| First Drive | Hampshire, England | Volvo C30 DRIVe |

Along with the S40 and the V50, Volvo's C30 DRIVe eco-model has been tweaked for superior performance, better economy and lower emissions. Though not a seismic shift, the changes are enough to increase the hatchback's appeal to cost conscious buyers.

In the Metal

The exterior differences are few and far between, but there are a number of changes that separate the DRIVe model from the standard Volvo C30 - all of which actively improve efficiency to some degree.

These include a 10mm lower ride height, a covered radiator grille, wind deflectors in front of the front wheels, flat-rimmed 'Libra' wheels, under-body panels, a rear spoiler and a new rear bumper. Look closer and you'll see a set of low rolling resistance Michelin tyres, too.

What you get for your Money

Volvo's new C30 DRIVe starts at £18,905, which puts it among the premium hatches on the market. The potential savings are certainly worth a look, though, as the emissions have now fallen below the magic 100g/km mark to 99g/km, and fuel economy is now up to 74.3mpg.

Those figures represent improvements over the previous C30 DRIVe and they also mean that it can travel on London's roads without having to pay the congestion charge.

Driving it

You might think that such environmentally friendly measures would strangle the C30's performance, but that's not the case. Volvo has actually increased the engine's power output by 5bhp over that of the previous DRIVe model to a total of 113bhp. Those aren't huge numbers, but, if anything, this engine seems more willing and responsive than that of the standard C30 1.6 diesel, which is quite muted in its power delivery.

Equally, the longer gear ratios for the six-speed gearbox seem to work in the Volvo's favour performance wise, as well as helping to reduce fuel consumption. Other, less obvious, mechanical tweaks include low viscosity transmission oil, optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering and stop-start technology - none of which seem to have done the C30 any harm at all.

Despite the slightly more slippery tyres, the C30 grips well, it's just a shame that the inert steering remains. There's very little feedback through the steering wheel and, despite its weighted action - there's no delicacy to the system at all.

Worth Noting

Don't think that this is the be all and end all for clean Volvo C30s. An electric version has already done the rounds on the international motor show circuit and the first ten working examples started trials with staff at the Swedish power firm Göteborg Energi in autumn 2010. Expect to see it in showrooms at the end of 2012.

Summary

It's commonplace for an eco-version of an existing car to be a little slower and a little more numb than the original article, but that's just not the case with the Volvo C30. If anything, the changes seem to have improved its dynamics over those of the standard car, with a reasonably responsive engine and gearing to match.

Rock bottom emissions and thoroughly impressive fuel economy can only help. If it weren't for the C30's poor steering and its lack of space in the rear, the DRIVe version would be a serious class contender.