'A small Volvo is built to the same high standard as a big Volvo,' says Hakan Abrahamsson, C30 project director. 'The quality levels are the same. We have Volvo standards and we don't differentiate by size.'

Volvo is renowned for building the world's safest cars to exceptionally high quality levels. Quality means superb fit-and-finish and paint and trim materials. Volvo is renowned for making cars that last.

From the exquisite, free-floating centre instrument stack to the discreet 'theatre lighting', the Volvo C30 exudes a feeling of quality. The switchgear has a solid, chunky feel and the fascia is enveloped in soft-touch materials. The Volvo C30's cabin features materials that are hypoallergenic and free from any hazardous substances. They meet a strict international standard called Oeko-Tex. This also includes all materials that occupants are likely to touch, including exterior and interior door handles, upholsteries, plastics and ignition key.

'Although it feels nimble like a good small car, it also feels very solid, very stable, and very strong - like a good big car,' says Mr Abrahamsson.

Customers in the premium sector don't compromise. While happy to go small, they still expect a high level of standard equipment. The specifications for the Volvo C30 offer a rich level of equipment, much higher than for most of its other compact premium brand rivals.

The specification of every Volvo C30 includes alloy wheels, a Performance Sound Audio System with CD, Electronic Climate Control, power windows, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) and remote locking with alarm.

Excellent levels of equipment, even in the entry-level ES and R-DESIGN version

The entry-level ES model is available with the 1.6 petrol engine, plus 1.6D DRIVe and D2 diesel engines. Standard equipment includes advanced air conditioning with ECC (Electronic Climate Control) with pollen filter and Information Centre.

Other standard features include a 'Performance Sound' audio system with CD player, six speakers and a 4x20W amplifier, remote locking with alarm, automatic headlamp levelling, 'home safe and approach' lighting, floor mats, power windows, front and rear centre armrests, height adjustable driver seat. Power adjustable and heated door mirrors, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and 16 inch alloy wheels also feature as standard.

Volvo never compromises on safety. Key safety equipment are standard on all Volvo C30 models, and include dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, Volvo's SIPS (side impact protection system), plus side airbags and IC (Inflatable Curtain) airbags, Volvo's patented WHIPS (whiplash protection system), ABS (anti-lock brakes) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), and four three-point seatbelts with safety-boosting tensioners.