Volvo C30 2007 News

The Green Racing car will compete in the Swedish Touring Car Championship over the next three years, replacing their current S60.“The Volvo C30 is a somewhat smaller and more agile car with excellent driving characteristics, even in the standard version,” says Derek Crabb, head of Powertrain and Engine at Volvo Cars and the man recently appointed to lead Volvo's Racing Department.“Our decision to continue racing is based on the positive attention and the good results that the recently concluded STCC season has meant for Volvo's brand.”The standard C30 body will be reinforced with a safety cage and side impact protection on the driver's side for the racing car.It will also receive a front splitter and a rear spoiler wing and will be powered by a aluminium, transversely mounted, five-cylinder, inline, four-valve, 1999cc engine with minor modifications on the cylinder block and heads.Valves, cam shafts, pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft have been replaced by racing-specific components.Power is up to 215kW-plus at 8750rpm and about 230Nm at 7300rpm.The front-wheel-driver runs through a six-speed sequential gearbox with straight-cut gears and a Sachs 184mm two-disc carbon fibre clutch.The suspension gets Ohlins struts up front and Ohlins dampers in the rear.It is shod with 17 x 10-inch BBS wheels and Michelin slicks.The C30 is available in Australia with turbo and normally aspirated petrol engines, but in Europe comes in Flexifuel and the upcoming 1.6D Efficiency variants.The Volvo 1.6D Efficiency has an average fuel consumption of 4.5l/100km and CO2 emissions under 120g/km. 

The carsguide car of the year 2008 finalists have been announced.

Just a week after US President George W. Bush told a Sydney media conference about how battery cars that didn't look like golf carts were being developed, the real things were displayed at the world's largest motoring show.General Motors showed off its Flextreme from its European subsidiary Opel. It's a small commuter car with an electric-diesel hybrid that can travel 55km on a single charge before switching to fuel. It is a concept car, meaning it may or may not go into production.Volvo will also unveil its plug-in hybrid concept at the show. Called the Recharge and based on its C30 hatchback, it uses four separate electric motors to power each wheel, augmenting a 1.6-litre four-cylinder Flexifuel engine.Meanwhile, Volvo said a fully charged model can travel about 100km before it needs to be recharged. And it is not a slug. It can reach 0-100km/h in nine seconds on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.VW is claiming fuel consumption of as little as three litres per 100km for its spiritual successor to the original people's car, the Beetle.The Up concept is a miniature four-seat city car powered by a rear-mounted two or three cylinder engine,  the first rear-engined car VW has made since the original Beetle. VW said the car would be low-priced and a fuel miser. It has claimed 3.5litres/100km with a target of reducing that to less than 3litres/100 km.That's better than Australia's current best the Toyota Prius hybrid at 4.4litres/100km, the Citroen C4 diesel at 4.5litres/100km and the Honda Civic Hybrid at 4.6litres/100km.It is also better than the new-age Fiat 500, which will have a diesel model with a claimed consumption of 4.2litres/100km and the next generation Smart car.VW boss Dr Martin Winterkorn said: “This is VW reinventing the Volkswagen. It is what the brand stands for — mobility for everyone.”Dr Winterkorn said show visitors' reaction to the car would decide whether the Up goes into full production.Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Jutta Dierks said: “If the philosophy stays the same as it was for the original Beetle, to be a car affordable to everyone, then it will certainly be a good fit into our market.” Volkswagen Up2 or 3-cylinder engine Fuel economy of 3.5l per 100km.Available in 2011.GM FiextremeElectric-diesel hybrid.Can travel 55km on battery power before switching over to diesel fuel. Volvo RechargeFour electric motors plus a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.Can travel 100km on battery power before re-charge needed.Top speed of 160km/h. 

