Volvo C30 News

The car brand trumpeted as the world's safest will catch up with the pack next month. Volvo is at last making sure every car it sells in Australia is equipped with ESP and traction control as standard. It has yet to confirm details of the ESP upgrade, including prices, though all Australian cars coming off the production line this month – which means deliveries in June once they are shipped from Sweden – will have the system. “We can confirm that dynamic stability control and traction control will be standard on all Volvo models from May production,” says Laurissa Mirabelli of Volvo Cars Australia. While Volvo is talking up its ESP upgrade, it is also working to finalise details of next year's model line-up after an upgrade last week in Europe. They should be here by October, and the all-new XC60 all-wheel-drive wagon will be the headliner. The most obvious change, on everything from the baby C30 to the C70, is a larger Volvo badge on the boot. It picks up the prominence of the badge on the XC60 and the latest mid-sized wagons. The only other change across the range, though not confirmed for Australia, is exterior mirrors that fold flat for parking. “There will be some minor changes to Volvo's MY09 line-up this year, as there is with its models every year,” Mirabelli says. “The MY09s won't be here until much later this year and we're not in a position to confirm the extent of the changes yet, given we're still going through the business case process.” She says there are only minor tweaks to the range, apart from the XC60, and nothing big on the technical front. In Europe, there are minor tweaks to nine models and one of the best is an optional system called Homelink. It uses buttons integrated into the sun visor to operate remote-controlled home appliances such as garage doors, house alarms and lighting. There is an upgrade of the optional satellite navigation on the S40 and V50, a hard load cover is now standard on all C30s and the climate control is upgraded in the C70 with the addition of the Powershift gearbox already fitted to the C30, S40 and V50. The S80 flagship gets heated washer nozzles and chronograph-style dials in the dash.  

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.

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.