01 May 08
Things I would have done differently if I ordered the Volvo C30 again would be to ditch the useless Communications Pack (£2,150) because of the issues with the handsfree (see last report). From May onwards Bluetooth is standard and you don't have to endure the ridiculous procedure of removing your simcard and slotting it in the glovebox.
One option I would re-order without a moment's hesitation is the High Performance Sound Audio system (£250). It is utterly brilliant and worth every penny. Same goes for the excellent optional bi-xenon lamps. They're not cheap at £950, but in my experience I haven't found another set of headlights to provide the same field of vision at night.
As you can probably tell, life with the Volvo has been pretty rosy. Nothing has broken, fallen off, or rattled itself loose, and apart from an altercation with dosey Golf driver in traffic, I have barely had the chance to introduce myself to the local dealer.
As more and more C30s hit the road, some of the novelty of having one of the most aesthetically intriguing cars on the road has worn off. Having said that, on my final run this morning, I saw three C30s - all 2.0 diesels - around Chichester. That engine may be the sensible choice given the current credit shakes but under hard acceleration the T5's five-cylinder engine is too grumbly, so it's not the one for me.
Now back to that tantrum.
