2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
2013 Volvo C30 R-Design
Created: 03/20/2013
Video description: The C30 R-Design Polestar has an uneven package of cabin tech and complicated layers of trim.

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Video Transcript

Of all those C30 an all-match to their legendary P1800 ES Wagon. Let's see how it's come forward many decades as we drive this 2013 R design with the high performance Polestar package and check the tech. Okay, here's the defining feature of a C30. It's got this all-glass lift-gate hatchback that is very much like that P1800 ES I've mentioned. You also can tell by this little badge and one on the dash, we have the Polestar edition and it's also an R design that means that kinda has the bad ass wheels and body work and trim. Okay, first things first. If you're around 6'2 or certainly any taller you can just go click out and look at some other video. You are never gonna buy this car. It's cramped inside. I'm 6'2 and I can't begin to get enough leg room. The seat doesn't go back any further nor does it go down any lower. It's kind of undrivable to be honest. My knees are at 90 degrees or more when I'm driving. Now for the little guys, here's what we have in the cabin. Volvo got this very Spartan design which I normally like but when they execute it in a lower price point like this, it starts to look a little cheap. Huge expenses of featureless, molded plastic over here and it just isn't quite rich. Now let's keep the substantial issues. This is the head unit. You will not get an LCD infotainment unit in a C30. This used to be kinda cutie retro Spartan lean sort of-- not anymore. Now it's just annoys me. It doesn't show me enough in the right now. Well, it's doesn't [unk] we don't have a GPS now, we have map screen but where is it? Well, if I pull out this wireless remote and aim it at this little bump sticking up on the dash, peek-a-boo, here's comes our little friend. We've seen this before on Volvo a few years ago. It was kind of a decent Bridge technology, now I just hate it. It's very slow because it's DVD-based. The resolution is not great as you can see you can really pick out the lines in the LCD panel. You operate it either through the wireless remote that I just used to pop it up which I find to be very odd while I'm driving or you've got this little controller behind the wheel which has a little joystick and a back and an enter button. Now in terms of media sources, we do much better. You've got basically all the modern inputs that you want on this vehicle AM and FM and HD radio enabled on those, satellite radio is an option. Under the mode, here you've got your other stuff single-slot CD up there, standard AUX, USB works for thumb drives and iPod and as you can see we've also got Bluetooth streaming on this guy also standard with hands-free calling. A few other cabin ergonomic things on the Volvo were strange. This is the key. This sharp weird little thing sticking out you don't need to use 'cause there's a puck you can put in here and it wirelessly authorizes from the key fab. So why doesn't that thing ever retract. This is a little Volvo thing back here, the storage hidden behind the controlled panel. It's kind of a signature I like 'cause I don't like putting things where I can never see them again. That doesn't really work for me nor this upholstery just a matter of taste. But this kind of cream color with a hint of sea foam green makes me feels sea foam green. Luckily it's optional. You can just go to black on black as well. Now the engine R C30 R designed Polestar of 2.5 liter side saddle in line 5. In fact, every C30 has the same base of engine. What happens is you get 227 horse and 236 foot pounds of torque. And the Polestar software and the horsepower goes 250 and the torque to 273. That's a big jump. It's a turbo no matter what so the Polestar edition is merely software changes. Car weighs about 3200 pounds relatively light for a vehicle these days delivers 2129 mpg, not stellar especially since the car prints fairly small and doesn't weigh a whole lot 0-60 on a Polestar edition is around 5.9. If you didn't have this hot rod version, you'd put on about 2/3 of a second more, not night and day. Now the first thing I remember about this car because it's got that sort of weird add on now the no-real LCD, I do not have a backup camera here and it's not too much of an issue because of that big glass back panel but in terms of quarters, you can't really see much. Now what this vehicle also has they said is the city-safe technology which means if you're about to run into a car in front of you up to 31 miles per hour, your speed, this vehicle will apply the brakes all the way to a full stop. Not of a performance. It's a nice [unk] little car because it's got a sport suspension, that's part of R spec or R design. It's also got the Polestar package which really brings on a lot of creamy, ready torque, the fun little motor that rev, very little turbo leg in this guy and you get the ride quality remains quite nice. It's not excessively harsh even over crafty pavement like I'm driving on right now. And overall, it's a nice handling car. It's got a light yet planted feel, doesn't feel terribly heavy. It doesn't feel like it's flimsy. It's a pleasant car to drive. I could just get comfortable but I can't 'cause this thing is so-- Okay. So let's presume you're under 6 feet tall and you wanna buy a C30. Here's our prices out, how about 264 is your base for this guy add the R design package for this cool look and you're adding 2,350 there. Now the Polestar update is 1,300 bucks all it is as far as I can tell is just different engine software. That's a lot of money for re-arranging the ones and zeros in the engine computer differently. But take it or leave it. It adds a lot of power in torque and I did enjoy the way power comes on this car. So if this car is right for you, it's about 34 grand CNET's style. Right for you is the key. You'd buy it because it has a unique look, because you like Volvo, because you like their city-safe technology and because you're not terribly tall or need to carry on off a lot of stuff in this vehicle. It's a real city car. It's got a distinct flavor.

Related Videos

2012 Volvo C30 R-Design

The Volvo C30 is like your friend who is smart, stylish -- and a Luddite!

2013 Volvo XC60

Compared with other high-end luxury carmakers, Volvo has fallen a bit behind the curve in the cabin technology department, but still manages a fairly well-designed vehicle.

Wherifone G560

While the Wherify Wherifone G560 makes a good effort as a kid-friendly phone its boring design and uneven performance were uninspiring.

QNX concept features video calling, 3D rear view

QNX provides the technologies that power the cabin tech of over 40 automakers around the world. At CES 2013, they give us a peek at the car technologies of the future.

Sony Ericsson Equinox

The Sony Ericsson Equinox offers a trim design and midrange multimedia features.

2008 Subaru Outback

The 2008 Subaru Outback XT is a good all-around package, combining useful cabin tech with decent performance and admirable fuel economy from its advanced engine-management system.

The 2009 Honda Pilot

The 2009 model brings new cabin tech and style.

2013 Chevy Malibu ECO

In Chevrolet's complicated lineup of cars, the Malibu is one notch from the top - a biggish small car that slots against Accord, Camry and Fusion. Tough territory, that's why GM heavily revised the car for 2013 on a new global platform they feel confident shipping to 100 countries. Let's see if their confidence is well-placed and check the tech.

How Hollywood tech helps Ford design cars

CNET's Bridget Carey takes a look at the virtual reality and motion capture technology Ford uses to design cars. The tech was on display during a New York art exhibit for the 2013 Ford Fusion.

2008 Volvo S80 T6 AWD

Volvo's penchant for safety reaches a whole new level with the S80. Take a ride with Brian Cooley, and check out the safety tech!

2013 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Review

The good: The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine gets a horsepower and torque bump with the 2013 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design's Polestar limited-edition package. Audio quality from the premium stereo system is quite good.

The bad: The handling of this performance variant isn't as sharp as I'd like. The navigation system and infotainment interface are complex and frustrating to use.

The bottom line: The 2013 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design is a fun and stylish little hatchback in its own right, but the performance, tech, and value of this Polestar limited edition all fall short of the competition.

Read full review

2013 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Specs

Manufacturer: Volvo
Part number: 200425621

Product Basic Spec
  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs