2008 Volvo C30

We found excellent reviews for the 2008 Volvo C30 from several credible sources. Perhaps the most comprehensive feature comes from Motor Trend magazine, where editors' inclusion of the Volvo C30 in their Car of the Year competition yields coverage of exhaustive road testing and meticulous analysis of the results. Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com share their own performance evaluations '. Car and Driver magazine features an overview of a smaller-scale comparison test involving the C30 and three other affordable hatchbacks. Editors at Edmunds.com provide a helpful standalone review. And a very brief and basic review accompanies an article at ForbesAutos.com.

The new-for-2008 Volvo C30 shares a platform with its S40 and V50 siblings, but it is a distinctively styled two-door hatchback with a turbo-charged engine. Experts say the 2008 C30 rates high on the "hip" meter, and Volvo's focus on safety is evident in the abundant list of standard features. But the addition of numerous options can catapult this affordable compact car into the luxury-sedan price range. Fuel-economy estimates are merely mediocre for this class. Experts say the C30 isn't as spirited or functional as some less-expensive rivals. The Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) earns the best reviews overall for economy sedans. Buyers who want a sportier hatchback may prefer the Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295) or Volkswagen GTI (*est. $22,800 to $32,990).