In 2006 Volvo unveiled its newest addition, the C30, at the Paris Motor Show. Though the car was released in Europe the same year, Canada and the United States did not get a taste of it until mid-2007. The Volvo C30, hoping to capture some of the panache of the Volkswagen GTI, is a three-door hatchback that seats four. Unbeknownst to many consumers, the C30 is built on the same platform as the Ford Focus. The hatchback has received mixed reviews from consumers and critics alike. Some rave about the versatility of the compact hatchback, while others criticize the exterior design. Many times, those that have a negative opinion comment on the rear of the vehicle, saying that it looks like a full-size sedan that has been flattened in the back. Some have also compared the C30 to the much ridiculed Gremlin.

Volvo did not forget its primary safety focus in the C30. It features a Blind Spot Information System that provides drivers with an unobstructed view of their blind spots. Also, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control are all standard in the Volvo. Superior airbag protection is provided with both front and side curtain airbags and an Intelligent Driver Information System is in place that both monitors and corrects issues like over-steering or excessive brake pressure.

Both gasoline and diesel engines have been available since the C30's origination. A 2.5L inline turbocharged gasoline engine is offered that produces up to 227 horsepower. The highest diesel engine available is 2.4L inline engine that reaches up to 180 horsepower. Also, the C30 has been compared to the Honda Civic in recent years because of its ability to easily be customized and upgraded. In fact, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association featured three modified C30s in its 2006 lineup.

One of the biggest announcements that Volvo has made in recent years is its present development of a hybrid C30. At the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007, Volvo unveiled the C30 hybrid, what they referred to as the ReCharge. The hybrid C30 will run on both diesel fuel and electricity with a simple plug-in to any outlet. Volvo stands to draw in an even wider audience with the hybrid's release in 2009 or 2010.

In 2008 Volvo changed the engine availability in the United States, and now only releases the C30 with a 2.5L turbocharged gasoline-powered engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission. Within the next few years, when the Volvo C30 hybrid is released, hopefully buyers will come around to the unique hatchback design. Or, maybe they will simply disregard the exterior and focus on the incredible gas mileage. Either way, Volvo plans to continue producing its C30 steadily, at least for the next several years.