There's no shortage of safety features in the C30, including standard all-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active front head restraints.

Volvo's Blind Spot Information System is optional. BLIS uses cameras to monitor both sides of the C30 and will illuminate a light near the appropriate side mirror when a vehicle has moved into the driver's blind spot.
Cargo & Towing

The C30's cargo area measures 12.9 cubic feet, which is less than a two-door GTI's 15.1 cubic feet but greater than the 5.7 cubic feet in the Mini Cooper S. With the C30's rear seats folded, there's 20.2 cubic feet of space.

While it probably comes as no surprise that small cars have modest cargo areas, the bigger issue with the C30 is loading and unloading cargo into that space. First of all, the C30 has a high rear bumper to clear when loading luggage. The opening itself isn't all that large for a hatchback, either. Both of these downsides can be traced back to the C30's all-glass hatch, which is relatively small compared to other liftgates. Hard as it may be to believe considering the name on the grille, this is a case of functionality following form.

When properly equipped, the C30 can tow up to 2,000 pounds.