2012 Volvo C30 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Following last year's highly revered restyling, the 2012 Volvo C30 carries over with just a few tweaks and updates. The Multimedia and Preferred option packages have been replaced by the Premium Plus and Platinum packages, but every C30 now comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-seat armrest and an alarm system alongside one new Caspian Blue exterior color.
Drivers have nothing but praise for their favorite 4-seater European hatchback. The balance of performance and comfort - tipped decidedly toward comfort - is loudly acclaimed right alongside its safety, style, fit and finish. Although it does appear that a few left the manufacturing line with some defects, the proportion of drivers crying Lemon to wildly satisfied drivers is exceptionally small by any standard - let alone for a car still in its first generation.
The two new option packs for 2012 include a power sunroof, powered front seats, driver memory, LED daytime running lights, metallic interior accents, upgraded audio system, navigation and satellite radio - representing a complete shuffle, but only a slight expansion from the offering in previous years. The Climate package with heated seats and other cold-weather considerations is still available, as are the standalone options like a blind-spot information system.
However, these new option packs appear to leave out keyless ignition/entry, and it is not clear whether this feature was simply added into the "alarm system" like it was in so many other Volvos, but in either case it's likely just an oversight in the literature that will get cleared up soon enough. It's hard to envision a Volvo without that feature - even at such an attractive price.
Speaking of price - the C30 comes well-equipped for an all-star on safety, comfort and style priced at less than $30,000. The base T5 offers alloy wheels, height-adjustable seats, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, 50/50 split-folding rear seat and an 8-speaker CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. It's nothing amazing, but unlike many other luxury makers, Volvo didn't cut corners to trap you into an option pack for a little comfort.
The T5's beefier brother - the T5 R-Design - adds the expected sport considerations like foglights, sporty trimmings, and tweaked steering and suspension, but both are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 good for a nicely balanced 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual is standard, while both enjoy the option of a 5-speed automatic if 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill is too much fun for you.
Although cargo capacity is a definite downer - maxing out at 20 cubic feet with the seats folded down - and some drivers report slightly worse fuel economy than the promised 21 mpg city/29 highway, at least it doesn't demand high-test fuel for all that performance and spunk. Don't buy your next new commuter without at least giving the 2012 C30 a test drive.
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2012 Volvo C30 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Paint: metallic · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: silver-painted · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Liftgate window: power flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer