Volvo's C30 line-up now includes the addition of two new versions: the C30 D5 turbodiesel and the new S variant that makes the C30 available to a wider range of buyers.

Joining the LE and T5 models that introduced the slow selling C30 to the Australian market in March 2007, the C30 D5 and C30 S expand the range to four.

The new 132 kW five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, found in the C30 D5, generates no less than 400 Nm with the standard six-speed manual transmission (350 Nm with the Geartronic automatic), combining high performance with outstanding fuel economy. The standard C30 D5 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a swift 7.7 seconds, while returning an average fuel economy figure of 6.2L/100km.

Like all diesel models in the Volvo range, the C30 D5 also has low tailpipe emissions through its advanced diesel-engine design and its use of a regenerative catalyst-coated Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (CDPF) to reduce total particulate output to levels at or below those of petrol-engined cars. The C30 D5 also boasts a 'lowish' CO2 emissions figure of 164 g/km.

Nothing is left wanting in terms of equipment either.

The C30 D5's standard roll call includes electronic climate-control air-conditioning, leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminium inlays in the doors and centre console, Performance Sound six-speaker audio with CD player, cruise control, trip computer and steering wheel controls, Kalix interior trim with adjustable lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, 6.5 x 16 alloy wheels, Home Safe and Approach lighting, heated and powered exterior rear-view mirrors and front and rear fog lights.

The new S version of the Volvo C30 brings all the qualities of the four-seater at a new, lower price point.

Using the 125 kW five-cylinder 2.4-litre engine employed in the LE model, the C30 S is available with the choice of manual five-speed or five-speed Geartronic transmission.

Similarly to the C30 D5, it is generously equipped with electronic climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, Kalix interior trim, six-speaker sound system with CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, adjustable lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, leather-trimmed steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The C30 D5 and S models are imbued with Volvo's safety focus, which includes dual front airbags, front side airbags and inflatable curtain airbags (IC) complimenting Volvo's Side Impact protection System (SIPS), and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS).

The C30 D5 and S also employ Volvo's STC Stability and Traction Control System as well as ABS braking with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) to enhance the safety already in the car's suspension system.

Available with a six-speed manual as standard or with Volvo's adaptive five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the C30 D5 is priced at $42,450 and $43,950 respectively. The C30 S is $34,450 in five-speed manual form, or $35,950 with five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. Prices indicated exclude dealer delivery fees and state/territory taxes, duties, fees, charges and levies.

And it may well be the price range that inhibits the acceptance of the Volvo C30 in Australia. For example, the Volkswagen Golf GT Sport is a much better car and it provides superior value. On the road, the VW is clearly a better drive.

However, the Volvo C30 D5 combines performance with economy and low exhaust emissions while the new S model opens the door to more C30 buyers.

Alan Desselss, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia, spoke about the new C30 models.

"The introduction of the C30 D5 is a timely move that recognises the growing impact of diesel-powered cars on the Australian market."

"With the impressive sophistication of modern diesel engines, the D5 powerplant finds an appropriate home in a car already known for its sporty characteristics and highly individual character."

"The new C30 S is also a welcome addition to the range that will help bring this enticing new Volvo within reach of more Australian buyers."

Volvo C30 D5 brings sophistication, smooth power and low emissions to diesel motoring

With the ability to power its way from zero to 100 km/h in some 7.7 seconds, the new Volvo C30 D5 offers more than low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

In fact, the outright standing-start acceleration figures show only part of the picture.

With its lofty torque figure of 400 Nm produced from 2,000 rpm (350 Nm from 1,750 rpm with the Geartronic transmission), the D5's on-road acceleration figures are even more impressive, meaning reduced time while overtaking on the open road, or accelerating to match traffic speeds from a freeway on-ramp.

The five-cylinder 2.4-litre transverse turbodiesel engine in the new C30 D5 uses a twin overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder and an electronically controlled turbocharger to produce 132 kW at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 350 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

The D5's torque output is actually higher than that of the C30 T5 performance model, which produces an already impressive 320 Nm between 1,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm.

Combined with the relatively low weight of the C30 - the D5 weighs 1,447 kg - this produces performance complimented by a suspension system that combines a supple ride with precise, stable handling and roadholding characteristics.

