2009 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Review: Too Refined to be a Hot Hatch?

Why only 227 bhp , I’ve got the v70r same size engine 300 bhp , but I am looking for c30 t5 now

I've not driven a C30 but it's on my list. I have driven the longer and similar S40 of the same era, the manual box is lovely. And the V70 with the same engine, tuned to around 300bhp. What a motor! The little T5 is something I'd love to drive.

Are these good cars? Trying to get one without having any issues?

Just got an 09 c30 Automatic today! It gas always been in the back of my mind as a possibility but never planned on getting one. That is until my car died and one was in town for 6700. Too good to pass up!

We bought new (2) C30s one '12 R Design which we picked up in Gothenburg on the Overseas Delivery program and a '13 PLE, both are manuals. The '12 was custom ordered without a sunroof. We have driven these cars all over the place especially the PLE which we drove from Seattle to Fairbanks and to MT, OR, CA, ID, AZ, and NM. Very well balanced, comfortable, powerful, and planted. Just as it was designed to be.

Love my C30 👍
D4 177hp
6sp auto
1-100 8.2

As an 09 r design in galactic white and purple 6spd owner I'm glad to Finally see these cars gaining traction online
It's a car I'm truly proud to own

Did you have the traction control on or off during your testing?

Excellent review, i own the 2.0l petrol (facelift) version, a very well built car,great handling and reliable.Only criticisms the car stereo can't be upgraded due to Volvos use of fibre optic wiring,the headlight are terrible even with upgraded Philips RacingVision GT200 H7 bulbs and the steering wheel is far to large,feels like driving a van/truck/tank! 😒

I test-drove a 2012 or 2013 C30 R-design 6spd once and was really not impressed by it at all. I've been a Volvo owner since 2011 and had high hopes for it, but it just felt totally numb and muted to me. The clutch had zero feel, the shifter was very rubbery, and the suspension felt very isolated. I'm sure that was done on purpose to make the car feel more tank-like, which it definitely does. And a lot of that can probably be fixed with aftermarket bits too.

I currently own a '98 C70 HPT Coupe 5spd, and I actually think the clutch and shifter feel better and more engaging than the much newer C30. The gearing of the 6spd trans is much better, though.

Cool car. Im looking at getting one for a project car and taking it too 400bhp levels. It can be done reliably from what I can see 😂

Sick car !