All of his reviews (these one-takes especially) are why I personally would love to see Matt on the US Top Gear; natural, knowledgeable, and easy to follow/listen to. Keep up the awesome videos Matt.
Top job with this one Matt, you've really progressed well as a motoring journalist in the last 12 months. Really enjoyed watching you report today. Keep up the great work!
I am debating between a 2008 C30T5 6speed and a Dodge caliber srt4. I love the way the 5cylinder motor sounds! Neither will be my daily, but I'm thinking of cost. I only plan to do some bolt on's for both of them though. Any input would be greatly appreciated
I truly love you reviews on insanely fast and high HP cars, however I would love to see more car reviews on cars that are in the realm of affordability like this video. Awesome video and keep up the great work.
Now this is one of the most wanted hatches in the US since people figured out you can convert them to AWD and some Focus MK2 and Mk3 RS parts are a direct bolt on.
there are two types of exterior shots. The blown out, flared ones (and the camera that fell off the car) are GoPro Hero 3's, and the better looking shots with depth of field are Canon 5D MK II's.
we did a written review of the newest STI on our site. It didn't go very well. The STI was awesome in 2004, when it was 300 HP and $31,000. The drivetrain is basically identical in the new car and our tester was $42,000.
we usually don't talk about which roads we film on because we don't want them to get clogged up with tourists like Tail of the Dragon. But Tuna is bad ass in a hot hatchback.
the engine, which shares its roots with the Focus RS engine, has a bunch more I believe. Ford got like 350 HP out of it, but the question is, can the car handle that much power through the front wheels without being a handful? I say leave the engine where it is, and work on the suspension/chassis tuning more. It doesn't really need more speed, just more feel.
You are correct about the effect of changing roll compliance. However the strut tower brace is for stiffening the chassis, not the suspension. Increasing the roll compliance in the front and decreasing it in the rear will have the desired effect, given that the chassis is stiff enough to transmit the displacements at the front of the chassis to the displacements at the rear. By eliminating the brace you would be decreasing the chassis stiffness, while leaving the suspension stiffness unaltered.
Like I said in the review, sticker summer tires would probably help a bunch, but without having a test car equipped with them it would be tough to tell how much.
I had a '93 850 as my first car, was surprisingly fun and had a great engine noise. Still going with my cousin with 300k miles on the original motor and tranny. Gotta love Volvos.
we have not done a video with the ST. I did a written review for Road Lanes Magazine and The Smoking Tire which you can find fairly easily (though I can't post links in comments)
You may have only watched me drive it in the canyons, but I would argue that my thoughts on the car were developed over a period of 5 days daily driving the car, and everything I said applied to daily use as well. The clutch is especially awful for daily driving.
You want the roll stiffness of the front suspension to be very low, but you still want the chassis to be stiff. The bar that Matt is referring to is there to keep the strut towers from moving during cornering and to increase the overall torsional rigidity of the chassis. If left un-reinforced the movement of the chassis will cause the outside wheel to gain camber...and thus create more understeer during cornering.
Yeah, comparing it to the 1M is kind of silly. As for being "lazy," it's really not like that. Tom is too busy making money filming for McLaren and Porsche, so he doesn't have time to shoot or edit TST videos nearly as much as he used to. As such, I have learned to edit on Final Cut and this is literally my second edit ever. I'm trying to learn as quickly as I can, but you guys want more videos so I'm doing everything I can to make them, including editing myself. Hopefully I'll get good soon.
It's not that every turbo car has more than companies are claiming; it's that in order to be the best, the fastest, whatever, lots of companies (BMW, Ford, and now Volvo especially), are underrating their cars.
About half the shots (the better ones) are triangulated 5D MKII, and the other mounted ones that have more sun flare, washed out look, like the one that fell off, are GoPro Hero3's.
I haven't planned one at the moment, and we've got some interesting cars coming up, but we'll see. I've already written so much about it, that it would feel repetitive at this point. Might wait to go back to Fords until I can get into a Fiesta ST, which looks awesome.
