PROS
- Bold, unique exterior. If you love the styling, you really love the styling
- Fun to drive, considering the nameplate
- Minimal, stylish Scandinavian interior with plenty of options

CONS
- Not as entertaining as other small coupes
- MPGs aren't what they should be for a vehicle in this segment
- Price increases quickly with any addition of options -- including a $300 charge for the addition of any option whatsoever

SUMMARY
Simply opening the door to the Volvo C30 goes far in explaining the vehicle's fuel economy -- it's as heavy as anything we've felt in full size luxury sedans. But hey, it's good to know that if a semi jack-knifes you into a brick wall, you'll probably be able to walk away from it. The safety that comes with the Volvo name comes with additional heft; though only six inches longer and four inches wider, the C30 weighs almost 500 more pounds than the Mini Cooper. And despite the T5's 55 horsepower advantage, the C30 drive, though fun, is somewhat mild-mannered when compared to the Cooper S. What it lacks in driving spirit, the C30 makes up for in style points. Especially the R-Design model we enjoyed this last time around; its rear spoiler, body kit, eighteen-inch wheels and other assorted interior niceties gave an already attractive form considerably more curb-appeal. Admittedly, it's a love-it-or-hate-it design, but we happen to love it. The C30 scores points for uniqueness -- especially considering the millions of unique-looking Minis already on the road.

If you're willing to compromise some driving kicks for added safety, excellent styling and some MPGs, the C30 is definitely worth looking into.

Read more about the 2009 Volvo C30 on the vehicle's buyer's guide page. Looking for other buyer's guide reviews? Click here to browse through our NextAutos vehicle search database.