Reports that Ford has added Volvo to its Premium Automotive Group sell-off, has sent flutters through the Swedish manufacturer's Australian operation.“Officially, it's no comment because we haven't heard anything or received any instruction from Ford or Volvo,” Volvo Australia spokesman Todd Hallenbeck says.“All we know is what has been floated in European media.”Reports from Europe claim Volvo is joining Land Rover and Jaguar on the sale block, as Ford overhauls its business to stem record losses.As the flagship of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG) business, and the most likely to turn a profit, Volvo is considered unlikely to be sold but reports have priced the company at $US8 billion ($9.73 billion).“The worrying thing about these reports, even if they are speculation, is that it doesn't do a lot for brand confidence,” Hallenbeck says.The disappointing aspect of the reports is that they come when Volvo internationally and in Australia is on an upward curve, he says.“The relationship between Volvo and Ford has always been very strong. It has always been a money earner for them ... Ford has invested the money for us to develop the C30, the new C70, the S80. They have given us the real foothold to develop a new model range."“There is a lot of speculation and a lot of people are saying that Volvo may be the only brand (within PAG) that has a value ... but it is all just speculation.”Hallenbeck points to global sales and a local operation that is fast putting the dark days of 2002-03 behind.“We couldn't be more happy with the way things are going,” Hallenbeck says. “To the end of June we were up 24 per cent on the previous year and that was up 37 per cent over '05.“To last week we have sold more than 2900 cars, more than for the entire year in 2003. We have a lot of momentum, the dealers are incredibly happy and everybody is smiling.”One of the driving forces behind Volvo's resurgence has been the refreshing of its entire model range.“When the XC70 launches there will not be a model in the range that is more than three years old,” Hallenbeck says.Ford, which sold Aston Martin for $US450 million ($516 million)last year, has valued Volvo at 25 per cent more than the $US6.5 billion ($7.45 billion) it paid in 1999.The official line from Ford is that it is not in discussion with any companies regarding a sale of Volvo, but added that it is continuing to assess all of its options for the business.Jaguar and Land Rover have already attracted interest from a range of potential buyers, with Ford confirming it has received approaches from a number of parties.The group says it is “aggressively evaluating that level of interest” and is thought to have set a deadline for initial bids this week, although it is still to officially announce its decision to sell the brands.Private equity group 3i is one of those considering bidding for Jaguar and for Land Rover, according to the Mail On Sunday. Other private equity firms understood to be in the running include Cerberus and One Equity Partners.Ford launched a review of the PAG business after the overall Ford group posted losses of $US12.7 billion ($14.56 billion) last year, the largest deficit in its 103-year history.PAG almost trebled its pre-tax losses last year, from $US89 million ($102 million) in 2005 to $US327 million ($375 million).Pre-tax profits at the division improved in the first three months of this year, at $US191 million ($219 million) against $US129 million ($148 million) for first quarter in 2006. 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

In the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) results this week, the Toyota Aurion, Toyota Camry and Holden Commodore all received a four-star safety rating, adding to the previously tested four-star performers, the Ford Falcon and Mitsubishi 380.NRMA Motoring and Services Vehicle Safety Expert, Jack Haley says most of these cars failed to reach a top rating because of the lack of side curtain airbags.The Toyota Aurion is the only car equipped with side head protection as standard, but Haley says Toyota chose not to proceed with an optional pole test. This meant they were unable to score five stars in the overall testing. The testing involved the top-selling version of each model and Haley says the other large cars offered curtain airbags as an option, but not as a standard feature in the models tested.“Obviously our aim is to get all cars up to a five-star safety rating,” Haley says. “We'd like to see curtain airbags in all vehicles and we would also like to see stability control as standard.”The Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore have stability control as standard, but it is only an option in various other family cars. But Haley says stability control didn't contribute to the ANCAP testing, as the results show how a car performs in a crash, whereas stability control is an active accident-prevention device.Each car underwent three main areas of testing under ANCAP.They included frontal, side impact and pedestrian tests.Many Japanese and European cars have already received a five-star rating in the European version of testing, known as the EuroNCAP.They include the Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 207, Ford Focus XR5, Land Rover Freelander 2, Citroen Picasso, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo C30, VW Passat and Mini Cooper.Most of these models were tested as top-of-the-range, whereas in Australia the extra airbags are optional on some models. ANCAP advises motorists to buy vehicles with a full six-airbag package, including side head protection and electronic stability control.The Toyota Tarago and Mitsubishi Triton also scored a four-star rating in the recent testing, an improvement for the Triton, which is up from a previously low two-star rating.The Hyundai Accent scored three stars and the Mitsubishi Express van scored poorly with just one star. STAR RATINGS  Source: ANCAP 2007 

