The 2008 Volvo C30 is offered in two trim levels, both with front-wheel drive and a 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is a $1250 option.

The C30 1.0 ($22,700) comes standard with cloth upholstery; air conditioning; keyless entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; height-adjustable manual driver's seat; outside temperature display; power windows, locks and mirrors; 50/50 split-folding rear seat; 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers and MP3 player connectivity; and 205/50R17 all-season tires on alloy wheels. Options include the automatic transmission, sunroof ($1,200), leather seating surfaces ($1,200), and Sirius satellite radio ($625). The Climate Package ($675) includes heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers.

The C30 2.0 ($25,700) adds painted wheel flares, side skirts, and spoiler; 215/45R18 summer performance tires; a 650-watt Alpine stereo with Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription and 10 Dynaudio speakers; sport suspension; and aluminum dash inlays. In addition to the 1.0's options, the 2.0 offers a power driver's seat ($450), a DVD-based navigation system ($2,120), and all-season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels (no cost).

Volvo encourages customers to personalize their C30s by offering several Custom Build Options. There is a one-time $300 charge for any car ordered with one or more Custom Build Options. These items include cruise control ($185), fog lights ($295), trip computer ($100), bi-xenon headlights with washers ($700), heated front seats ($450), power-retractable rear-view mirrors with puddle lamps ($250), alarm ($200), automatic climate control ($250), keyless starting ($450), power driver's seat ($450), power driver and passenger seat ($900), the Alpine/Dynaudio stereo ($800), interior air filter ($200), Homelink universal garage door opener ($225), and auto-dimming rear-view mirror ($150).

Safety features include the mandated dual front airbags plus side-curtain airbags for head protection, and side-impact airbags for torso protection. Active safety features consist of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Rear obstacle detection is a $400 option and Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a $695 option. Both are part of the Custom Build Options list.