• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Just like the larger C70 convertible, Volvo's funky C30 hatchback will receive a funky new front end for the 2010 model year. The revised hatch will make its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but we've got the official images and details ahead of time.

Obviously, the new nose takes its design cues from Volvo's new styling language first seen on the XC60 crossover. The larger headlamps, more curvy grille, and larger foglamp surrounds give it a more robust appearance, though as with the XC60 and C70, we think it'll only prove to be a love/hate relationship with enthusiasts.

What else is new for 2010? Not much. The rear styling stays the same, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and we can look forward to seeing a few more paint options, as well as a sport package which lowers the C30's ride height by ten millimeters, quickens the steering ratio, and offers stiffened brushings, dampers, and stabilizer bars.

Click through the post for the official press release.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Volvo C70 Photos, Details Show Up Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut

Volvo has released photos and details of the C70 convertible ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show this month. With a new nose, headlamps, LED taillights, and instrument panel, the C70 takes a lot of design cues from the S60 concept we fell in love with at the Detroit show in January. It also features a slick three-piece hard top that, when in place, increases torsional rigidity 15 percent.

Propelling the C70 is Volvo’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which provides 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

We think that the C70’s aggressive new look is a step in the right direction. We were stunned by the looks of the S60 concept, and that design language translates well to the convertible. That isn’t to say, however, that we don’t miss the boxy image of old.

We wouldn't mind some performance updates, but we'll wait to drive it to pass judgement.

Click through the gallery above to see what awaits us at Frankfurt, or scroll down for the press release from Volvo.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

According to a report from Autocar, an unnamed source at Volvo has confirmed its all-electric C30 hatchback debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The Volvo spokesperson also states that it is still a concept car and that “Volvo has no current plans to put it into production.” Volvo is considering whether or not an electric C30 will fit into their lineup, but don’t expect this battery-powered hatch to hit showrooms anytime soon.

Scroll through our Volvo Recharge Concept gallery above, and for more information about the new Volvo all-electric C30 click on the link below.

+ Autocar: All-Electric Volvo C30

Rumor has it that the Chinese central government has given Geely the go-ahead to buy Volvo from Ford.

The Shanghai securities journal has stated that Geely has received the green signal from the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC) which is the official government institutethat oversees Chinese acquisitions totally 100 million USD or more. Geely is expected to put in an offer of $293 million for Volvo. China Car Times states that Geely plans to keep Volvo as an independent business but use Volvo’s skills and expertise to improve on Geely’s technology.

For more about this alleged merger click on the link below.

+ China Car Times: Central Govt gives Geely the nod to buy Volvo 

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.

 Volvo introduced its new 2010 XC60 R-Design, in a Press Release today. Volvo representatives said that it will be on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show, this September.

The XC60 R-Design is said to have a stiffer chassis, better steering response, and well-defined driving properties. To go with the new sporty driving experience the car comes with 18 inch five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels, chrome plated skid-plates, color-matched lower body moldings in a silk metal finish, and twin chrome tailpipes. The interiors have also been spruced up with a metal finish. The steering wheel comes with aluminum inserts and is trimmed with perforated leather while the sports pedals are made of brushed aluminum with rubber inserts for better grip, feel, and control.

For specifics on the Volvo XC60 R-Design scroll down and read the press release.

• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Volvo’s newest, and perhaps best-looking new crossover has recently been added to our Austin, Texas test fleet. The NextAutos crew is driving and recording impressions as we speak, ready for any Ask It question that you may have. Ask away by clicking through to our Forums thread, below.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2010 Volvo XC60

Volvo released its free PC racing game, “Volvo – The Game,” for download today. The game features two tracks: the Swedish Gothenburg Eco Drive Arena, and Chayka of Kiev, Ukraine.

Players can choose from among several Volvos to race with, including the S60 concept, which debuted at the Detroit auto show earlier this year, and the classic 240.

We took the game for a few test runs today, and we weren’t totally disappointed. The graphics are actually decent for a free game. The sounds feel pretty authentic, but the game’s theme song gets old quick. To race, we only used the keyboard controls, which, thankfully, are customizable.

We could see this game being fun once we get used to the controls, or if we had a wheel to hook up to the PC, but with only two tracks, it won’t be long before it grows tiresome. Again, though, it’s a free game.

Mac users are out of luck; "Volvo - The Game" is currently only available for the PC.

Click here to download the game from the official site, or scroll down to read the press release. Use the comments section to let us know what you think of "Volvo - The Game."

http://www.sub5zero.com/road-tests/first-drive-2009-volvo-c30-r-design-hatchback

http://www.MonsterAuto.Eu