Volvo C30 2008 News

ZEBRA stripes, polka dots and fiery flames are more than just vulgar silliness at Volvo.And so are butterflies for the bonnet.The crazy colour choices are the latest way the sensible Swedes are trying to win BMW and Mini people, and other trendy X-gen shoppers, across to their compact C30.The baby hatch has changed the direction at Volvo, where it is seen as the pointer to a new generation of customer-focused cars with more than just safety-first engineering.Now it comes with a genuine chance for unique bodywork, thanks to the same sort of stick-on plastic film that is used to dress up company cars and trumpet new advertising programs on the sides of cars and buses.There is even a checkered-flag roof panel; just like a Mini.The special patterns were introduced in Sweden at the start of April — sensibly, one week after April 1 — and are now being assessed for Australia.“It is only available in Sweden at the moment, but it's definitely on the wish list at Volvo Car Australia,” company spokeswoman Laurissa Mirabelli says.“It would definitely work here for the C30. They are the sort of people who would like to personalise their cars. It's not our top priority, but when it becomes available we will definitely take a look.”Volvo claims the stick-on dress-ups are a first and, in sensible style, highlight the protective advantage of a plastic cover on a car's paintwork.“The adhesive film is a good way to protect the car's bodywork, at the same time as it offers scope for varying the vehicle's appearance,” Volvo Personbilar Sverige president Thomas Andersson says.“The film guarantees durability for about two years after which it is replaced with a new variant or removed. In the meantime, the car's paintwork has been spared the rigours of the weather, wind and risk of stone-chip damage.”He says Volvo's designers have gone crazy and designs include urban panoramas complete with rainbows, wood panelling and clouds.Volvo is pushing the personalisation potential of the C30, claiming there are 12,314 possible combinations of models, mechanical packages and options. Price could be a problem for Australia, though Volvo says the success of a similar Mini program shows it can work.“In Sweden it costs the equivalent of about $2000, but we would have to look at the price if we can get it here,” Mirabelli says.“It's a bit different to Mini. It's not something you put on and leave. You can change your mind and take it off again.“It's not in the plan for our 2009 cars, but we will definitely look at it.”To show what cars could look like, Volvo has created a website at www.volvoc30.se 

Because sometimes that's all it takes to make a sale, particularly in the highly competitive world of stylish Euros.In what is being described as a world first, 20 Sydney singles were last month invited to participate in Australia's first “test drive dating” event.Guests were chauffeur driven to a Volvo dealership (in a Volvo of course) where they were given eight minutes in the front seat of a car to meet their perfect match.We don't know whether the lusty guys and gals were allowed to keep their hats on or for that matter whether they were asked to keep the top down (our picture shows a convertible?)But in the end it was an interesting way to get to know like-minded members of the opposite sex, as well as to get up close and personal with some of the company's gorgeous Swedish models.Staged in conjunction with dating specialists Fast Impressions, it represents something of a break with tradition for Volvo which has built its reputation on making safe but some might say boring family transport.Volvo has been chasing a younger demographic with the release last year of its decidedly younger (and cheaper) C30 hatchback.After it was over, participants were transferred to one of Sydney's top bars where they continued to party with hundreds of other singles at an exclusive event hosted by Fast Impressions.In context, we thought Blacktown drive-in might have been a more appropriate venue?“To the best of our knowledge this is a world-first,” Volvo Australia's marketing director Matt Braid said.“It gives us an opportunity to create a buzz around the brand by promoting our cars in an unconventional way.”Two of the participants in the Volvo dating event were Craig Spence, 32, and Gina Carmody, 29 (pictured).Carmody didn't know much about cars beforehand, but said her attitude to cars had changed as a result of her unusual dating venture.“Talking about Volvo was a good way to get the conversation going," Spence said.Volvo Australia and Fast Impressions are considering whether to expand the Test Drive Dating concept to more locations in and around Sydney and Melbourne in the near future. 

