Volvo C30: German's Readers' Choice For "The Best Cars of 2007"

Volvo C30: German's Readers' Choice For "The Best Cars of 2007"

by Glady Reign

When it rains, it pours. And it seems like Volvo Cars is getting the entire downpour. The first thing to be thankful about it is its amazing 80 years existence in the auto industry. Then, here comes the overwhelming awards.

For its latest addition - the Volvo C30 - alone, the model has received the Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) from one of the major Sunday papers, and the Auto Zeitung's Auto Trophy award in the best compact car class. But it did not stop there, the Volvo C30 is also the readers' choice feature "Die besten Autos 2007" ("The best cars of 2007") of the distinguished German trade journal "auto motor und sport" the Swedish manufacturer's first compact model came way out on top in the lower medium import class.

Success comes successively that it leaves the automaker jubilant and thrilled. The all-new S80 also yielded remarkable result, coming second in the upper medium import class. In the said competition, readers are given the opportunity to choose from 312 current car models. Over 100,000 readers chose their favorite cars in ten vehicle categories.

The 2007 Volvo C30 garnered 19.1 percent of the votes thus making it a dominant entry in its category. The said success is bolstered by its previously won awards like the "Das Goldene Lenkrad 2006", the "Auto Trophy 2006" and the "Design Award 2006."

The all-new S80 garnered 12.2 percent of readers' votes to put it on the second place in its category thus beating other popular rivals. The second generation of Volvo limousine blends Scandinavian design with the clear language of innovation and intelligent functions. It also boasts of superb driving dynamics and the outstanding Volvo safety reputation.

The new Volvo C30 from the automaker flaunts the unmistakably Volvo features - from the luxurious aura and ergonomics, exemplary safety, sporty drive feel. The three-door, four-seat hatchback is powered by I4 and I5 engines. The production version of the car was officially introduced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. It will be introduced in the United States as a 2008 model, with the T5 as the single version.

For the very first time, Volvo reaches out to the young generation of auto buyers. "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," said Anne Blec, President and CEO of VCNA.

"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package," said Steve Mattin, Volvo Car's design director. "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."

Aside from standard auto parts like Volvo antenna, wheels, radiator, and brakes, the Volvo C30 also boasts of its safety features that include the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) to overcome "blind spots" and the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) to monitor the car's preemptive systems that include steering wheel angle, pedal depressions, and overall factors that aid the vehicle's computer to decide if the driver is busy or distracted. The car also features four-wheel anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, seatbelts with pretensioners, traction control, and airbags all around for side impact and rollover protection.

"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," Arp noted. The automaker intends to sell 65,000 cars every year. Seventy-five percent of those sales are expected to come from Europe market.