Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design Facelift

We can see the 2010 Volvo C30 and C70 facelift at the Frankfurt Motor Show, also the 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design. It comes with a number of visual and technical improvements to the standard one.

The most noticeable and important update is the redesigned chassis and the steering, which create a sporty driving experience and better response. The chassis of the R-Design has been modified in several areas in order to meet high standards. The steering is more precise thanks to the stiffer bushings.

"A customer who test-drives the new C30 R-Design will immediately feel the difference," said Stefan Sällqvist, manager Vehicle Dynamics at Volvo Cars. "Even before the car has covered fifty metres, the driver will be aware of the crisp steering and the distinct chassis response. We are very pleased with the result and have considerable hope that keen drivers will feel the same way."

Additionally, the spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 % and the dampers are also stiffer due to the use of mono-tube type dampers that build up pressure much more quickly. With the new springs and dampers, the car ride height has been reduced by 10 mm. Volvo also installed stiffer roll stabilizers.

In terms of styling, the 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design features a redesigned front and rear bodykit, including the R-Design badge on the grille, grille and door mirror housings in special silk metal finish, new colour-coded side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and chrome-plated sports tailpipes. The car stands on 17-inch five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels (18-inch optional). Buyers get seven options of exterior body colors.

Inside, the R-Design ‘theme’ continues, such as blue speedo and rev counter gauges, embossed R-Design emblems in the front seats, a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather with the R-Design emblem and a gear lever knob trimmed in leather and aluminium. The upholstery is available with two colour combinations: cream-coloured leather with sides in dark grey Flex-Tec, or off-black leather with edges in off-black.

Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Volvo C30 Facelift

The highly anticipated 2010 Volvo C30 Facelift was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It features a new exterior design which is seemingly inspired by the S60 concept and the newly C70 facelift, making it more in line with all the other current models.

The redesign features new body panels for the wings and bonnet, new headlights, and a new bumper. A restyled honeycomb grille with a larger Volvo logo makes its way onto the final version. The rear has also been worked on. Buyers have an option to specify the rear bumper assembly to be in the car’s body color or a different one. Also available is the new color, Orange Flame Metallic (pictured), as well as white wheels option.

Inside, new upholstery colors are added on the options list. Of this, Program Chief Maria Uggla says, "We know that a large proportion, almost half, of all C30 customers make detailed interior choices. They want to decide for themselves what their car should look like and are not interested in readymade packages. The new C30 gives them a range of fresh, modern style cues in terms of both colour and fabric to choose between."

Besides, a new sport chassis is available, for a price, providing a "sharper" and "stiffer" response. Other modifications include sharper steering, a tighter steering ratio that gives a 10% faster response to inputs, increased spring stiffness (up by 30%) and stiffer dampers.

Engine options include five diesel variants, ranging from 107bhp to 177bhp, and three petrols, ranging from 99bhp to 227bhp. These include two DRIVe eco models powered by the 1.6-litre diesel engine. The models with stop-start system average 72.4mpg and emits 104g/km of CO2. Without the system, it averages 62.8mpg and emits 119g/km.