Just when the VW Group thought it had the classy family hatchback market sewn up, theres a new contender on the way from sweden. We have already been impressed by Volvo's S40 and V50 - but now there is another model to look forward to: the V30
The pictures here are basedon information from within the company,and provide the first glimpse of a car that will aim to tempt image-conscious buyers away from established favourites such as Audi's A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. As Volvo's first small hatchback since the conservative 440 was dropped back in 1997, the V30 would be joined by a sporty 3-door variant which is expected to be called the S30.
The design shown here is far more muscular than the S40 saloon, and it takes its inspiration from the Safety Concept Car unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001. There's also a passing resemblance to the 480 ES coupe. Volvo hinted at the possibility of a hatchback more recently with a range of concept models displayed at last year's New York exhibition. As with its stablemate, the V30 will be based on the Ford C1 platform, which underpins the next-generation Focus. That means owners will reap the benefits of a capable chassis, which could be set up to turn the all-new model into a performance-orientated driver's car.
Volvo is expected to expand its R range of hot models with an S40 variant next year, so enthusiasts shouldnt rule out the possibility of a hot hatch based on the V30 in the future.
While there have been no official details released about the compact duo, the maker is likely to unveil hatchback concepts at one of next years top motor shows. That means customers shouldnt expect to see the new five-door Volvo before the end of 2006.
Taken from Auto Express 4th August 2004
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