The D5 engine also represents a new generation of diesel engines in which easy power and occupant-pleasing refinement are a given - as are the minimal exhaust emissions that rival the best petrol engines.

While much of this comes from the efficiency of the D5 engine, it is also largely due to the adoption of Volvo's regenerative catalyst-coated Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (CDPF).

The special catalyst coating helps burn off accumulated soot particles that are a by-product of diesel engines in a process that occurs roughly every 500 km and offers a filtration efficiency of more than 95 per cent.

This is an automatic process that is unnoticed by the driver, with regeneration of the filter taking about 20 minutes. The result is that the C30 D5 has a particulate count equal to or better than many petrol engines.

The cleanliness of the D5 engine is also demonstrated by the CO2 output which, measured in grammes per kilometre, is actually lower than that of the petrol-engined C30 models.

Volvo C30 - A new approach in the upper compact segment

When it was introduced to the Australian market in March 2007, the C30 was not just a new model for Volvo - it also enlivened the compact premium car market with its blend of distinctive two-door styling, driver-pleasing dynamic abilities, passenger comforts and four-seat practicality.

It introduced a new type of car to the Volvo line-up and arrived with a flourish that was followed by an eager acceptance within its target market. The Volvo C30 is a car that made a clear statement about the individuality and discernment of its owner, while still espousing all the intrinsic values of the Volvo brand.

The C30 was signalled before its actual arrival on world markets by the Volvo C30 Design Concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show, or the even earlier Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car).

The daring glass tailgate with its distinctive taillight design is an unmistakable, bold design signature.

The balanced, flowing shape of the C30 begins with the identifiably Volvo front end incorporating sharply angled headlight arrays and a low, assertive grille.

The profile is sleek, with a sloping roof and distinct wheel housings implying a dynamic character, while the view from the rear, with the C30's deep glass tailgate, horseshoe-shape taillights and broad shoulder line, is at once powerful and graceful.

Inside, the C30 makes a statement of individuality.

The centrepiece in this uniquely Volvo interior is the floating centre console that can be specified in a range of finishes that emphasise the individual character of the C30.

This elegant, striking feature offers the choice of aluminium finish, ultra-modern Virtual White or Nordic Light Oak.

The C30's individual nature is also emphasised by the seating.

Accommodation is provided for four adults in an arrangement that provides separate cushioning for the rear-seat passengers, configured to provide maximum comfort combined with secure lateral support.

The rear seatbacks may be folded down individually to maximise luggage-carrying possibilities through to the boot area that is accessed by the glass tailgate.

Volvo's performer

The dynamics of the C30 also establish it as a car with a sporting character.

With five-cylinder engines used across the four-model range, petrol and diesel, there is plenty of spirit in every C30 model.

The range includes the 125 kW 2.4-litre transverse in line five-cylinder engine employed in the S and LE models, the new D5's 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel and the recently updated 169 kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo used to powerful effect in the T5 model.

All models are available with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes, with the powerful D5 and T5 models gaining a six-speed manual transmission over the five-speed manual gearbox seen in S and LE C30s.

The C30 is shorter and lighter than the S40 and V50 Volvo models with which it shares its suspension.

The well-proven system uses coil-over struts incorporating anti-dive and anti-lift geometry at the front, and a coil-spring, independent multi-link system at the rear. Anti-roll bars are used at both front and rear.

All C30 models use an all-disc braking system with ventilated discs at the front, along with ABS anti-lock braking and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is standard on the C30 T5 while STC (Stability and Traction Control) is standard on the S, LE and D5.

Safety: A Volvo tradition

The Volvo C30 incorporates the attention to safety that has always been a Volvo byword.

In terms of dynamic safety, in which the car is designed to avoid accidents through balanced handling and road-holding abilities, the C30 is nimble and accurate to drive.

The advanced suspension system is supported by electronic aids that intervene to help keep the car on track in critical situations, while the body and its secondary, passive safety systems protect passengers should an accident occur.

All C30 models are fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and inflatable curtain airbags (IC) as well as Volvo's Side Impact protection System (SIPS), and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS).

The torsionally strong C30 body is designed to absorb impacts from front, side and rear while protecting passengers, while the window area is designed to offer a good view in all directions.