The company now has MP3 CD compatibility standard across its range, plus auxiliary inputs for MP3 players and even USB connection in some models.The first company in Australia to offer MP3-compatible CD players throughout their range was Hyundai in 2004. That means users have to burn MP3s on to CDs.However, most people now use portable MP3 players, rather than CDs.Some models in some brands offer full compatibility for iPod with track and volume selection through the car's sound system, but this means that users with other brands of MP3 players are not included.Rather than isolating some users, the easiest option is an auxiliary input jack or USB port for MP3 player connection.Users still have to select tracks on the player, but the volume is adjustable through the car's sound system and you don't have to burn CDs.Volvo Car Australia public affairs manager Todd Hallenbeck said Volvo had MP3 CD compatibility right across its range as a standard feature, but now had auxiliary ports with their high performance and premium sound systems.These are standard on all models, except S40 S, S40 D5, V50 S, V50 D5 and the coming C30 S.All XC90 models now have an auxiliary input in the centre console. Plus the XC90 has the rear audio jacks for second and third-row passengers which allows them to listen to radio, CD or MP3 independent of the front seats.All S80 models have a centre console input standard and a USB port available as an accessory.V50, C30, S40 and C70 models have the input discreetly located behind the elegant floating console with a rubber-bottomed tray so the iPod or MP3 player won't get scratched or slide around as the car is driven.However, it makes it a bit difficult for the driver to change tracks on the player.The next XC70 model will have an aux port for MP3 with a USB port as an accessory.