That was the prototype. They only built one, decided not to build it, and wouldn't let me have it. This is the production Polestar Edition; the one you can actually buy.
I've always been a fan of Volvo's, even from a young age. My dad used to have a mild tuned 850 T5R and it was an amazing sleeper, 330+bhp from a bright yellow estate, used to surprise many people. Also, the Turbo Engine they use is related to the one used in the old Audi Quattro and it sounds so evil. Love it.
Reviews of the 500 Abarth and Focus ST are written pieces, not videos. They were for Road Lanes magazine (online). I have no idea what a C30 GT is... is that a race car?
I'm sure the car would perform better with better tires, but that wouldn't improve the braking or shifter feel. It might improve steering feel a bit, but I don't suspect all that much. The car would certainly put down better numbers with proper tires, but I'm not sure I'd like it any more.
Is that what that key is for? I thought that was a valet key of some sort. That makes more sense now. However, there are many cars under $35k that come with buttons for start/stop: Ford Focus, Kia Optima, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Veloster Turbo, Prius, etc....
no that was a prototype, this is the production version of the car; as far as we know they aren't building more than the one prototype of the Polestar concept.
If I were in a wheel-to-wheel race I'd probably try to avoid getting crossed up too much, but I know that road well and to cross my arms for a quick second for one single corner is no big deal. Six Tenths means the same thing as 60%, so when you're going 60% of how fast you probably could go, the car is fine, but when you kick that up to 90% of the car's fastest possible pace it gets worse.
It's not about whether or not someone has the ability to go 10/10ths. It's that the Volvo gets very sloppy when you start pushing it, which means you never even want to try 10/10ths because it's not fun.
Solid review, Matt. I understand the car has some shortcomings in the handling and traction department, but to what extent can we attribute that to the all-season rubbers? Would summer slicks remedy the understeer to the point of acceptability or did the switch to FWD ruin an otherwise well rounded car?
Matt is REAL unlike these other cookie cutter reviewers who sugar coat everything. Its good thst he actually points out the flaws in cars. Car companies listen and will learn!
I agree, the strut brace is designed to stand axial load, If you apply a load laterally it is going to bend it and that's normal. Its like a column, I would have to see it in person but Im pretty sure that would happen to many strut braces. You can make them to be super stiff and not bend like that but it would make them bulky and heavy.
I never say anything about wanting the fastest car. I want a car with great dynamics. I love the FR-S, and it's slow as shit. Likewise, the Miata. I didn't mention the GTI because the Focus ST is so much better than the GTI in every way that for me (and pretty much anyone else who's driven it), the ST is now the hot hatch standard by which other hatches are compared, not the GTI. Maybe that will change when the MKVII comes out, but as of now, ST or bust.
"This will all be done in one shot..." 8:50 he's out of the car and then back to driving lol. I'm just busting your balls, of course. Awesome review and I really think you nailed it. I have a C30 (non-r) But I drove an R design AND the Polestar, and the polestar definitely feels better than the stock C30. I haven't gotten my car Dyno'd yet, but I have an AWD system from another Vinnie [Warning: I don't know much about cars. My B-I-L and F-I-L help me pick out parts and install them. They both worked for Ford. F-I-L was a Ford Master Mechanic, and my B-I-L did warranty repairs But I'm learning! I semi-recently bought the C30 Non-R 6 SPD with AWD from S60. First thing, did a tune up. Replaced Spark plugs, coils, bearings, hoses, etc.. You know... Just normal stuff)and all the things that should be changed. Luckily, the timing chain/Belt had been done by my B-I-L before he sold it to me. (What do you guys think? I got it with 118k Miles on the Odometer and bought the car for $3500. That is the price with a refurbished K04, Elevate FMIC, CAI, R design Spoiler, tons of Carbon fiber parts accent pieces, just replaced the master and slave cylinder, Sway Bars, Big Brake kit [320....or was it 330?], braided steel and silicone lines, upgraded wheels and really, really sticky All Weather grippy as a mu'fukka tires, and the custom turbo back exhaust. [No emissions in Texas, or at least in my county.] PHEW, that's it. I want to rebuild the engine because my B-I-L is a machinist now, and I was thinking of boring it out and going with better sleeves, forged pistons, and a better crankshaft. Next purchases, are [I just downloaded VDASH], purchasing VDD and a 2-year sub for 2G internet, Tablet for Bluetooth, maps etc.... And as I mentioned, I still haven't even mapped the car lol. I have a feeling it's going to put down some serious numbers. Probably going to go with Elevate mapping device.. Quick question for everyone. I know that the VDASH software and VDD work together. Since the VDD hooks up to your ECU , can it Map the car? Because that'd save me close to a thousand USD. Eventually (Within the next 6 months, going to start building it for K24. Well, thank you for listening! Awesome video so far. Again, just busting your balls about the one shot thing. Great review on the Peter North Star (Pole Star)..... get it? :) Everyone have a blessed day, and I'd love to hear your C30 setups!!! - leifo
In stock form, he's pretty spot on. Thankfully the aftermarket has more than addressed everything and with not much effort, the C30 can be an absolute rockstar. Also, after 10+ years, they've held up REALLY well. Mine's an '09 and looks like new. Most the competition (Mini Coopers and GTIs) cannot usually say the same. Haha.
