The 2009 Volvo C30 is currently Volvo's smallest model. New in 2008, it remains mostly unchanged for 2009, though the trim names were updated this year. They dropped the rather mundane sounding Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 of the original. The C30 is a compact hatchback competing with the Audi A3, Mazda Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Saturn Astra, BMW 1-Series, MINI Clubman and Cooper, Volkswagen GTI and R32, Honda Fit and Suzuki SX4 Crossover.

The C30 seats four, with bucket seats front and back. The back seats are spaced so they have easy front view around the front seats. Overall, the C30 has several nice features, but nothing that really stands out on a luxury car. Likewise, there is nothing about the looks of the C30 to make one sit up and take notice. While it's not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, the truth is that at a glance it would be hard to distinguish this car from at least half the other cars on the road in its class.

The C30 comes in two trims, T5 and the somewhat nicer and more expensive T5 R-Design. Both are equipped with a 2.5 liter, 227 horsepower I5 gasoline engine that comes standard coupled with a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. An optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is available with either trim.

The C30 provides plenty of horsepower for its size, giving it a better than average power to weight ratio. But at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon highway, the fuel efficiency lags just a little. Though the turn radius is larger than class average, headroom is a little smaller.

NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are not available; however, being a Volvo, one would expect the safety ratings to be at least average for a small car, possibly better. Among the safety features are an anti-theft device, antilock brakes with electronic braking assistance, traction control and vehicle stability control and keyless entry. Strangely enough for a car clearly built with young families in mind, there are no child safety locks.

Base price on the 2009 Volvo C30 is $23,800, with a base of $25,950 on the R-Design. That makes it among the most expensive in its class. Yet, as seems to be the case too often with Volvo, while you get a good car, you don't quite get the great car you expect when you buy a European luxury vehicle.