MINI's Competition R56 vs. C30
 

Ok so I was at the car show in NY over the weekend and saw a new model from volvo coming out called the C30. I read on the internet that it would be competing with the Mini S and VW GTi. Anyone have any insight on this?? What do you think? Will Mini have to worry about Volvo taking over?? Being that they are somewhat in the same price range and everything. Take a look at its stats and tell us what you think http://www.volvocars.us/models/c30/

That's the first Volvo in 10 years that hasn't made me fall asleep just looking at it...I still love the boxy 80s Volvos. But it ain't no MINI.

I had an S40, which is basically a 4-door sedan version of the C30 (the V50 wagon, and C70 convert are also the same chassis/car).

I see the C30 competing with the Golf/GTi, A3, and other hatches, as it was intended to do. The Mini is it's own market though, IMHO.

The T5 motor is a torque monster, and Volvo's safety speaks for itself. I'd pick it over the GTi or A3.

As stated above, MINI is in it's own little section. However, Volvo has absolutly no chance of touching anything near the A3 DSG transmission.

I went to the image gallery on that site and found the c30 profile view to be pretty ugly. Doesn't look that bad from the front or back though.

Uh, unless something has changed in the last couple of months, the C30 was set to start at near $30K U.S. I priced one and it ended up at around $38K. How can it compete with the Mini?

I admit it is a sassy looking vehicle.

Looks terrible from the back in my oppinion!

Thread title changed to reference R56 instead of R57. The R57 is the 2nd Generation convertible model, which won't be coming out until 2009... and besides, the C30 isn't a convertible, so it doesn't make sense as a comparison. The R56 does.

I read that they are starting at 21,7 for the bacse model, then more and more but they all use the same monster engine.

The C30 is starting at $23,000, not $30,000. I certainly think that MINIs sales will be hurt by this car, just as the GTI has likely pulled some buyers. Anyone looking for a little more function to their car than the MINI can offer would be stupid not to get either the GTI or C30 as they offer a similar package, similar fun, and more space for luggage or people hauling. The C30 will hurt the GTI more than the MINI, but I don't think Volvo is intending to sell 20,000 of these in the US every year, they just want to pull in younger buyers so that as they grow and need something bigger or more luxurious that they stick with Volvo and buy the higher profit margin cars like the X90 or S80.

Drew

Really do not like the interior

No i doubt there is anything 2 worry about they already have the C30s out here in Germany and i am not impressed i'm not much of a volvo fan @ all after test driving the new S40s

Ahhh. Must have changed price points a bit. We looked at them very early on. If they were made by another car company, it would have my interest peaked. But our experience with Volvo has been too expensive.

Can't help but agree with dneal. MINI is its own market. When I look at these comparisons with Volvos, Audis, VWs and various Japanese cars I always feel like I'm comparing an apple to a bunch of oranges. The MINI is unique unto itself.

By no chance, you mean that it won't break as fast as the Audi? Audi's transmissions work great when they're actually working...which usually fails well before 100K miles. At least from 1999 on Audi models, they've been horribly made and over-engineered for their budget. And the A3 is no exeption. Well, we are comparing it to a Volvo, so maybe it is a fair comparision since they both have horrible reliablity issues in the past 6-8 years.

My wife had a volvo so I got to drive the S40/v50 courtesy car several times. the C30 uses the same platform (Same as the MAzda 3 by the way) and basically has the same interior. The exterior is the most interesting Volvo I have seen in a long time...but it is a volvo! I drives like a Volvo :no: which means it cannot even come close to the mini as far as driving experience:nod: . The only thing in favor of the C30 is the fact it is roomier.

I saw one in the flesh last saturday and although IMHO it is a nice car, it does not have a strong personality like the MINI.

The Volvo marketing plan is definately targeted at making the C30 iconic.

I don't like C30 at all. I don't like A3, I don't like GTI. I don't like any of Japanese cars. I don't like the MB made tiny two seater (can't recall the name).

If your interested in the C30 I would first look at the Mazdaspeed 3.

It will be competition for the MINI Clubman. Along with the other cars mentioned, it looks like Clubman will entering a very competitive market.

Other than Evolve, you probably won't find much for aftermarket parts for the C30. For the hot-hatch modders in the U.S. the MINI wins hands down. The C30 is for a different kind of person than the MINI, IMO.

You might want to look at Automobile's review of the car. Sounds a little numb and expensive.

It's better to drive the car and decide for yourself. Press reviews usually only give one persons' opinion; complete with their own bias and agenda.

Absolutely agree, tho it does happen in this instance to agree with my remembrance of Volvos not quite being an enthusiasts type of car. As always, ymmv

I honestly can't imagine a MINI driver ever switching to a Volvo (or vice versa). Two different kinds of animals.