Recently in Korea, the charismatic hatchback ‘C30’ has been captured, earning praise as a hidden gem in the auto industry. Volvo, a renowned Swedish car brand known for its sturdy and safe vehicles, has gained popularity for its exceptional safety philosophy. This has propelled them to a high position in sales, surpassing Japanese cars and ranking just below German cars.
Volvo’s latest hatchback model, the C30, boasts a sporty design with a distinct 3-door shape. Although officially available in Korea, it is not a common sight on the roads.
The C30 stands out for its sporty design, with a front that adheres to Volvo’s family look but features unique sides and rear. The rear bumper is high, raising the license plate, and the tailgate is made of glass, emphasizing its small size. The taillights follow Volvo’s current design trend, curving upward towards the D-pillar.
Matching its appearance, the C30 delivers powerful performance. With various engine options, including gas engines producing 145hp, 170hp, 230hp, and 253hp, as well as diesel engines offering 115hp, 150hp, 180hp, and an electric model with 110hp. In Korea, the 2.4L gas engine and high-performance 2.5L turbo gas engine were popular, with the addition of a 2.0L diesel lineup later on.
Despite its favorable reviews, the C30 did not sell in large numbers in Korea, resulting in a limited presence in the used car market. Its unique design, good performance, and reasonable price of around 43.2 million won for the turbo engine variant made it a sought-after import car. The Golf R, priced just over 50 million won at the time, was a comparable option.
Today, the Volvo C30 is considered a hidden gem, especially among consumers who appreciate its sporty design and good performance. The 2.4L gas engine and 2.5L turbo gas engine, both 5-cylinder engines, enhance the driving experience with their distinctive sound. Despite its positive reputation abroad, the hatchback did not enjoy high popularity in Korea, leading to low sales and a modest number of remaining units. As a result, the used car market offers the C30 at a very affordable price, typically around 5 million won.
For interesting car-related issues or tips, contact us via KakaoTalk at [email protected].