But now here comes the smallest Swede, the C30 which is 22cm shorter than the S40 mid-size sedan. While it still boasts many Volvo virtues such as high levels of safety equipment, it is clearly aimed at a different buyer. "The C30 doesn’t try in anyway to be a family car," says Volvo C30 program chief designer Simon Lamarre at the world launch on the Spanish holiday Island of Mallorca. "It’s not designed for people with kids. "We’re known for family cars, but we didn’t even consider putting in a fixed child’s seat or a pram in the rear cargo area." The premium coupe/hatchback C30 will arrive here in April with an entry level price of about $35,000 for the 2.4litre five-cylinder petrol five-speed manual up to about $44,000 for the T5 2.5litre turbocharged petrol and D5 2.4litre five-speed turbo diesel five-speed auto models. The D5 and T5 will also be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Volvo Car Australia PR manager Todd Hallenbeck said they were "still pushing hard for an attractive price". It will come with three trim levels and a host of exterior and interior colour combinations. "It’s all about customer customisation," says Lamarre. "Like mobile phones; you can change the colour of the phone, its cover, its wallpaper and its ring tone." In the C30, you can choose a white exterior with a brown body kit and even red carpet. There is a wide range of colour combinations available in the exterior, the body kit, upholstery, carpet shades and even three centre console finishes including an iPod white. Hallenbeck aid he hoped to have most of the combinations available, but trim details were not yet confirmed. The C30 clearly targets younger buyers rather than the traditional Volvo customer with its bold nose, rakish sloping roof, high sills, big wheels, funky glass tailgate, wide rear Porsche-like hips and sporty body kit. Its competition will include the 1 Series BMW, but mainly the Audi A3, even though it comes in a lot cheaper and better equipped than the German competitors. On price, alone, it would be more of a competitor with sporty variants of the Ford Focus, Mazda3, VW Golf and Holden Astra. "The A3 brought in more younger buyers, more women and it rejuvenated the brand," says Lamarre. "We expect the C30 to do the same." But there could be a big market in downsizing empty nestes who want a smaller car, but not necessarily fewer creature comforts. Top of the list of C30 attractions is the equipment levels: dual zone climate air conditioning with pollen filter; cruise control; proximity key that never needs leave your pocket; and two levels of audio including one with 10 Dynaudio speakers. The audio systems also include a jack to connect an MP3 player and from early in 2007, there will be a USB connector for an iPod. "People want style, performance and gadgets," says Lamarre. The C30 is a four-seater with the rear seats slightly offset to the middle to provide a good view of the road ahead for rear passengers, but still wide enough apart for a clear view between them for the driver. The cloth upholstery in the 2.4i is called "Dala" which is like a wet suit. It’s comfortable and appears to be very durable. Leather is an option on the 2.4i and standard on the D5 and T5. There is plenty of room in the front and back with seats supplying generous squab extension and contoured for comfort. The D5 and T5 will come standard with dynamic stability and traction control, with stability control on the 2.4i. Options include the award-winning BLIS system which alerts drivers of a car in their blind spot; a sport chassis which lowers the car 20mm and has firmer suspension; leater upholstery; and sunroof. Volvo expects to sell 600,000 cars worldwide in 2007, with 65,000 of them being C30s. In Australia, Volvo was the top-selling imported car from the early 1970s to the early ’90s and the company is hopeful the C30 will help return them to their glory days. Volvo Car Australia PR manager Todd Hallenbeck said they expected to sell 600 a year. Together with sales for other new products not available this year, this could lead to an extra 1500 sales in 2007. That includes 500 S80 saloons, 400 C70 convertibles plus an unknown number of diesel S40s. ON THE ROAD The Spanish holiday island of Mallorca is a strange mix of old and new architecture, partying young holidaymers and rich yachting tpes. Somehow this mirrors the appeal of the Volvo C30. It’s a bold and fresh new image for Volvo, especially that radical rear end, with enough of the Swedish DNA to make it unmistakeably Volvo. I get the feeling it will appeal to both the young who like the radical new look and the empty nesters who admire the proud nose and inconic badge. Heading out of Palma de Mallorca in peak-hour traffic, the C30 attracts plenty of stares and even some camera clicks form young and old alike. The T5 with the six-speed box feels easy to use in commuter traffic conditions, the gears shifting smoothly and swiftly without any notchy feeling. Out of Palma, the 120km/h freeways give the C30 a chance to stretch its legs. The T5 and D5 proved capable cruisers with enough grunt to overtake rapidly without urgent need for downshifting. But most of Mallorca has narrow and twisty roads with few bumps and rare opportunities for well-timed and brave passing. The C30 is perfectly suited to these conditions. First in the T5, the engine is so torquey you can drive most of the way in third. Wind it up on the short straights, then back off and the high compression engine tucks it into the corner. The brakes felt rather spongey and requiring plenty of pressure. Mid corner you let the revs drop as low as 1500 and it will still punch out from the apex without having to shift down. Only the hairpins required second and in some cases first gear. The manual T5s on test were fitted with the lowered sport suspension which had almost no understeer, unless you suddenly reefed on the steering wheel. Firing it out of the corner, there was a slight nose lift and mild torque steer. Steering is electro-hydraulic with a bit of play around the centre, but a distinct and controlled feel. Despite the sporty suspension, the few bumps where tree roots had tunneled under the super-smooth hot-mix asphalt are taken in its stride. By comparison, the standard suspension fitted to the five-speed auto D5s on test, is even more forgiving, but the nose wants to run wide and will not pull back near as easily. It runs down the road with a whisper of wind and tyre noise, but a howling diesel note when pushed. The petrol model didn’t even have an intake or exhaust growl to speak of. "The C30 is not designed as a sports car, but as a sporty car," says Volvo C30 program chief designer Simon Lamarre. No doubt, if it becomes a success, a more sporty version will be forthcoming. FAST FACTS ENGINES: 2435cc 5-cylinder petrol (2.4i); 2521cc 5-cylinder turbo petrol (T5); 2400cc 5-cylinder turbo diesel (D5) POWER: 125kW @ 6000rpm (2.4i); 162kW @ 5000rpm (T5); 132kW @ 4000rpm (D5) TORQUE: 230Nm @ 4400rpm (2.4i); 320Nm @ 1500–4800rpm (T5); 350Nm @ 1750–3000rpm (D5) TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual (2.4i), 6-speed manual (D5, T5), 5-speed auto with sequential (all) DRIVE: front wheels SUSPENSION: spring-strut, lower link, anti-roll bar (front); individual, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar (rear) TURNING CIRCLE: 10.6 m BRAKES: ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, 278–300/280mm ventilated discs DIMENSIONS (MM): 4252 (l), 1782 (w), 1447 (h), 2640 (wheelbase), 135 (ground clearance) KERB WEIGHT: 1204–1404kg FUEL: 91–98 RON and diesel (D5), 52litre tank (D5), 62litre tank (2.4i, T5) PRICES (estimated): $35,000 (2.4i), $44,000 (D5, T5) OPTIONS: BLIS blind spot alert ($1200), body kit, sports chassis, sunroof, leather trim.

