You could call the original Mercedes-Benz A-Class the first compact hatchback here to wear a luxury badge. But since it was neither stylish nor particularly competent, it does not count.
In fact, the bigger and sportier C-Class Sports Coupe that came later is a better candidate for qualifying as a lifestyle model, along with the stylish Audi A3 Sportback.
But now, Volvo has also got in on the act with the quirky little C30. As can be clearly seen from the stubby profile with its long sloping roofline, this is not a car that will cater to a medium-sized family with slightly more utilitarian needs.
Rather, the small Swede is the perfect fashion statement for a younger, usually single, buyer who requires the correct automotive accessory for his or her daily commute.
From an aesthetically point of view, that may or may not be the case. There is no doubt that the C30's rear end with its frameless glass tailgate is different. But so is somebody's bottom after it has been hacked off with a machete.
Distinctive details
But compared with the original Volvo hatchback of the early 1970s - the ungainly 1800ES - the C30 is, of course, much nicer to look at. What really is distinctive, however, are the smaller details.
For example, the body kit running around the car in an unbroken line from the front spoiler, to the wheel arches and side skirt, and then around the back, can be ordered in a contrasting tone. It is especially hip in Java Pearl, which is a kind of metallic chocolate tone. This is merely one of the many clever stylistic touches that the Volvo design is becoming recognised for.
The other is the familiar 'floating stack' centre console, except that in the C30's case, there is a 'surf' pattern subtly etched into the brushed aluminium. It may not be everyone's idea of cool, but at least no one can say it is boring.
And although it looks small from the outside, the quietly elegant C30 cabin is surprisingly spacious. The rear bench only has two seatbelts, but flip the dinky little centre armrest back up and a third person can easily fit in for a short journey.
But the most significant aspect of the C30 has to be the drive. The C30 T5 has the same platform and the same 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine as the S40 T5 saloon, but is 42 kg lighter.
Floor the accelerator and the engine makes all the right noises.
The car feels very responsive and very sharp.
There is almost imperceptible turbo lag and with the swish 18-inch alloy wheel option, the C30 T5 has enviable levels of grip. The ride may be very firm over low-speed bumps, but only your passengers will complain because you're probably having too much fun.
Audi rival
The only quibble is that the steering wheel is a little too large for such a sporty car, and some of the directness seems to have been filtered out.
The three-door C30's only real competitor is the Audi A3, which is available in a five-door configuration with three engines ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 litres.
There is also a souped-up three-door variant called the S3. But apart from the entry-level A3, the German model costs a lot more than the C30.
And while the Volkswagen Golf GTI may have similar turbo-charged performance to match as well as a very well-made cabin, its badge can hardly be considered premium. The GTI also feels more raw than the genteel C30.
So will the C30 spark off a hatch match among premium Continental hatchbacks here? Only for a niche segment of the market, as the A3 can attest to it. But at least it will offer a refreshingly different shape on the roads.
Engine: 2,521cc inline-5 turbo-charged Gearbox: 5-speed Geartronic transmission Max power: 220 hp @ 5,000 rpm Max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,500-4,800 rpm 0-100 kmh: 7.1 secs Top speed: 235 kmh Price:$123,500 (with COE) Distributor: SM Motors. Tel: 6473-1488
