Volvo C30 D5 Test Drive: More Than You'd Expect...

I test drive this outstanding C30 and give an insight into the driving characteristics of this left field choice for a small hatchback. Better in every aspect to it's competition. It's also for sale, so send a message if you are interested.
Remapped: 210BHP & 520NM torque

[@davidbrown2945]

Ive just bought a 2007 C30 D5 SE Sport Auto, its had an eco remap, DPF delete and EGR delete. Its quick but not furiously rapid, I'd describe the power band as very solid right through and effortless...... and of course it sounds like a Messerschmidt in a full throttle dive bomb when you nail the accelerator!!! Very pleased with it and thoroughly enjoyed this review, cheers.

[@janegrimshaw9003]

It's sad that these gems will soon become a novelty and almost curios.

[@stefansworld3351]

Hopefully the ULEZ crap will become extinct, therefore allowing these cars to be still financially practical.

[@dreamdrumsdeep]

I've unfortunately got to sell mine soon and I will be gutted. Such a good car and sounds amazing, not just for a diesel either, it just sounds good. I will probably get a smaller engined C30 begrudgingly...

[@stefansworld3351]

You could always look for a 5 pot 2.0 diesel (Volvo engine, not the 4 pot 1997cc PSA one).

[@henry3445]

Is yours a manual? I want to buy one but they all seem to be automatic😑

[@stefansworld3351]

@@henry3445 Yes, it's a 6 speed manual. I've not seen many auto C30 models. They're mostly manual.

[@henry3445]

@@stefansworld3351 oh really? I want to buy a d5 but the only ones I can find are all autos, so annoying

[@Manoah.]

I have a 180HP C30 D5 (Pre facelift sadly) but all the dutch tuning companies can't seem to go over 480Nm of torque for some reason. Have you had any engine mods done? Or do we just have bad tuners here in the Netherlands :P

[@stefansworld3351]

Nothing modded apart from the EGR valve being removed from engine management, DPF removed and catalytic converter removed and the remap. A solid 42mpg/5.6L/100KM. 140mph/225km/h. It was done by a professional and experienced Volvo tuner.

[@papapetad]

Seems strange. Do they say they can't go past 480 or is that a good place to stop to prevent damage to other components? I expect the limiting factor would be the transmission for autos or clutch for manual. 480 is 20% over stock which doesn't seem like a sketchy leap but I have no idea what the limits on stock drivetrain and internals are.

[@Manoah.]

@@papapetad no they say they can't get over 480Nm since most of them share the same map for stage 1. Maybe I should get a custom tune on it, hopefully they'll get a bit more out of the engine

[@jerrypettersson259]

The d2 is a volvo engine and it is not fully loaded you have no gps system on,blis

[@user-vy8zk9yh3r]

D5 185hp 400HM my engine in my XC70 ? эта малышка летит с ним

[@stefansworld3351]

Same engine.

[@bigd-oj4xi]

Nice that dont want a deisel tho. T5 petrol is better

[@stefansworld3351]

T5 is obviously the ideal choice, but savage on fuel and yearly tax rates. This one is remapped and gives a solid 47mpg and still does 140mph. The torque wouldn't be any more on the T5.

[@bigd-oj4xi]

@@stefansworld3351 I get the fuel thing but its worth it for more power. why is a diesel taxed less? Makes no sense. Aren't they trying to phase out diesels, they create more particulants In the air too. They should be taxed more!

[@stefansworld3351]

I know it makes no sense, it's the government after all. But for my colleague who owned this car, he travelled a round trip of 50 miles per day, it's a huge cost saving and a decent alternative to the petrol. For the relatively small wage he earns, he wouldn't have been able to keep up with the fuel costs.

[@Bilbobaggins82242]

The real world difference between the D5 and T5 is not as big as you would think , and my euro 3 d5 can see me 55-60 mpg around town and been a 5 cylinder the d5 sound shockingly good