Living With the C30

Living With the C30  - 2011 Volvo C30 Review - Reviews - Volvo C30

You'd be forgiven for thinking "hatchback = practical," but that's not quite the case with the C30. Sure, it's more practical than a two-seat roadster, but this isn't a family car — unless everyone in your family is smaller than 5-foot-2, packs light and enjoys snug accommodations. I'm about 6-foot-1, and there was no way any adult I know could have ridden behind me.

That's not to say, though, that I was cramped for space while driving the C30. I took it on a couple of three-hour road trips and emerged from both feeling pretty fresh. Volvo provides comfortable seats in the C30 and puts padding in the right places — like where your elbows are.

The cargo area behind the rear seats is small. I could carry a week's worth of groceries pretty easily, but if I had to buy food for more than one person I'm pretty sure I'd have to fold the seats flat.

Overall interior quality is extremely good. I thought the materials used were very nice, and I was a huge fan of how simple and clean everything appeared in the C30. There were a few more buttons than I like in parts of the center console, but overall it was very easy to live with.

All in all, the C30 is a nice place to be if you're just driving yourself and/or one other person, but carrying more than two would be a challenge. It's just not the vehicle for family road trips.

    See also:

    Symbols in the instrument panel
    WARNING If and come on at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake system-related message is shown in the information display: DO NOT DRIVE ...

    Basic sound settings
    Press SOUND to display the basic sound setting menu (Bass, Treble, etc). Continue pressing SOUND or OK/MENU to display the other setting alternatives. Adjust the setting by turning TUNE and save th ...

    Integrated rear sun shade
    Integrated sun shade Pull up the sun shade and attach its hooks to the ceiling clips. > The sun shade's spring-loading will pull it taut. When not in use, release the hooks and hold the su ...