Without a doubt, the Swedes sure do know a thing or two about producing awesome cars. This claim is further corroborated by the product catalogs of cool Swedish brands like Uniti, Scania, NEVS, and Koenigsegg. Notably, another company that has brought huge automotive production glory to Sweden is Volvo Cars. Formerly a part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Cars became a separate entity when it was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999. It would later become a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group in 2010.
In 2006, during Ford’s reign, Volvo Cars unveiled the C30. Assembled in Volvo’s Ghent, Belgium factory, the C30 is a two-door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive premium compact hatchback. However, an updated version of the hatchback with an interior and exterior modification package called the R-Design was introduced in 2008. Officially known as the C30 T5 R-Design, this updated version remained in production till the C30 was discontinued in 2013. Nonetheless, for its unique attributes and features, the C30 T5 R-Design remains one of our favorite Volvo models.
8 Potent Powertrain
The C30 R-Design package didn’t come with an engine upgrade. Hence, it adopted the highly potent mill from the standard C30, the T5 5-cylinder engine with an output of 227 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of power for its time, helping the C30 to outperform several other rival models.
However, to smoothly distribute the power to the front wheels, Volvo added a 5-speed Geartronic transmission to the C30 R-Design’s powertrain.
7 Enhanced Exterior
The major changes added to the C30 through the introduction of the R-Design are majorly esthetical, and a few of them be observed through the enthralling exterior enhancements adorned on the premium hatchback. These enhancements include a matte-silver finish applied to the front grille, iconic Volvo grille “strap,” and the outside mirror housing.
Also, the hatchback announces its uniqueness through a special R-Design badge fixed on the grille, while other enhancements include a Sport Body kit, large exhaust tip, and tailgate spoiler.
6 Colorful Paint Options
Special exterior color options are some of the ways automotive brands create unique products or updated products. As the then newest C30 trim and being a special model, Volvo provided the C30 T5 R-Design with four optional alluring exterior colors.
Hence, the R-Design Volvo could be optionally finished in Titanium Grey, Black Sapphire, Passion Red, and Orinoco Blue, making the special C30 trim more appealing to a wider range of enthusiasts in respect to color preference.
5 Spacious & Comfortable Seating
Like the standard C30, the R-Design upgraded C30 doesn’t pretend to seat more than four passengers. Hence, like the front section, the rear section provides ample seating spaces for just two people through two separate single-seater seats.
However, as a premium sportier version of the standard C30, the C30 R-Design’s seats are adorned with off-black Flex-tech with the backrest and cushions getting trimmed in crème-colored leather. Furthermore, the back of the front bucket seats was embossed with the R-Design logo for effect.
4 Premium Sporty Features
Volvo wasn’t done with the interior. Asides from upgrading the seats, the C30 R-Design also received several other sporty features and aesthetic enhancements that can be found inside the cabin. Notably, the steering wheel was uniquely wrapped in leather while its aluminum inlay received the R-Design badge.
Like Volvo’s legendary high-performance R models, the C30 R-Design also features a blue-face instrument cluster, while additional sporty features include sport shifter and sports pedals.
3 Very Safe
Safety has always been a major focus for Volvo Cars, and the C30 T5 R-Design was adequately catered for in that aspect by adopting the amazing safety process of the standard C30. Notably, the C30 was so highly rated it carted home the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award.
The model earned a “good” rating during strength tests for its front, side, rear, and roof, its highest rating up until then.
2 Awesome Fuel Economy & Range
In comparison with some of its industry rivals, the C30 T5 R-Design has quite a good fuel economy. The compact hatchback boasts an EPA rating of 21 mpg within the city, 30 mpg on the highway, while the combined rating is 24 mpg.
Also, with a full tank courtesy of its 15.9 gallons gas tank size, the C30 R-Design can easily cover a distance range of 333.90 miles within the city and 477 miles on the highway.
1 Amazing Standard & Optional Features
Several of the C30’s features that have been carried over to the C30 T5 R-Design are uniquely finished to reflect the newer model's uniqueness. One of such is the C30’s signature super-slim center console that now features a unique circular patterned inlay that gives the standard aluminum inlay a special demeanor.
Also, the C30 R-Design was equipped with 18” Atreus wheels and Sirius Satellite Radio, while other features that can be optionally added to the car include a power driver’s seat, power glass moonroof, and Dynaudio sound system among others.