Volvo to Unleash the Aesthetically-Challenged V30
Now that BMW and Audi are creating more than line extensions than dueling cocaine dealers, Volvo seems ready to follow suit. Their answer to BMW's MINI Clubman and Audi's A3 Sportback? The ungainly Volvo V30. Based on the platform that spawned the S40, V50, C70, C30 and Segway (just kidding), the V30 is yet another five-door wagon. This one's slated to be almost 11" shorter than the V50 wagon, and haul about half the köttbollar. In fact, you could say the V30 four-seater is the P1800 wagon reincarnated, but I couldn't possibly comment. Expect the usual Volvo engine lineup of I4s, smooth I5s and Euroe-only diesels. The news guys at Teknikens Värld claim we'll see Volvo's DSG-style tranny– dubbed "PowerShift"– when the V30 finally rolls into town. Let's just hope the pictures don't do it justice.
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A 72 1800ES? You are my hero. However, Robert F. may think differently. I must admit, I have a WRX wagon. That's an acquired taste as well.
actually, the p1800 was a coupe and the 1800es was a 3 door. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_P1800 so this is an all new config for volvo.
I have to say, I think it lookd odd, but if the D5 engine is ever served up stateside, I'd buy one.
I think they'd sell a few. As a more practical entry-level model than the C30, the V30 fits the bill and there isn't a whole lot of competition in that the segment, only the Audi A3 and maybe the Mini Cooper Clubman. On the other hand, the C30 and V30 have absolutely nothing to do with the classic 1800ES, although you can see how Volvo keeps trying to work 1800ES styling cues into the design. The old Volvo 480 was really the only predessesor to the C30.