Volvo C30 T5 vs. Audi A3

Size, looks and resale value have always been key factors when solidifying long-term relationships with our automobiles. Short and thin is becoming acceptable to American buyers, who for too long felt satisfaction couldn’t be had without mass. The Smart is about to enter the states, joining other wee rides like the successful Mini Cooper and Honda Fit.

Even prestige brands are getting in on the action, giving rise to the premium compact segment. Volvo already has a nice contender in this class with their S40 sedan, but it doesn’t get your pulse racing. In a decisive appeal to garner younger buyers, the automaker will soon release the surprising C30 in the U.S. Mechanically similar to the S40, the C30 has radically different looks that, for a Volvo, are, well... radical.

Evaluating the car was a no-brainer, but picking a comparison wasn’t easy. In Europe, the C30 is pitched against the Audi A3 three-door and BMW 1 Series, and we envision a natural rivalry with the upcoming Mini Clubman. That’s all well and good for Europe, but what about us? It’ll probably be another year before the Clubman comes here, BMW won’t share the 1 Series and Audi only sent over its five-door A3. Like so many guys do when they can’t find the perfect partner, we compromised, and made a move for the A3. Though it can be had with a V6, automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, we picked the basic four-cylinder turbo with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive for closeness in performance and pricing.

We got intimately familiar with both, and now it’s time for the tell-all. We evaluated them based on performance, design, features, value, and overall driving experience for a total possible score of 100.

Volvo C30 T5

MSRP: $22,700
Engine: 2.4-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder
Horsepower: 227 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
MPG: City: 20; Highway: 28

Performance - 15/20

It’s expected that we’ll only be treated to the turbocharged (but not all-wheel drive) T5 version of the C30 in the U.S. We’re comfortable hitting 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 149 mph with the six-speed manual transmission -- that’s the good part. Unfortunately, those specs aren’t pure pleasure to obtain. In general, the five-cylinder’s performance is delivered without the solid, buttoned-down feeling of German road cars. Bumps don’t escape the suspension, but it doesn’t seem altogether precise -- sort of a lose-lose. Turbo lag wasn’t bothersome, but the clear and present torque steer made us wonder if Saab engineers snuck into the Volvo factory and punked their rivals.

Exterior design - 18/20

As a concept car,  we were blown away by the C30, partly because it was a feasible design for the street. We are very grateful that few changes were made for the production model. If the polarizing look snags you as it does us, it’ll be rewarding to view every time you leave the house. The nose announces this is a new Volvo, while the controversial rear looks a little like an old one. Designers honored the landmark P1800 ES in the C30’s glass hatch design. Less obvious are the subtle cues lifted from the “safety concept car” project. Love it or hate it, this car gets noticed.

Interior design - 6/10

Fit and finish is typical of Volvo, but so is the excitement level. To be fair, it may not inspire, but it doesn’t leave you cramped. Actually, the lack of "funk" in the cabin might be a positive thing, allowing the C30 to be a more comfortable, harmonious place to spend time every day. This is an area where the S40-derived component setup is obvious.

Get the C30’s score and start reading up on the A3… Next Page >>

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