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Volvo's new R Design version of the C30

VOLVO'S C30 is a known and liked quantity around the offices of motoring.

A well-built, sporty coupé with some clever design touches that make it stand out from the crowd, the C30 has done much to rework Volvo's image, from "safe but staid" to "quite sporty while still being safe and solid".

To further promote this new, sporty brand ethos, Volvo has introduced the R Design concept.

The idea, common among many other manufacturers - witness BMW's M Sport, Audi's S-Line etc - is to enhance the "sport" models in the range by adding a few well-chosen accessories. This gives the model more appeal to drivers who really want a sportier car but, for practical or financial reasons, can't have one.

The R-Design package now comes as standard on the Sport and SE Sport C30 models.

The additional equipment includes smart 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone part-leather upholstery, leather sports steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, aluminium sports pedals and trim, blue instrument dials and sports floor mats.

Outside, the R Design package brings matt silver door mirrors and a special grille, while the R Design logo is splashed liberally around the whole car.

If you're buying either of the sports models, these little upgrades make the C30 look and feel just a bit sportier and are probably good for an extra 5mph in any car-related anecdotes down the pub - so, for Volvo, fitting the R Design kit is a lot cheaper than actually re-engineering the car to make it go 5mph faster!

I'd previously tried (and enjoyed) the rapid D5 version of the C30, with its 180bhp five-pot oil-burner, but was keen to sample it in 2.0-litre diesel guise - which more "real-world" buyers will probably opt for.

The two-litre still packs a respectable 320Nm of torque (as opposed to the D5's 400), which allows it to glide swiftly up through the slick, six-speed gearbox.

Spec check

Volvo C30 2.0D R-Design Sport Price: £19,645 0-60mph: 9.4secs Max speed: 127 mph Engine size:1,999cc Max power: 136bhp Insurance group: 12E Features: Dual-stage front airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, traction/stability control, cruise control

The performance is everything you'd expect from a modern, hi-tech diesel, with a combined mpg of a shade under 50 making it easy on the wallet.

My test version was fitted with a host of goodies, with cruise control, steering wheel audio controls and adjustable steering column all being standard.

The C30's stylish, minimalist interior design, with its "floating" centre console and Bang & Olufsen design ethos, makes the inside of the C30 an interesting and pleasant place to be.

Handling is neat and stable, with enough flexibility to have fun before the DSTC stability/traction control reminds you that you are in a Volvo, after all, and so should really be driven responsibly.

Being a Volvo, the array of safety devices is cutting edge, with dual-stage front airbags and more protective inflatable devices than a Zeppelin factory.

The front seats have an anti-whiplash system, while the brakes are equipped with ABS, EBD and electronic brake assistance.

The C30 is a desirable little coupé with an innovative design that marks it out as something different from the competition.

The R Design additions lift it just a little bit higher still, making it feel that bit more sporty and luxurious.

For more information, contact Alan Gibson Volvo on 01256 466111.

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