A Comfortable Partner for Those Who Drive Long Distances – C30 2.0e Aktiv

Meanwhile, in line with Volvo's strategy of differentiating itself through personalization, the new C30 offers a rich array of choices. There are 13 body colors, and for the interior, 13 types of new T-Tec material and 9 types of leather color combinations. Furthermore, a noteworthy new adoption is the "Oyster Burst" color for the center stack (the panel housing audio and climate controls) of the driver's seat. Burst refers to the two- or three-color gradient color schemes known from guitars, and the Oyster Burst is said to be inspired by the design of Hagstrom, the Swedish semi-acoustic guitar favored by artists like Presley. Applying a musical instrument's color scheme to a car is a concept that may become more common in the future.

My driving impression was that the two models, with their distinct characters, each have their own merits and are positioned to serve different market segments.

The 2.0e Aktiv lacks explosive power, and one might feel that stop-and-go traffic in the city is a bit sluggish. However, once the pace stabilizes, especially on the highway, the speed increases pleasantly. This is likely due to the aerodynamic body. The 16-inch and 17-inch tires provide a comfortable ride, making it an especially comfortable partner for those who often drive long distances.

An Interior Reminiscent of a Modern Lounge

The 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DTC) shifts smoothly. While the initial acceleration from low RPMs does feel a bit slow, it reliably transmits the power of the 2.0-liter engine, which produces a maximum torque of 18.9 kgm at 4500 rpm, to the front wheels. Some may prefer larger tire diameters, but since this is a trade-off with ride comfort, 16-inch or 17-inch tires are a wise choice, and this remains the case for this model.

The image color is Orange Flame Metallic, paired with white 17-inch "Sticks" wheels. The seats are T-Tec, with a Sunburst Orange center and blonde surrounding in a duo-tone design. When combined with the Oyster Burst on the floating center stack, it creates a sharp impression that evokes a modern lounge.

• Design That Evokes the Identity of the New Generation Volvo


• A Comfortable Partner for Those Who Drive Long Distances – C30 2.0e Aktiv


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