I recently bought a volvo c30 for a few grand. seems like a huge bargain, has a turbo that is easily tuned and decent reliability. handling not so good, but as a daily driver it is quite nice and has an all glass hatch.
@TheSmokingTire - Great review! You actually don't have to use the regular key to start the car when using the Keyless feature. The car comes with a smaller, plastic "half key" to put in the key hole on the dash, so that you can just leave the regular key in your pocket. They should have made it a Start/Stop button like Mercedes does, but for 35 grand you can't complain IMO.
Matt, driving around corners the force applied to that strut brace is a tensile (ie pulling apart force). From a engineering point of view that brace rod can well withstand the tensile loading.
Agree. Hope to see a more aggressive version soon. I see it as a DB9 for young guys without the G's. Shares some of the switchgear with Aston Martin afaik.
I love how the C30 has a lot of inspiration from the Volvo P1600S, I just wish it either cost less to match what the car is, or had more to match the price.
The only way I compared them is that they both get worse the harder you drive them. Very few "sports" cars act like that, so it's a valid comparison to me.
I tried that with the strut brace in a ralliart, and wasn't able to get it to bend like that. Just as a point of comparison for a similar performace priced car.
Like the review Matt but I had one question. Could you do a review of a Volvo C30 GT? I think they were supposed to handle much better! Also where are your reviews for the Fiat 500 Abarth and Focus ST? I couldn't find them.
Nice review, I've seen the base models driving around for awhile now and always thought they looked cool. I honestly didn't know they were FWD though, I assumed they were AWD. You bring up a good point about the tires, if Volvo equipped the car with better rubber stock they might have received a more favorable review.
Good review! I wonder how it's acceleration compares to other hot hatches, but I guess its kind of hard to give it the beans on a very windy road like that. Have you heard of the Polestar S60? I doubt you'd be able to get your hands on one because they only made 2 (I think). But I wonder what you'd think of that. A 500 horsepower AWD Volvo sedan....
Love the review! Just wondering what camera you used for the outside side shot of the car. I'm guessing go pro, but it looks amazing with the depth of field.
I drove a friends c30 T5 R-design the other day. I couldnt agree more about the steering feel being close to non-existant and way too light in any situation. I think it has to do with it being volvos first gen electric steering rack. Went to a volvo dealer and tested out a brand new v40 cross country FWD D4 (180hp diesel) and it had such an amazing steering feedback! you could feel every little bump in the road in a manner that made me think back when i had my peugeot 205 GTI. U should try it!
Journalists need manufacturers in order to test cars. Manufacturers need journalists in order to spread publicity for their cars. Even though press cars come with a tank of gas and insurance, we're under no obligation to say nice things about the car. We can say whatever we want, and as long as we're fair in our assessment (which I think we were), we'll stay in good favor with the company.
