Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Volvo C30 T5

A change of custodian for the C30 meant it had to re-earn its badge

Volvo C30 T5

I couldn’t believe that I’d managed to land one of the best jobs in publishing, so when Harry said that, as evo’s new art director, I’d get to run a long-termer too, that was the icing on the cake. Then my new boss said, ‘I‘m giving you the Volvo.’

Now, I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but upon hearing that five-letter name I was momentarily disappointed – until, that is, I realised he meant evo’s C30 T5. I’m genuinely intrigued to find out what the safety-conscious Swedes’ take on a hot hatch is like, and I’ve already taken a shine to ours, having spent a good chunk of our first weekend together cleaning it. I’ll let you know what I think of the driving experience next month.

Running Costs

Date acquiredDecember 2007
Total mileage7943
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month1791
MPG this month27.6
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Four modern classic sports cars that cost a fraction of their modern equivalents
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Four modern classic sports cars that cost a fraction of their modern equivalents

A new 911 is over £100,000, a new Lotus Evora just under, a new Vantage just over £160,000. Save a fortune and buy their modern classic ancestors
5 Feb 2026
Hot hatch icons take over the new issue of evo – car pictures of the week
'80s French hot hatches
Features

Hot hatch icons take over the new issue of evo – car pictures of the week

It’s a French revolution in the upcoming issue of evo, with iconic 80’s hot hatches and jewel-like Alpine A110 coach builds, plus a whole lot more
7 Feb 2026
Is Porsche really pulling the plug on the all-electric Boxster?
Porsche Cayman EV
News

Is Porsche really pulling the plug on the all-electric Boxster?

Reports by Bloomberg suggest the new CEO is considering ditching the all-electric Boxster and Cayman for hybrid power.
3 Feb 2026