Volvo launched the C30 - the stylish upmarket hatchback or sports coupe - in 2007 and it was on sale largely unchanged until 2013.
The C30 has a striking three-door design with a distinctive rear end featuring a frameless glass tailgate that recreates the retro style of previous Volvo sporting hatchbacks like the P1800 or Volvo 480. The cars benefit from a premium build quality that feels refined, sophisticated and durable.
Mechanically, the range uses the normal modern layout of an engine at the front powering the front wheels. Buyers can choose between five and six-speed manual gearboxes, and five or six-speed (dual clutch) automatics.
There is a wide choice of powerful and economic engines, including a choice of diesel powerplants. These include a 108bhp 1.6L that returns 74mpg and CO2 emissions under 100g/km for free road tax. The 1.6L diesel (114bhp) is more powerful and only a little more costly to run. The 2L diesel is only slightly thirstier, with a 55mpg return in its 148bhp version. There is also a sportier 2L diesel that offers 175bhp of power.
You can find a great choice of used Volvo C30s on Motors.co.uk.