It's $35,000 as tested. The 400 HP, AWD Polestar was a one-off Prototype, not a production car. This is the version you can buy.
All of his reviews (these one-takes especially) are why I personally would love to see Matt on the US Top Gear; natural, knowledgeable, and easy to follow/listen to. Keep up the awesome videos Matt.
Top job with this one Matt, you've really progressed well as a motoring journalist in the last 12 months. Really enjoyed watching you report today. Keep up the great work!
These are fantastic reviews. No one else gives so much detail about how the car feels to drive than Matt does.
it's a Volvo C30 with Polestar package, not the actual Polestar c30 with like 400hp and awd.
I own a 2009 c30 polestar and I personally love it, of course it's not stock (it pulls about 355 whp) but it is extremely fun to drive.
I am debating between a 2008 C30T5 6speed and a Dodge caliber srt4. I love the way the 5cylinder motor sounds! Neither will be my daily, but I'm thinking of cost. I only plan to do some bolt on's for both of them though. Any input would be greatly appreciated
I truly love you reviews on insanely fast and high HP cars, however I would love to see more car reviews on cars that are in the realm of affordability like this video. Awesome video and keep up the great work.
Now this is one of the most wanted hatches in the US since people figured out you can convert them to AWD and some Focus MK2 and Mk3 RS parts are a direct bolt on.
there are two types of exterior shots. The blown out, flared ones (and the camera that fell off the car) are GoPro Hero 3's, and the better looking shots with depth of field are Canon 5D MK II's.
Love the transition from a semi-serious drive to him with a cigarette messing with the front brace. An awesome vid as always =D
we did a written review of the newest STI on our site. It didn't go very well. The STI was awesome in 2004, when it was 300 HP and $31,000. The drivetrain is basically identical in the new car and our tester was $42,000.
Thanks. We are filming two more "One Take" reviews this weekend, the Lexus LS460 F-Sport and the Audi RS5
Matt, I love what you do and hope to see way more of you in the future bud. Keep it up.
The "Polestar Edition" with the special color options and specific group of options is limited to 250 cars in the US. Don't know about Europe.
I did a written review of the Golf R; we didn't have time to make a video. Sadly, the Scirocco is not sold here.
Getting better at the reviews and driving ! Well done and great 2013 start.
Deserves a subscribe. Im in.
we usually don't talk about which roads we film on because we don't want them to get clogged up with tourists like Tail of the Dragon. But Tuna is bad ass in a hot hatchback.
the engine, which shares its roots with the Focus RS engine, has a bunch more I believe. Ford got like 350 HP out of it, but the question is, can the car handle that much power through the front wheels without being a handful? I say leave the engine where it is, and work on the suspension/chassis tuning more. It doesn't really need more speed, just more feel.
The RS had the k16 turbo. The C30 has the smaller k04
Shows badass, always look forward to seeing awesome cars and genuine reviews by Matt.
You are correct about the effect of changing roll compliance. However the strut tower brace is for stiffening the chassis, not the suspension. Increasing the roll compliance in the front and decreasing it in the rear will have the desired effect, given that the chassis is stiff enough to transmit the displacements at the front of the chassis to the displacements at the rear. By eliminating the brace you would be decreasing the chassis stiffness, while leaving the suspension stiffness unaltered.
Like I said in the review, sticker summer tires would probably help a bunch, but without having a test car equipped with them it would be tough to tell how much.
I had a '93 850 as my first car, was surprisingly fun and had a great engine noise. Still going with my cousin with 300k miles on the original motor and tranny. Gotta love Volvos.
we have not done a video with the ST. I did a written review for Road Lanes Magazine and The Smoking Tire which you can find fairly easily (though I can't post links in comments)
You may have only watched me drive it in the canyons, but I would argue that my thoughts on the car were developed over a period of 5 days daily driving the car, and everything I said applied to daily use as well. The clutch is especially awful for daily driving.
Nice, I did to! I just wish that Minneapolis could draw the manufacturers to bring out more of their concepts and higher end models.
sorry i had it delayed post too long. It's up now.