No one in its Gothenburg centre in Sweden will talk about future product, although there is an underlying trend to shrink technology.Volvo's strategic design chief Jose Diaz de la Vega thinks a small car — smaller than the current C30 hatchback — would fit neatly into the company's mould.But he warns it could be a long way off — not because of design and engineering progress, but simply because of the Scandinavian caution about change.“We take a long time, we enter vehicle segments later than many car companies,” he said.“Volvo is a cultural brand. There is a movement towards smaller, more efficient motor cars and away from bigger SUVs. So I hope we can look at a smaller car. Like the Fiesta.”Volvo's holistic approach to the car has encompassed safety and environmental concerns for decades.Prepared to put its money where its mouth is, Volvo has committed $1.8 billion between 2006 and 2011 for research and development linked to environmental issues.The biggest step in this framework becomes tangible within five years with the launch of Volvo's first hybrid. No details are being released, although the hybrid unit is being developed in Sweden at Volvo's specialist Hybrid Centre using technology shared with its parent company, Ford.The hybrid — expected to be seen first in the XC60 body — aims to reduce Volvo's CO2 emission footprint and will join its other low-emission models for sale in Europe.It is part of Volvo's commitment to reduce emissions and to meet the stringent 120g/km of CO2 level being legislated for 2011 by the European Union. The CO2 level is an average across a carmaker's range and affects all manufacturers.Volvo said it was looking across the hybrid spectrum, including the simple 'micro-hybrid' technology, which is a starter motor/generator combination that works as a stop-go system. This turns off the petrol engine when the car is stationary — such as in heavy traffic or at lights — and automatically restarts when the accelerator pedal is depressed. Stop-go reduces fuel and C02 emissions by up to 10 per cent.Volvo will also expand its alternative fuel range, predominantly for the markets in Sweden, France and Brazil.There are three Flexifuel engines that run on varying percentages of ethanol and are available in five models — C30, S40, V50, V70 and S80. The engines range from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder to a 2.5-litre turbocharged version. Extra-low CO2 emission models under development include the C30 Efficiency with a C02 level of less than the proposed EU figure of 120g/km. This car will go on sale next year in Europe.Volvo is also close to delivering a twin-clutch automated gearbox that will offer greater engine economy.This transmission is similar to the Volkswagen DSG system. Would you be interested in a smaller Volvo car?  

The Swiss show this week turned a significant corner, brushing aside traditional glitz and glamour to tackle the more sombre environmental issues.The show's displays confronted visitors with the speed and breadth of low-emission vehicle development.The change that is sweeping Europe and is relentlessly marching on other markets, including Australia, is spurred by consumer demands for low-emission cars and future European legislation that will dramatically curtail exhaust pollutants.Ford Europe's vice-president for environmental affairs, Wolfgang Schneider, said there was a global move to reduce emissions and create energy independence through minimising the use of fossil fuel.But rather than make hybrids, or wait for fuel-cell vehicles that use hydrogen, European car companies are seeking less radical and less expensive options.“The mainstream solution is to take conventional technology and turn it green,” he said.“Consumers want what they have now — cars that are well priced, have sporty driving manners, are comfortable and affordable to run — but they want to be environmentally aware. More importantly, they don't want to pay for it.”Ford released its new Fiesta small car that emits less than 120g of CO2 for every kilometre, the future legislated threshold proposed by the European Union.“We can do this by using current engineering — that is, to reduce the vehicle's weight, make the car more aerodynamic, and use low-friction lubricants,” Dr Schneider said.“The Fiesta, with 99g/km, equates to a fuel economy of 3.8 litres/100km. As long as we can get these low emissions and low fuel consumption by existing technology, the less need we have to rush into building hybrid vehicles.“If we decide on a hybrid, it will immediately add about $6000 to the car's price. Customers won't pay that.”Ford in Europe also offers one Flexifuel version which runs on biofuel for every model. But the pick-up is poor compared with diesels.Volvo, which sits under the Ford umbrella, offers biofuel models, but believes high-efficiency diesels are the best option.Volvo chief Steven Armstrong said his company would soon offer a high-efficiency version of its C30 three-door hatch that emits less than 120g/km.He said it was also developing a plug-in electric C30 version.The battery is charged by plugging the car into a power source, usually overnight. The battery runs four electric motors, each within the wheel hubs.When the battery runs low, a small four-cylinder, ethanol-fuelled engine is automatically started to run a generator to recharge the battery.Volvo insists that the power source to charge the battery must be sustainable, preferably solar or wind-generated.“We will have a hybrid of the XC60 (a small SUV released this week and expected in Australia later this year) in 2010 and other hybrids may follow,” Mr Armstrong said.“Hybrids are great for the city where there is low-speed operation, but we believe that an efficient diesel is far, far better for the environment.“We will have an XC60 diesel with 170g/km CO2 on the market within 12 months.”Many manufacturers at the Geneva Motor Show displayed diesel-fuelled vehicles that use an ammonia-based liquid that results in extremely low emissions of nitrogen. Companies such as Mercedes-Benz call it BlueTec.But it's not on the way to Australia, certainly not this year.Volkswagen has a similar system called BlueMotion that could be here as early as late 2009.Volkswagen showed a concept diesel-hybrid that it claims will consume only 3.4 litres/100km.One further way many car makers are minimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions is by offering models with smaller engines.This “downsizing” is being adopted by Volvo (it has a two-litre, four-cylinder engine option for its S80 luxury sedan) and Ford (1.6-litre engine for the medium-size Mondeo).The legislation on emissions will come into force from January 1, 2012.However, the rush to clean up the current fleet of cars is also being pushed by new US emission legislation that will come into effect about the same time as Europe.When introduced, both sets of legislation will affect the vehicles available to Australian buyers. 

