I never actually drove the C30 naked, but I was certainly tempted. There is something about the aesthetic that makes you feel you are wearing this car rather than driving it. I am surprised it doesn’t need to be fitted at a tailor’s.
Walking up to the car, in R-Design sports trim, it is undeniably sexy. I’m sorry if you cringe at my use of the s word, but it is.
If you don’t want a Mini like everyone else and the Honda Civic is too ‘Star ship-Enterprise’ for you then think about this: The C30 looks and feels every bit as fashionable as the Mini and is just as much of a driver’s car as the Civic. But as it only came out last year, there is a good chance you will be the first person in school with one.
The cabin is spacious, even for lanky devils like me, but it feels like a cocoon. In sports trim, with leather bucket seats and the distinctive, stylish dashboard and steering wheel, it is a special place to be. Don’t just look at the pictures on Auto Trader, you need to sit in this car to understand what I mean.
Pulling away you know instantly that this car means business for the driver. On 18” alloys, the steering is not heavy, but will answer back if you drive along ruts or poor road surfaces; the wheel just tugging very slightly left and right. You get this on all sporty cars because of the wide wheels and it is a sensation I love. But if it’s not for you then specify a less sporty version of C30 on standard wheels.
The engine is smooth and accelerates with confidence at all times. It’s not aggressive or dramatic; this is not a hot hatch. It is a confident, stylish, mini-GT car. Out on b-roads or the roundabouts of the A11, there is always power when you need it and the handling is well balanced. It is not pointy like a fully-fledge sports or GT car, but it is not soft like a family hatchback.
It is, like the rest of the car, assured. Performing inner-city u-turns or sweeping through fast A-road bends are equally easy, so you can continue in amiable conversation with your passengers.
Like bigger Grand Tourer’s it will take 2+2 adults and some of their luggage. The luggage is stored under a tarpaulin in the boot area. This looks god initially, but I bet Volvo replace it in the near future because it is cumbersome and if you don’t put it back right, you can see a pile of material in your rear view mirror. It sounds petty, but if you have ever had an unfathomable sunroof rattle or a wind noise that only goes when you press a hand to the glass, you will understand why its worth mentioning.
If you look in the other rear view mirrors you discover one of the secret ingrediantes that make this car a joy to own. It is the same secret used with Mrk III Toyota Celica and some high-end sports cars. Every time you glance in a mirror you are rewarded with a glimpse of the distinctive rear wings. If you check your mirrors as much as you should you really will enjoy owning a C30.
It is ironic that a car’s looks are so important to car buyers. Yet, once in the car, the driver is the only person who cannot appreciate the looks. Perhaps that is why a good view of a rear wing is nice to have. It allows you to share in the joy of the external design. If you are sceptical about why great wings are important, test this car, or an old Celica or any great sports car design like a Jaguar E-Type or the 1970s Le-Man winning Porsche 917 (good luck with arranging that!).
But make sure the car is clean and waxed so the sun or moon glint off the metal. As soon as you check a mirror whilst accelerating down a slip road, you will be instantly convinced that the car can go quicker. And the ends of your mouth will creep up into a sneaky smile.
Once down the slip road you will settle into a very comfortable and smooth ride that absorbs bumps and suppresses noise. Cruising down a motorway in this car is a joy. All journeys seemed to be over too soon.
Summary
The C30 is its own man, not pandering to the stereotypes of car categories. It is a
mini-GT car that acquits itself as a highly competent and enjoyable all-rounder. Values look strong so whether buying new or nearly new you should be pleased with residuals come trade-in time.
Road test details
2.0 R-Design SE Sport
OTR: £21,995
0-60 mph: 8.8
MPG: 38.2
Co2: 177
Words: Matthew Tumbridge