You want the roll stiffness of the front suspension to be very low, but you still want the chassis to be stiff. The bar that Matt is referring to is there to keep the strut towers from moving during cornering and to increase the overall torsional rigidity of the chassis. If left un-reinforced the movement of the chassis will cause the outside wheel to gain camber...and thus create more understeer during cornering.
Yeah, comparing it to the 1M is kind of silly. As for being "lazy," it's really not like that. Tom is too busy making money filming for McLaren and Porsche, so he doesn't have time to shoot or edit TST videos nearly as much as he used to. As such, I have learned to edit on Final Cut and this is literally my second edit ever. I'm trying to learn as quickly as I can, but you guys want more videos so I'm doing everything I can to make them, including editing myself. Hopefully I'll get good soon.
Matt, one of your best reviews for sure.
It's not that every turbo car has more than companies are claiming; it's that in order to be the best, the fastest, whatever, lots of companies (BMW, Ford, and now Volvo especially), are underrating their cars.
About half the shots (the better ones) are triangulated 5D MKII, and the other mounted ones that have more sun flare, washed out look, like the one that fell off, are GoPro Hero3's.
I haven't planned one at the moment, and we've got some interesting cars coming up, but we'll see. I've already written so much about it, that it would feel repetitive at this point. Might wait to go back to Fords until I can get into a Fiesta ST, which looks awesome.
That was the prototype. They only built one, decided not to build it, and wouldn't let me have it. This is the production Polestar Edition; the one you can actually buy.
That car I'm driving in the video is a production car. I don't know if they are going to build the 400 HP, AWD version, but I'd guess not.
I've always been a fan of Volvo's, even from a young age. My dad used to have a mild tuned 850 T5R and it was an amazing sleeper, 330+bhp from a bright yellow estate, used to surprise many people. Also, the Turbo Engine they use is related to the one used in the old Audi Quattro and it sounds so evil. Love it.
Reviews of the 500 Abarth and Focus ST are written pieces, not videos. They were for Road Lanes magazine (online). I have no idea what a C30 GT is... is that a race car?
I haven't seen any news on a new one, this is a 2013 model. What have you heard?
Been watching a lot of your videos must say they are great reviews. Keep up the good work.
I'm sure the car would perform better with better tires, but that wouldn't improve the braking or shifter feel. It might improve steering feel a bit, but I don't suspect all that much. The car would certainly put down better numbers with proper tires, but I'm not sure I'd like it any more.
Is that what that key is for? I thought that was a valet key of some sort. That makes more sense now. However, there are many cars under $35k that come with buttons for start/stop: Ford Focus, Kia Optima, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Veloster Turbo, Prius, etc....
no that was a prototype, this is the production version of the car; as far as we know they aren't building more than the one prototype of the Polestar concept.
If I were in a wheel-to-wheel race I'd probably try to avoid getting crossed up too much, but I know that road well and to cross my arms for a quick second for one single corner is no big deal. Six Tenths means the same thing as 60%, so when you're going 60% of how fast you probably could go, the car is fine, but when you kick that up to 90% of the car's fastest possible pace it gets worse.
It's not about whether or not someone has the ability to go 10/10ths. It's that the Volvo gets very sloppy when you start pushing it, which means you never even want to try 10/10ths because it's not fun.
Solid review, Matt. I understand the car has some shortcomings in the handling and traction department, but to what extent can we attribute that to the all-season rubbers? Would summer slicks remedy the understeer to the point of acceptability or did the switch to FWD ruin an otherwise well rounded car?
Yeah, found that out later. I thought the second mini key was a valet key or something.
We're editing the RS5 video, will be up next week.
Good review Matt, I hope you end up coming to dragwars here in Western Australia.
Matt is REAL unlike these other cookie cutter reviewers who sugar coat everything. Its good thst he actually points out the flaws in cars. Car companies listen and will learn!
what did they do for me besides provide me a standard-issue press loan vehicle?
