C30 D5 Any good?

There do not seem to be many posts about the C30 so here goes. We have owned our Volvo 240DL estate from new in 1990 and are looking to make a reckless purchase of a new car. We like the look of the the R Design C30 with the 2.5 diesel engine with which we will tow a small caravan. Unbelievably I find it much easier to get into/ out of the C30 than the bigger Volvos (except the XC90) mainly, I guess, because it is three door. Any thoughts/experiences with this car would be appreciated. Am I still going to be impressed by the build quality and driving experience after a few years? Chris

very nice car only one problem the small boot ! all the road tests compliment the feel and quality . Surprisingly there is room in the back seats too ,Mechanicaly its the same as the S40 / V 50 ... you wont go far wrong with the D5 version !

Hi Chris, One thing to be wary of as Pete said is be wary of the towing capability of C30 for your van, but also how the car would tow, might be worth trying to find someone who has actually done so, maybe caravan club or similar? Cant remember the last time I saw a 30 with a bar on so no real experience of one in this manner, As far as the car itself, fantastic, had one for about three weeks in the summer and it was so much fun, you never get tired of the engine note of the big push under acceleration. Best of luck with whatever you decide, but do try & find a caravaner with one Dave

I have thought hard about getting a C30 but the small boot combined with the small rear door put me off especially when you add the badly designed parcel shelf with the tiny opening hatch. I think with city life a good boot with everything out of sight is essential. I am looking at a Ford Focus – sad but the same car and more practical. I wonder if Ford deliberately make the C30 less practical to add less competition to the focus. The new VW Scirocco looks similar to the C30 but it has a good opening back door; however the boot space is smaller than the Golf. I am sorry to be negative about the C30 but I am annoyed at Volvo. I have owned Volvos for the last 20 years and now need a small car and would love to buy another Volvo but it is just not practical. It looks great though and drives very well.

The wheelbase is the same as V50, the shorter length has been achieved by reducing the rear overhang

The C30 has the tow bar nearer the rear wheels so less leverage on them , this may result in a more stable caravan ... Has anyone towed with a C30 yet ?