performance aren’t likely to be echoed by too many drivers, since the majority won’t explore their cars’ limits often -- if ever. In everyday duty, this is a perfectly fine car with few compromises.Final score - 81/100
People don’t become Volvo owners to conform to the blandness of the mainstream. The C30 not only expands the brand appeal for loyalists, it also sends a clear invitation to those who’ve never considered a Volvo. The C30 dares to be different, and it’s largely a success in our eyes.Audi A3
MSRP: $25,340Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 200 @ 5,100 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
MPG: City: 23; Highway: 32
Performance - 18/20
Just because the A3 is the entry model in the Audi line, don’t think you have to settle for ho-hum performance. The 2.0-liter turbo is entertaining on 6.7-second runs to 62 mph with the six-speed manual, as is the 130 mph electronically limited top end. Also, turbo lag and torque steering are barely present in this power train configuration. Through turns, the standard 17-inch tires are nicely responsive for all-season rubber and the suspension seems dialed in just right -- not too compliant, not too stiff. Understeering isn’t an issue until about 8/10. Through it all, the A3 inspires confidence and feels solid.
Exterior Design - 17/20
What’s widely accepted in Europe takes a while to gain a following in the states -- if ever. Some Yanks won’t buy into the A3’s design, but it works for us. The lines have strong familial resemblance to the rest of the Audi lineup, and those aren’t bad genes to have. The 2007 A3 carries over most everything from the 2006 model year.Interior design - 8/10
With plenty of years to get it right on the A4, A6 and A8, it’s little wonder that Audi hit a homer with the A3’s cabin. You’ll notice the family resemblance inside, too. Ergonomics are very good and space is surprisingly generous for this class. A six-foot-tall passenger can ride behind another without either compromising room. There is also plenty of cargo space when the 60/40 rear seats fold down. Our only suggestion would be to choose the tan or gray interior, as black visually overwhelms the cabin and isn’t offset with enough bright accents.Sound system/goodies - 7/10
It may not all be premium grade, but we doubt you’ll find the equipment lacking by any means. The standard single-disc audio system is adequate if not spectacular, while an in-dash, six-disc changer, Bose audio and Sirius satellite-radio setup are part of the optional upgrade. Leather seating is optional, part of a pricey $1,600 premium package, but if you can live without killing a few cows, the standard upholstery comes in the same colors and is comfortable.Bang for buck - 19/20
Any questions regarding the wisdom of investment in an A3 will be answered either at first glance or first drive. Refinement and structural quality are added bonuses that are not always found in this size or price class.Driving experience - 19/20
There’s very little compromise in driving an A3. The smallish footprint fits the bill for city life, but won’t leave you claustrophobic on the open road. We’ve been known to go on at length about the virtues of Audi’s six- and eight-cylinder engines and Quattro systems, but in this car, which has neither, we’re reminded that the automaker can get it right without the extra cylinders and drive wheels.Final score - 88/100
Driving some premium compacts says to others, “I wanted the name, but couldn’t afford a better model.” Driving the Audi A3 tells everyone: “This is the one I wanted. What’s your point?”and the winner is…
In the final analysis, the hot-looking, OK-driving C30 has the looks, but doesn’t completely deliver the goods to the level presented in the A3. Both boast unique lines that don’t submit to convention and both are great long-term relationship material, but the Audi is a real keeper with a little more refinement and substance.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.volvocars.us/
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12160/2008-volvo-c30-t5.html
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A3/specifications.techdata.a3.a3.8pa52x_2.html
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