| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Volvo C30 T5 R-Design |

Inside & Out:

It's rare for a Volvo's trump card to be its looks, but this is indeed the case with the C30. Nothing else in the market place shares the same style and road presence and Volvo has done a brilliant job of resolving old and new design languages in a car that is modern but clearly identifiable as a Volvo and all that the marque holds dear. The basic shape sports the family face upfront, but the flanks and rear are the most radical interpretation of Volvo's 'shoulder' look seen yet and the whole thing works a treat. The R-Design package - effectively replacing what were branded as plain "R" models - accentuates these looks with bold colours, large alloys and body addenda in all the right places.

Inside, the Volvo C30 is less radical, but enjoys many of the benefits of Volvo's more recent interior designs; the floating centre console is becoming a familiar sight and comfortable seats and a cracking stereo are a given in modern Volvos. Contrasting leather trim for seats, doors and driving controls are of a good quality and eye catching, breaking up what may otherwise have been a slightly drab cabin. Comfort levels are very high and only slightly limited practicality (due to the design of the rear tailgate) blots the score sheet. It's a very solid effort.

Engine & Transmission:

Volvo's five-pot turbocharged engine is familiar to many now. A derivative does fine service in the nose of the Ford Focus ST and the T5 version does an equally sterling job. The 227bhp on tap doesn't reflect the true performance available as well as the torque figures perhaps do. The availability of 236lb.ft from 1,500 to 5,000rpm ensures that power is delivered linearly and smoothly with the minimum fuss or lag. Performance figures of 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a 149mph maximum demonstrate the potency on tap, but it's the in-gear tractability that leaves a lasting impression. Gearing is aimed at refinement and economy rather than outright pace - with a short close ratio 'box this would be a very quick car indeed.

As it is, the engine and gearbox make an excellent combination. The shift action is smooth and precise and the long ratios make for relaxed cruising. The engine's manners are also exemplary, though keener drivers may wish Volvo had let the sonorous five-pot be more vocal as it only really makes itself heard in the upper echelons of the rev band. Economy isn't a strong point, with 30mpg at a cruise being the best we could manage with an overall average of around 26mpg more likely as an everyday result.

Ride & Handling:

The R-Design moniker notates a more sporting intent to the chassis and it is equipped accordingly. Some of our more challenging test routes did find it to be perhaps a little too stiffly suspended, but we've noted the same of many of the C30's rivals and it's a common theme in modern fast hatches. Volvo would be well advised to fit its switchable damping system as standard. Having said that, the car drives well with no torque steer to speak of and a direct and well-weighted helm. Grip is never in doubt and smooth road progress is as quick as you could wish to go. Some rivals may be more engaging but few are quicker across the ground.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Volvo's pricing policy for the C30 is very keen, but careful selection of options is a must. The £2,150 Communications Pack doesn't offer great value in my opinion. Nor does the innovative, but expensive, Blind Spot Information System at £650. Take those two options off the list and the car we tested here comes in at slightly over £24k or, to put it another way, well specified VW Golf GTI money, which is less than an Audi S3 or BMW 130i. Running costs, fuel consumption, road tax and depreciation would all be similar to the competition.

Overall:

More GT than hot hatch, the Volvo C30 T5 offers a mature and understated alternative to the usual suspects. Its blend of comfort, refinement and quality is hard to match and the performance available is more than competitive. In short, if you're in the market for a performance hatch that stands out from the crowd the C30 should be near the top of your short list.