2013 Volvo C30 Review
2013 Volvo C30 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Distinctive styling
- controlled and compliant ride
- supportive and comfortable seats
- spirited turbocharged engine.
Cons
- No high-mpg base engine
- less cargo room than rivals
- subpar braking distances
- antiquated navigation system.
What’s new
The Volvo C30 gains a new Premier trim level for 2013, while every trim now comes standard with automatic wipers and headlight washers. The Premier Plus trim now includes keyless ignition/entry and adaptive xenon headlights.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Volvo C30 can't quite match the performance thrills of other sporty hatchbacks, nor can it match the base price of other stylish hatchbacks. Nevertheless, it's a solid alternative to both.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Volvo C30 T5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$178/mo for C30 T5
C30 T5
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Stylish two-door hatchbacks are de rigueur nowadays, with names like Beetle, Fiat and Mini. As it turns out, you can have fun and economical transportation wrapped in a cool, distinctive package. Yet one more car that deserves to be noticed among these hip choices is the 2013 Volvo C30. Though it's been around for a couple years, this clever two-door hatch still looks and feels as fresh and modern as the day it was introduced. Maybe it's because you don't see many out on the road, but that just means people have been missing out on a good thing.
The C30 is unmistakable on the road thanks to the nifty all-glass hatch that harkens back to past Volvo hatchbacks. The two-passenger backseat is another interesting touch, featuring a pair of individual bucket seats that are nearly as sumptuous and supportive as those up front. Compared to those aforementioned stylish two-door hatchbacks, the Volvo C30 is far more welcoming to its passengers.
Unfortunately, pricing happens to be the C30's biggest drawback. There's no base model, so the 2013 Volvo C30 is in the same price range as sporty models like the Fiat 500 Abarth, Mini Cooper S and VW Beetle Turbo, as well as the Ford Focus ST. And against this bunch, the C30 is a bit outmatched from a performance standpoint. But in most other respects, this stylish two-door hatchback definitely deserves to be noticed.
Performance & mpg
Every 2013 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are standard; a five-speed automatic is optional.
In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped C30 went from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is average for a sporty compact hatchback. The automatic was a bit slower at 6.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy with the automatic is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The manual barely differs at 21/29/24.
Safety
Every 2013 Volvo C30 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and front seats with whiplash protection. A blind-spot warning system is optional. In Edmunds brake testing, a C30 came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is a little below average performance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the C30 the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength crash tests.
Driving
The 2013 Volvo C30 is a fun car to drive, boasting ample grip through corners and accurate steering. The R-Design model generates the most smiles with its extra rubber and sport-tuned suspension. Regardless of model, though, the C30 is more comfort-oriented than its rivals, with every control and motion feeling just a bit more damped and relaxed. Sport hatches like the Mini Cooper S may be more entertaining to drive, but the C30's smoother ride and quieter cabin will be appreciated on your daily commute.
The C30's turbocharged engine is sweet regardless of where you're driving. There's a nice snarl to the noises it makes, and its low-end torque plants you nicely in the pleasantly sculpted seats. The manual transmission features long, spongy throws but is reasonably precise. The automatic transmission is a bit behind the times with its five gears and lack of paddle shifters.
Interior
The C30 might be getting on in years, but its cabin still remains stylish and modern. Its prime attribute is the floating center stack that is sharply dressed in one of several distinct trim types and complemented with simple controls. Well, they're simple with the exception of the old-fashioned navigation system. Thankfully exorcised from other Volvos, this system features weird controls behind the steering wheel, a remote control for the passenger, subpar graphics and confusing menus.
As is typical for Volvo, the front seats draw praise in terms of comfort, support and adjustability -- even with standard manual adjustment. The steering wheel further helps to accommodate drivers of all sizes by telescoping a surprising amount (the Swedes are big, you know). Volvo didn't even try to design a rear seat that could hold three passengers. Instead, the rear cabin area features two seats that closely resemble those up front, albeit closer together. They are quite comfortable, though legroom is a bit short.
Rearward visibility is excellent thanks to the tall and wide all-glass hatch. Cargo capacity behind that hatch is disappointing, though. There are only 13 cubic feet with the rear seats raised and, when lowered, the total is less than competitors as well.
2013 Volvo C30 models
The 2013 Volvo C30 is a compact two-door hatchback that seats four people. There are two models: T5 and the sportier T5 R-Design. Both are broken into base, Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum sub-trims.
Standard equipment on the base T5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights with washers, automatic wipers, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The R-Design models differ with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, unique styling elements inside and out, foglamps and cloth/leather upholstery.
The Premier sub-trims add to the base models a sunroof, an eight-way power driver seat, driver memory functions and a cargo area cover. The R-Design version also gets an auto-dimming mirror.
The Premier Plus sub-trims add adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, keyless ignition/entry and an eight-way power passenger seat.
The Platinum sub-trims add a navigation system, satellite radio and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system.
All trims are eligible for a number of options, including a blind-spot warning system and satellite radio. The Climate package adds heated front seats, automatic climate control and an interior air quality filter.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#19 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo C30 from 2008-2022.$523/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.56x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.2%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Volvo C30.
5 star(88%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great Driving Experience
califas, 06/12/2011
2011 Volvo C30 T5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
In evaluating a car, first you define the mission.
No car can be all things.
If you want a Corvette, you understand that it can't have the gas mileage of a Prius.
This is the T5 C30 with 17 in wheels:
A small, nimble car with an appealing and distinctive aesthetic that coddles the driver with excellent ride dynamics and great interior design.
It is not trying to be a track car.
It … is 2+2 GT road car.
It gets you through your driving day with a minimum of fatigue and a maximum of bliss.
It has the quickness and agility to squeeze through traffic, yet still has a cabin that is quiet and comfortable.
Plus, it feels like quality, it is nice to look at, and it is just fun to drive.
5 out of 5 stars
C30: rare, beautiful, comfortable
coloradocarnut, 09/12/2014
2013 Volvo C30 T5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
This is really a lovely car. We purchased the last '13 new in July'14. Auto trans, T-5. Did TONS of research beforehand. We are a Toyota/Honda family, so European is a departure, with trepidation. We have the Premier Plus package, not R-Design. Thus far, the car is beyond expectations; a joy to drive, beautiful to look at, and well made. It's QUIET inside, very powerful, and so … different. You won't see them often, which is nice too. It's not a high performance hatch, and that's good, because we didn't want that. For those w/o kids, and a different hauling vehicle, this is a great commuter that spoils with luxury, is safe, and gives you confidence.
2017 update; a couple of warranted replacement items with the car; though it continues to be great, and has cool accessories you can get from Volvo. We had some repairs from hitting a curb and major hail damage. After a few trials the rattles and squeaks were eliminated. But it took a few times. Hopefully once warranty expires we won't eat crow. Only complaint is the doors don't have good detents so they fall back into your legs pretty easily. That's it. Dealer support has been beyond expectations. It's sleeper fast.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Forget Mini check out Volvo
Lauren, 10/17/2010
2011 Volvo C30 T5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
I thought I loved my 2007 Mini S convertible, but 2 weeks after warranty ran out I had to pay $500 on maintenance after I had just spent a $1000 replacing my run flat tires, I decided to get out before I spent well more than that car was worth...I am so glad that I did. My 2011 C30 is refreshing and my passengers love the upgrade. It is the perfect car for me. I am in my early 30's … married with no children, so I rarely have back seat passengers (a must for this car). This car so sophisticated with out being boring or stuffy. Fun, fast and fabulous, I don't understand why more people aren't in love... that's okay because I love having a car that makes a statement the individual.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car!
jersite, 09/30/2011
2011 Volvo C30 T5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
Have had my 2011 Volvo C30 for a little over a month now and overall, really love the car.
The styling is amazing, handling great, seats the most comfortable I've ever sat in (heated seats a huge bonus) and great fun to drive.
Other high points are bluetooth which works amazingly well, iPod integration, and great visibility.
Only drawbacks (and minor at best), huge, oversized key, so-so … mileage and difficulty accessing rear seat.
All that said, I would recommend the C30 to everyone.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Volvo C30, so we've included reviews for other years of the C30 since its last redesign.
2013 C30 Highlights
T5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $178/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the C30 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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