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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