We’re still not comfortable giving the C30 the ‘Sports Coupe’ tag Volvo marketers were bandying around on its launch late last year, but one thing’s for sure, familiarity has yet to weary its appeal.
Whether it’s the sculptured lines, masculine rear haunches or the rear glass tailgate, you can’t help but give the car a second glance.
Out of all the range we tested what must be the most desirable engine for business. The base 110PS 1.6-litre diesel not only pollutes to the tune of just 129g/km, it averages an incredible 67.3mpg on the combined cycle and is blessed with a very reasonable 25.5p cost per mile.
A P11D of £18,147 will shock all but downsizers considering the modest performance on tap, but the SE version we drove is packed with standard kit, and now there’s the option of a solid parcel shelf, too, to replace the horrible fabric effort that plagues standard car.
Verdict: Smallest diesel has some sparkle, but is mostly dimmed by modest performance, high P11D and usual C30’s limited luggage and passenger carrying potential.