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

However, this will be a one-spec van with plenty of go and plenty of stuff.Costing about $70,000, the new V70 will come with all-wheel drive, but will not qualify for the SUV import duty exemption.The van will be powered by a 210kW/400Nm three-litre twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine based on the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine in the XC70 and XC90.It will be packed with goodies such as 18-inch alloys, FOUR-C adaptive suspension, personal car communicator, premium 6-CD sound system, front and rear park assist and auto tailgate.The V70 will arrive in Australia early in 2008. Other new vehicles will accompany it in the first quarter of the year, including the much-awaited diesel version of the cute 2+2 C30, which this year was a Carsguide Car of the Year finalist.The C30 D5 will come in five-speed auto first up, followed by a six-speed manual shortly after.There will also be a 'poverty pack' C30 S for around $34,950.Volvo Australia's new public affairs manager Laurissa Mirabelli said it would not have leather seats or some of the other more expensive creature comforts of the C30.“It will be a safe and stylish vehicle for young people wanting to get into a premium brand," she said.Volvo Car Australia is on an upward trend with a 37 per cent increase in sales last year, about 22.5 per cent this year.Managing director Alan Desselss said the bulk of the sales increase was from the XC90, but the C30 would be a major contributor when the diesel engine variant arrived. 

The concepts were shown at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, the biggest automotive specialty products trade event in the world.They are a beach-ready Volvo XC70, pictured, a high performance version of the S80 T6, a hot-orange C30 SportsCoupe, a powerful C70 convertible and a one-off fully custom hot rod, which is the only concept not based on production versions.The hot rod was custom built from the ground up using major Volvo components from the previous-generation S80.Volvo worked with Heico Sportiv in Germany to build the S80 T6 HPC and Volvo C30, while Caresto built the C70 and hot rod.The Volvo XC70 concept, on the other hand, was conceived by the Volvo Cars design team and built by Aria, a California concept car firm.The XC70 Surf Rescue rides on a lift suspension, with oversized tyres and heavily modified body panels. Inside, pictured below left, is a host of life-saving equipment and custom rescue surfboards, while the front bucket and rear seats have been recovered in wetsuit style neoprene.The Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept features a 260kW E85 ethanol fuelled T6 engine driving through an all-wheel-drive system.It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8sec.It is painted in seven-layer metal effect paint and inside is blue leather with a sweeping aluminium centre stack.The Heico C30 is also inspired by surfing with a surf pattern inlay on the aluminium centre stack and a striking orange paint job.It is lowered, sports a custom body kit with integrated spoilers and larger air ducts, has quad exhaust tips hint and a 223kW turbocharged T5 engine capable of 0-100km/h in 5.4sec.Inside are bright orange leather seats.First shown at last year's SEMA show, the Caresto Hot Rod was brought it back as a complement to the Caresto C70 Convertible.Completely hand assembled from aluminium and carbon fibre, the Caresto Hot Rod features many Volvo parts, including the mid-engine 232kW V8 engine, hand-stitched chestnut leather upholstery and brushed-aluminium inserts around the fog lights and custom exhaust ports.

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. 

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. 

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.