I agree, the strut brace is designed to stand axial load, If you apply a load laterally it is going to bend it and that's normal. Its like a column, I would have to see it in person but Im pretty sure that would happen to many strut braces. You can make them to be super stiff and not bend like that but it would make them bulky and heavy.
no, our test car is #248 and it's FWD
I was confused on that as well, thanks for clearing that up Matt.
I never say anything about wanting the fastest car. I want a car with great dynamics. I love the FR-S, and it's slow as shit. Likewise, the Miata. I didn't mention the GTI because the Focus ST is so much better than the GTI in every way that for me (and pretty much anyone else who's driven it), the ST is now the hot hatch standard by which other hatches are compared, not the GTI. Maybe that will change when the MKVII comes out, but as of now, ST or bust.
did a written review for Road Lanes magazine. We made a video of the 2013 GT500 for Attack of the Show on G4
"This will all be done in one shot..." 8:50 he's out of the car and then back to driving lol. I'm just busting your balls, of course. Awesome review and I really think you nailed it. I have a C30 (non-r) But I drove an R design AND the Polestar, and the polestar definitely feels better than the stock C30. I haven't gotten my car Dyno'd yet, but I have an AWD system from another Vinnie [Warning: I don't know much about cars. My B-I-L and F-I-L help me pick out parts and install them. They both worked for Ford. F-I-L was a Ford Master Mechanic, and my B-I-L did warranty repairs But I'm learning! I semi-recently bought the C30 Non-R 6 SPD with AWD from S60. First thing, did a tune up. Replaced Spark plugs, coils, bearings, hoses, etc.. You know... Just normal stuff)and all the things that should be changed. Luckily, the timing chain/Belt had been done by my B-I-L before he sold it to me. (What do you guys think? I got it with 118k Miles on the Odometer and bought the car for $3500. That is the price with a refurbished K04, Elevate FMIC, CAI, R design Spoiler, tons of Carbon fiber parts accent pieces, just replaced the master and slave cylinder, Sway Bars, Big Brake kit [320....or was it 330?], braided steel and silicone lines, upgraded wheels and really, really sticky All Weather grippy as a mu'fukka tires, and the custom turbo back exhaust. [No emissions in Texas, or at least in my county.] PHEW, that's it. I want to rebuild the engine because my B-I-L is a machinist now, and I was thinking of boring it out and going with better sleeves, forged pistons, and a better crankshaft. Next purchases, are [I just downloaded VDASH], purchasing VDD and a 2-year sub for 2G internet, Tablet for Bluetooth, maps etc.... And as I mentioned, I still haven't even mapped the car lol. I have a feeling it's going to put down some serious numbers. Probably going to go with Elevate mapping device.. Quick question for everyone. I know that the VDASH software and VDD work together. Since the VDD hooks up to your ECU , can it Map the car? Because that'd save me close to a thousand USD. Eventually (Within the next 6 months, going to start building it for K24.
Well, thank you for listening! Awesome video so far. Again, just busting your balls about the one shot thing. Great review on the Peter North Star (Pole Star)..... get it? :)
Everyone have a blessed day, and I'd love to hear your C30 setups!!! - leifo
In stock form, he's pretty spot on. Thankfully the aftermarket has more than addressed everything and with not much effort, the C30 can be an absolute rockstar. Also, after 10+ years, they've held up REALLY well. Mine's an '09 and looks like new. Most the competition (Mini Coopers and GTIs) cannot usually say the same. Haha.
Yes, absolutely.
I recently bought a volvo c30 for a few grand.
seems like a huge bargain, has a turbo that is easily tuned and decent reliability.
handling not so good, but as a daily driver it is quite nice and has an all glass hatch.
Honest and to the point. Miss this version of TST.
Feels really tight and firm to me. Underrated Volvo. The old t5z were badass. C70z are a bit better
they had it at the press fleet place when I picked up the C30. I wanted it so bad, but they wouldn't let me take it.
that thing needs a new strutbrace from factory :/..
Good review Matt, very well explained!
@TheSmokingTire - Great review! You actually don't have to use the regular key to start the car when using the Keyless feature. The car comes with a smaller, plastic "half key" to put in the key hole on the dash, so that you can just leave the regular key in your pocket. They should have made it a Start/Stop button like Mercedes does, but for 35 grand you can't complain IMO.
