For immediate release
GOTEBORG (July 24, 2006) – Pictures of the new Volvo C30 released today by the Volvo Car Corporation reveal a coupe with sporty design cues, a unique glass tail gate and room for four adults. The production car retains the striking presence of the popular C30 Design Concept released at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.
The new Volvo C30 will be unveiled to the public at the Paris motor show in September, with production beginning at the end of 2006. The car will be on-sale in Canada in early 2007.
“The new C30 is a cool car,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “It is a car that aims to attract a group of young singles or couples with an intense urban lifestyle. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle.”
Worldwide, Volvo Cars expects to sell 65,000 cars per year and 75 per cent of the buyers will be from Europe. The largest markets are expected to be Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Expressive styling
The front end of the production C30 retains the dynamic character of the original C30 Design Concept with angled headlamps and a low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings and sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, enhanced by the boat-shaped side windows. The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe-shaped tail lamps and the glass tailgate. The tailgate can be accessorized with two different spoilers.
“The C30 shows plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. “Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognize the tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they see in front.”
Customized interior with room for four adults
The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to two rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are centered slightly in the car to provide a feeling of space and good forward visibility. The space between the seats also makes the thin, “floating” centre stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate.
The interior has been designed to meet the target demographic’s taste for personal choices. Even the base program offers, for example, upholstery in three attractive colours.
“The C30 is about customized functionality,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, who heads the C30 project. “There are a lot of possibilities for personalization and the car has all the right cleverly-designed options that the people who choose this type of car want.”
Two engines for the compact Volvo
The new Volvo C30 that comes to Canada is powered by two engines: a sporty 2.4-litre 5-cylinder engine delivering 168-horsepower or a potent 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine delivering 218-horsepower.
At 425 centimeters (167 inches) overall length, the C30 is the smallest member of the Volvo model range, a full 22 centimeters (8.5 inches) shorter than the Volvo S40.
“A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel,” says Abrahamsson. “Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, regardless of the engine choice.”
Quality audio experience
Even in the base model, the Volvo C30 offers a high-class audio system. However, true audiophiles will choose the Premium Sound system, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish manufacturer Dynaudio.
First class safety
When it comes to safety, the Volvo C30 carries the Volvo tradition of leadership. Among other features, it is available with the Blind Spot Information System, which helps the driver to identify another vehicle at the rear sides of the car.
The front of the C30 has the same patented energy-absorbing structure as the S40 and V50, utilizing four different kinds of steel to distribute collision forces throughout the body structure. The safety equipment also includes Volvo’s Whiplash Protection System and Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain. Combined with front airbags and seat belt tensioners, the C30 offers first class safety in a compact car.
“The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year,” says Arp. “We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible.”
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Contact:
Chad Heard
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chadheard@rogers.com
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