First Drive: 2009 Volvo C30 R-Design Hatchback

The Volvo C30 is aimed squarely at first time Volvo buyers and the young, hipster crowd. Since I'm both young and hip (or so I like to think) and found the car to be pure joy to drive, I would have to say that Volvo definitely has done things right. It may appear that the C30 is a big departure from Volvo's typically boxy sedans, but the 2 door, 4 seat, front wheel drive hatchback is actually an updated version of the Volvo 480 that was popular in Europe in the mid 80's and early 90's.

The vehicle that we were provided was the 2009 Volvo C30 R-Design, the company's more sport and performance oriented variant. The R-Design has an assortment of both internal and external enhancements that separate it from its tamer brethren. Volvo's R-Design packages are available for their C30, S40 and V50 models and provide customers with an oppotunity to personalize and accessorize their vehicles. We would very much like to see this line extended to include performance modifications such as those offered by Toyota's TRD line and Mercedes' AMG division.