Matt, driving around corners the force applied to that strut brace is a tensile (ie pulling apart force). From a engineering point of view that brace rod can well withstand the tensile loading.
Excellent review Matt!
Great review Farrah. Good way to kick off 2013. Such a good review in fact that im ashamed I was once in love with this car. Oh well.
We did an A3 like last year.
it's a "special edition" so its just that tune and in a special color and trim.
Love the falling off camera in the beginning. Good stuff.
Agree. Hope to see a more aggressive version soon. I see it as a DB9 for young guys without the G's. Shares some of the switchgear with Aston Martin afaik.
speed didn't renew it for a second season
Alright, respect that. At least for TST i'm happy whatever content we can get. Good luck with the editing
I love how the C30 has a lot of inspiration from the Volvo P1600S, I just wish it either cost less to match what the car is, or had more to match the price.
What's the difference between a '13 S4 and the 2010 version?
The only way I compared them is that they both get worse the harder you drive them. Very few "sports" cars act like that, so it's a valid comparison to me.
It doesn't sound like much at all. a Catback exhaust would really help, but it kind of sounds like a vacuum cleaner.
they showed up, we got them on camera. seemed worthy of a plug.
holy shit there was a longboarder in the video! :D for any longboarders I have a Landyachtz Switch with 50 cals, 85a bushings, and abec 11 flywheels.
I tried that with the strut brace in a ralliart, and wasn't able to get it to bend like that. Just as a point of comparison for a similar performace priced car.
Like the review Matt but I had one question. Could you do a review of a Volvo C30 GT? I think they were supposed to handle much better!
Also where are your reviews for the Fiat 500 Abarth and Focus ST? I couldn't find them.
Nice review, I've seen the base models driving around for awhile now and always thought they looked cool. I honestly didn't know they were FWD though, I assumed they were AWD. You bring up a good point about the tires, if Volvo equipped the car with better rubber stock they might have received a more favorable review.
that's the joystick that controls the navigation system.
Good review! I wonder how it's acceleration compares to other hot hatches, but I guess its kind of hard to give it the beans on a very windy road like that. Have you heard of the Polestar S60? I doubt you'd be able to get your hands on one because they only made 2 (I think). But I wonder what you'd think of that. A 500 horsepower AWD Volvo sedan....
The color?
All season tires...
Love the review! Just wondering what camera you used for the outside side shot of the car. I'm guessing go pro, but it looks amazing with the depth of field.
this was an excellent video ..well done review !
editing by matt farah... i had no clue you were doing all the work! props!
Twin charged cars are badass. My buddy has a 2005 Cobalt SS thats twin charged and that thing is bananas
I drove a friends c30 T5 R-design the other day. I couldnt agree more about the steering feel being close to non-existant and way too light in any situation. I think it has to do with it being volvos first gen electric steering rack.
Went to a volvo dealer and tested out a brand new v40 cross country FWD D4 (180hp diesel) and it had such an amazing steering feedback! you could feel every little bump in the road in a manner that made me think back when i had my peugeot 205 GTI. U should try it!
Have you reviewed the Golf R or Scirocco R? If not lets see 'em. Was cool of you to add the longboarding too.
Can we add the term "ass dyno" to the dictionary, please?
Journalists need manufacturers in order to test cars. Manufacturers need journalists in order to spread publicity for their cars. Even though press cars come with a tank of gas and insurance, we're under no obligation to say nice things about the car. We can say whatever we want, and as long as we're fair in our assessment (which I think we were), we'll stay in good favor with the company.
That was a concept. "True" polestars are whatever Volvo is willing to build and sell to us; concepts don't count.
they NEED to make the AWD 400BHP version of this because it was amazing.
Yup, I too was a little confused the first days of driving my C30... until I found that little key in the glove box :)
Thanks, Matt. Will there be a video review in the future?
mini joystick for the navigation.
You can get polestar for most new volvos not just the c30. It's a factory option.
Like it a lot, deffentally keep them coming