Volvo C30 T5

By Vertigo, on August 6th, 2009

I have recently changed from a VW Golf 5 GTI to a Volvo C30 T5 and must say it has been a good choice.

In comparison to the GTI, the power delivery is quite different, but there is still plenty of grunt. In fact, it has 22Kw more. Strangely enough, despite having a larger engine, it feels less responsive at low revs. That is not to say that it is not responsive – however – far from it, but it is not like the GTI where the gas pedal is like an on/off switch.

Aside from that, I cannot decide whether I agree with car magazine on the fact that it is a miniscule 0.17 seconds faster to 100Km/h. I would have to put it to the test.

A major difference – however – is that where the GTI begs to be driven hard, the Volvo is a smoother ride, and is less effort to drive. This would probably have a lot to do with why my wife prefers it to the GTI. Don’t get me wrong, it is fast but one does not feel inclined to drive it at the redline as often.

They have much the same features with a few notable exceptions. Firstly, the GTI had heated seats as standard where in the Volvo it is an option. I seldom used the feature and hence don’t need it. Aside from that, the GTI had a very cool feature that is not mentioned in the brochure where it automatically activated the hazards under hard braking. The Volvo lacks that. However, the Volvo has an electronic driver seat with memory for three settings which the GTI lacks.

In terms with safety, both have 5 star Euro NCap ratings with 6 airbags so that is much of a muchness.

Overall, however, I have to say that I prefer the Volvo and consider it an upgrade from the GTI. It is more robust and feels like it is of a higher quality. Also, I trust the Volvo name, both in terms with reliability and safety.

And it is NOT an old man’s car…

City: Johannesburg

Country: South Africa