The hot Volvo C30 hatchback is coming to the U.S. in 2007. The concept shown here, which debuted at the 2006 Detroit auto show, looks nearly identical to the production car. Both are based on the C1 platform, which also underpins the Volvo C40, V50, and C70; the Mazda 3 and 5; and the European Ford Focus. The S30's chiseled face, defined haunches, and cool glass liftgate are the real deal, although the two-tone paint, body kit, and giant wheels are pure show car folly. The C30's interior will feature the concept's floating console (as do some current and all future Volvos), but the cabin's details will be tweaked. Although the C30 is nine inches shorter than an S40, Volvo claims that the three-door offers sufficient rear-seat legroom to make the car a true four-seater. The rear hatch permits access to a small cargo hold that grows exponentially when the rear seats are folded flat. The front-wheel-drive C30 concept's 260-hp output is a pipe dream; we expect the C30's engines to match the S40's 168-to-215-hp range. All-wheel drive would be easy enough to add (it's already offered in the S40), but it will likely be left off the options list due to cost and weight considerations. Not long ago, a Volvo like this would have been marketing suicide, but the success of the Mini Cooper and the Audi A3 suggests that premium small hatchbacks can find buyers in the American market.
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bron: automobile.com