Well, at least their hearts are Swedish and so is their motivation.That is because the outrageous Caresto V8 Speedsters are powered by the very same 4.4-litre V8 engine used in Volvo's XC90 four-wheel drive.It is the first Volvo V8 and will also be used in the flagship S80.It was installed in the pair of Caresto Speedsters as Volvo worked the world's biggest aftermarket show - the giant Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association gathering in Las Vegas - for the second time.Volvo also tweaked its new C30 compact for the show but it was the Caresto which drew gawkers.What they saw was a classically-styled hotrod created by Leif Tufvesson in Sweden for the event.He is a former Volvo employee and intends to build six of the cars, at a price of around $350,000.The Caresto is built from aluminium and carbon fibre, with a removable hardtop, three rear-view cameras and a full leather interior with Volvo instruments and controls.But it is still a Volvo, and that means its V8 engine has been converted to run on eco-friendly ethanol.Paul Gover is motoring editor at Australia’s biggest selling daily newspaper, Herald Sun.

Yet despite the fuel crisis, you had to look hard.Of the many flashy reveals at the 2006 Australian Motor Show – with the exception of a painted, half-naked female flasher on the Peugeot 207 stand – the bling on display was largely, well, large.It's difficult to fathom given the recent surge in the light and small car segment, with sales up from last year by a mammoth 22 per cent, but large cars and SUVs were the big news from the likes of Holden and Ford, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, even the Japanese imports of Subaru and Mazda. Then a bloody Volvo drove into the spotlight.The C30 four-seat small car from Volvo was all the rage at the recent Paris Motor Show, though from the pictures it was a little hard to see what all the fuss was about.In the metal, however, the car is a superb execution of modern design, and is a fresh turn for both Volvo and for the small car sector.Powered by a beefy 162kW turbocharged five-cylinder that would usually push a much heavier load, the C30 promises rapid performance from its heart to its dual-tone alloys that match the aggressive styling.It is still quintessential Volvo, with overt rear haunches and that unmistakable Swedish nose, while borrowing from the past with a bit of retro fabrics and trims on the inside.Another emerging trend in the market was highlighted in the C30s interior – only four dedicated seats.Volvo claimed that the middle seat is barely ever utilised, as the cars in this segment typically carry one, maybe two passengers.It allows the C30 to be more flexible both in seating and real legroom, and with the rear seats folding virtually flat, and a high bumper and entry point for the split boot, making life easy for heavy shoppers (which should be the majority of this car’s clientele – though it seems the C30 is equally appealing to both sexes).The C30 will fight for its slice of the little car pie with the likes of the new Peugeot 207 and the Renault Clio – though the latter was conspicuously absent from the show.Peugeot will bring in the redesigned 207 with both turbodiesel and turbo petrol engines, and the twin-scroll turbo topping the range with an estimated early-thirties price tag should prove a popular flagship for Peugeot’s biggest little seller.A similar sub-$40K price tag is stickered to the new Colt Cabrio, which will steal sales from the Peugeot 207 CC as it takes its time to get to Oz later in 2007.In the nearer future, Holden will expand with a handy five-door version of its Astra SRi coupe, while Volkswagen have pared back the Golf GTI into a sexy three-door.Originally brought in to fill the remaining back-order of GTI variants that at one point had built up to a nine-month wait list in Oz, the appealing $38,490 price tag should see more sales for the already popular model.But while the market is flooded with buyers looking for the latest in small fuel misers, you had to strain to see them at the 2006Motor Show. The manufacturers would have you believe that bigger is better…