Volvo C30 diesel caught testing in Arizona
Click on the above image to enlarge
Back in July, Volvo hinted that it would be introducing small cars with diesel engines into the American market. This, of course, is an idea that we can get behind. In Europe, Volvo offers two four cylinder diesel engines displacing 1.6-liters and 2.0-liters as well as a five cylinder diesel of 2.4-liters. Here in the U.S.? Nada. Thanks to a sharp-eyed reader, though, we at least know that Volvo is testing diesels here in the States. Specifically, what we see here - according to the nameplate - is a C30 with a 2.0-liter diesel engine. We can't be certain why the new model was here, as the shot was taken in Arizona near Volvo's test track. The Phoenix area is often used by manufacturers testing their cars in extreme heat (and this is the dead of summer), so this could just be an engineering mule and have nothing to do with the U.S. market. On the other hand, Volvo says it wants to introduce diesel engines here by 2010, so we can always hold out home that a diesel-powered C30 is on its way. Thanks for the tip, Brian!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kevin 11:35AM (8/15/2008)
Sign me up! Since VW seems to have no interest in selling a Rabbit TDI, this would be the only diesel hatchback on the market. I've always liked the c30's funky styling
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Eric McErlain 2:47PM (8/15/2008)
We can only hope this is true. Like Kevin, I really like the C30's styling, but the big turnoff is the gas mileage -- 19 city/27 highway seems rather unusual for such a small car, and that was ultimately what dissuaded me from a purchase. But give it a diesel, and we're talking about a car that might be able to steal some market share from the Mini.
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John Metcalf 4:40PM (8/19/2008)
Agree with the gentlemen above, especially regarding the disappointing numbers for the gasoline version. Hopefully the diesel will be available about the time I hit my mid-life crisis.
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David 12:22AM (2/01/2009)
Agreed to all above. Would have bought one, but for the mileage. Bring that diesel here w/ a manual tranny and I'm 1st in line. db
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augustus 3:34PM (8/10/2009)
Diesel C30? If it can get 40mpg then I may have found my new commuter car.
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