Review and specifications
2012 Volvo C30
The Volvo C30 is a pleasant two-door, four-seat hatchback, but it isn't really engaging to drive. Power comes from a hardworking turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that delivered a reasonable 25 mpg overall. The manual transmission shifts easily and smoothly. The ride is compliant, and the cabin is relatively quiet. We found the C30 to be neither as agile nor as exciting as competitors. However, passengers will find a relatively comfortable interior that works well even on the longest trips. It also came equipped with standard curtain airbags, but Volvo's blind-spot warning system was optional. Model year 2013 was the final outing for the C30.
- Market value
- $7,200
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 4
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 2-door hatchback
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 5-speed
- Category
- Sports cars 4/5-seat
- Generation began
- 2008
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $7,200
- Retail value range
- $6,725 - $7,675
- Original MSRP range
- $24,950 - $31,850
- Trade-in range
- $3,410 - $4,265
Ratings
- Road test score
- 75/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 19 MPG
- EPA highway
- 28 MPG
- EPA combined
- 22 MPG
- Tested city
- 17 MPG
- Tested highway
- 35 MPG
- Tested overall
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,550
- Cruising range
- 400 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.9 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7.2 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 143 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 167 in
- Width
- 70 in
- Height
- 57 in
- Wheelbase
- 104 in
- Weight
- 3,175 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,040 lb
- Towing capacity
- 2,000 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 4 people
- Front head room
- 3 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 2.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 26 in
- Luggage
- 1+2+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Volvo
Other brands have caught up, but Volvo maintains its deserved reputation for safety innovation and quality fit and finish. Volvos also stand out for its attractive exterior styling and for having some of the nicest interiors in the industry, with especially comfortable seats. The brand’s XC line of SUVs range from compact and two-row to midsized and three-row. Volvo also sells sedans and station wagons, along with several EVs, ranging from small to large. Most of Volvo’s new cars scored average or below-average in our reliability rankings, and the infotainment systems on many models are less intuitive than what you’ll find in competitors’ cars. Our testers have also found that Volvos aren’t great at absorbing bumps, and have average fuel economy. Among used Volvos, some models have proven to be reliable enough to earn our recommendation.
Vehicle ID: 7731 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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