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"Simply put, it rocks," boasts the press release. Well, technically they were talking about the sound system, but we know what they meant.

Volvo has released media information for its new C30, which the company plans to unveil at the 2006 Paris Motor Show this fall. The hatchback has the distinction of targeting young singles and couples with "intense" urban lifestyles who look for vehicles with a certain look and driveability.

Among its perks are a 160-watt sound system, turbocharged 218 hp inline five, four sport bucket seats, and safety amenities aplenty.

Volvo expects to sell 65,000 units world wide per year, though the company has not released plans to sell the vehicle in the United States.

More info and pictures after the jump.

[Source: Volvo Cars of North America]

Volvo Car Corporation reveals first production photos of the all-new C30; will be unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show this

September Irvine, CA (July 24, 2006) – The first official photos of the exciting new Volvo C30 were released today by Volvo Car Corporation. In preparation for the car's global unveiling this September at the Paris Motor Show, the photos come just seven months after the C30 Design Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early 2006.

The edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark. The C30 will represent a new segment entry for Volvo. "The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo," commented Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly."

Global sales of the new C30 are targeted at 65,000 cars annually. Fully 75 percent of those sales are expected to come from Europe, with the largest markets being Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), is currently evaluating the possibility of introducing the new C30 to the U.S. market.
All-new Volvo C30 design linked closely to Detroit Motor Show concept

The design of the production Volvo C30 is highly reminiscent of the C30 Design Concept that was unveiled to the automotive press at the Detroit Motor Show at the beginning of the year. The front clip retains its sporty, dynamic character with the aggressively angled headlamps and the low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel arches and sloping roofline give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the design of the side glass. As expected with any modern Volvo, the shoulders of the C30 are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the highly stylized lighting pattern of the tail lamps and glass tailgate. The available spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate comes in two distinctive styles.


"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package," noted Volvo Car's Design Director Steve Mattin. "Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following."

Sport bucket seats for four adults

The new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two sport bucket rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are positioned slightly inboard to provide a feeling of space and exceptional outward visibility through the windshield. The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating center stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate. The folding rear seats really help meet the needs of the targeted customer's active lifestyle.

The interior program has been designed to meet the C30 buyers taste for personal choices. Even the base program offers the sporty T-Tech upholstery "The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30's youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo's traditional customers." commented Anne Bélec, President and CEO of VCNA.


218 horsepower and 8.5-inches shorter than a Volvo S40

Putting 218 horsepower to the front wheels, the new C30 is powered by a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine that produces 236 pound-feet of torque.

Measuring in at just 167 inches in length, the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo's model range – an impressive 8.5 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan while still retaining the 103.9 inch wheel base, which really pushes the wheels towards the end of the car. "A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel," said C30 project leader Håkan Abrahamsson. "Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering.

Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio®. Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Simply put, it rocks.

Volvo's legendary safety is well represented in the new C30

When it comes to safety, the new C30 is a true Volvo. Among other things, it will be available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car.

The front end incorporates the same patented multi-steel structure as the S40 and V50. Combined with airbags and safety belt pretensioners, the C30 offers first class safety.

But the C30 wouldn't be a Volvo if it didn't also include such standard safety equipment as the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.

"The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible," noted Arp.

VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Volvo has been building cars with safety in mind for over 75 years. The 2007 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan – including the award-winning performance sedan – S60 R and the performance wagon version – V70 R; the all-new flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and the new C70 convertible with its unique three-piece retractable hardtop.