2007 Volvo C30 hatchback

Nov 25, 2006

Price: base/high end $27,495/$44,000 (est.)

Engines: 2.4 L, DOHC inline-5; 2.5 litre, DOHC turbocharged inline-5

Power/torque:

168 hp/170 lb.-ft. (2.4i), 218 hp/236 lb.-ft. (T5)

Fuel consumption: N/A

Competition: Audi A3, Mini Cooper, Subaru WRX, VW Rabbit/GTI

What's best:

Drives as sporty as it looks, yet remains refined; Dynaudio sound quality

What's worst:

Button-dense centre stack on dash; some noise intrusion at speed; where are the cup holders?

What's interesting:

Began life as Volvo designer Simon Lamarre's own "what if?" project

Toronto Star