Buying a C30 T5 R-Design

[Iceman82]

Hi guys,

For some reason I have an overwhelming urge to buy a C30 T5 R-Design! I saw one on the road the other day and I really loved the look of it. So much so I am lining up a test drive for the weekend!

However, I really am not sure that it's the best idea! I currently have a Audi TT Quattro Sport, which is a great car, but I keep on having this urge to look for a C30!!

Could anyone who has one, or has tested one, let me know what it is really like and either a) put me off or b) make it sound so appealing to get one that I do so without a thought in my head!!

Thanks!

[T4RRR]

Best organise a lengthy test drive to help you decide. Some dealers even allow you to "borrow" the car overnight as long as you insure it sufficiently. Also bear in mind that the C30R should be making an appearance later this year - 300bhp and AWD can't be a bad thing!

[F i F]

Have driven both a T5 and a D5 C30, and to be honest I found them disappointing and a bit of a pointless car.

Almost identically dynamically and performance to the V50 with the same engine transmission set ups. So I couldn't figure out the demographic it was aimed at.

It looks OK but all in all I got a V50 because it suits my use better.

Now as the poster above says a lot more power and AWD might make it more interesting, because at the moment it isn't even a warm hatch in my experience, yet when punting it round the lanes the passenger one day said he could physically see the fuel gauge going down.

On the other hand I have not driven a TT so it might really float your boat.

Edited by F i F on Wednesday 7th January 11:30

[Iceman82]

Ok, thanks for this guys. I had read somewhere that an R version was on the horizon but I didn't know it was a definite. With that in mind I may well hold off, save a few more pounds and wait until that rolls out.

[After_Shock]

Can anybody really see an R version being launched in the current economic climate and as Volvo is up for sale from Ford? Personally cant see it and would be very surprised, people will just start saying stuff as the Focus RS is coming out with circa 300bhp.

Comments above about it being dymanically the same as a V50 I couldnt disagree more, on a motorway in a straight line possibly but I drive both models on a weekly if not daily basis and their is a big difference in driver involvement with the C30 over the V50.

[don kalmar union]

Well the C30R is fully developed and ready for launch in fact some UK Volvo dealer principals have seen it and, some say, one member of that fraternity, of a kilted persuasion who had a fine career in BTCC has been involved in its development.

Regards, Don.

[don kalmar union]

And, I have to say that if the C30 is anything close to the Focus ST I have run for 2 years now in the chassis dept. it will be a fine drive.

Don.

[m4tt]

Very nice to drive, comfy, did feel the T5 i drove wasn't massively quick, certainly MUCH less than I was expecting.

I didn't get one for two reasons:

-The boot wasn't big enough for a pushchair and other stuff.
-There is no foot rest next to the clutch and at the time couldn't sell myself out to owning an auto after years of abusing them*

• I now own and auto

[shimon340]

Don, cleland then?

Any ideas as to launch date? Probably to coincide with the C30 launch in the WTCC? The Focus ST engines are being built in Skovde right?

[mph]

I ran a T5 for 18 months and thought it was one of the nicest cars I've owned.

The most surprising aspect was the number of compliments the car received, possibly because there were relatively few around and it does look quite sporting (for a volvo!)

The luggage space was rather small and inconvenient to access otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the car to anyone.