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Volvo C30
Small but safe

VolvoC30

The Volvo C30 is the smallest car in Volvo's model range.
But with its solid body, dynamic chassis and powerful five-cylinder turbocharged engine, it offers a very dynamic driving experience. The interior, which is functionally designed with a number of smart refinements, offers an unexpectedly high level of comfort and flexibility. And, like all of the other Volvos, C30 has been developed to be a very safe car.
It is built according to the same principles as the other Volvo cars: a solid body with generous front and rear tracks and a relatively long wheelbase. The chassis, with MacPherson front wheel suspension and a multilink rear axle, is optimized to provide outstanding control and precise response to the driver's inputs.
C30 features Volvo's patented front structure. Divided into zones, the frontal structure incorporates different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed.
To ensure each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used: high strength steel, extra high strength steel and ultra high strength steel. Different steel grades also are used in the rear to help protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the new C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and weighs around 320 pounds less than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. But while the C30 may be shorter, there is still plenty of room for four adults and all their stuff.
Like all Volvo seats, the front seats are ergonomically designed and offer outstanding comfort and support. It is easy to move the seat forward and rearward for convenient access to the rear seat. The tapered design of the B-pillar also contributes to the easy entrance. The rear features bucket-style seats that are positioned somewhat toward the center of the car to provide an exceptionally good forward view. This also provides space for storage in the side panels. To provide maximum interior flexibility, the rear seat backrests individually split and fold flat. Folding can be easily done when standing behind the car as well as from the passenger compartment.
Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate C30's standard 160-watt stereo system.

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by Mary Ann
Van Osdell