In this third and final part of our 2010 hatchback comparison, the guys see how the Volvo C30 holds up next to the MazdaSpeed 3 and GTI. Then they argue about which one is best. For other reviews and more go to www.EverydayDriver.com.
@@similaritiesendhere build by Ford ?!?! ...Ford is build by Volvo !!! Chek body from Volvo and Ford from that period !! And all components before GMC bought Volvo !!! Hehh
@@mirkogrljusic2032 I have an 2007 S40 AWD Turbo. It literally has Fomoco stamped all over the engine bay. You can literally buy Ford Escorts in Europe with the 5 cylinder turbo.
Volvo 5 cyl. is an amazing engine. Sounds really good. Very surprising how good the engine sounds with an upgraded exhaust. I think the Saab cast irons and such sound great too. Swedish cars can be very surprising. Love the whole Volvo Saab thing...
Having tested the gti and the volvo c30 t5 (Which I own now), I liked the volvo a lot more then the gti. Both cars had a manual transmission. The volvo performed a bit better then the gti in my opinion.
@@squadmaster114 Reading comprehension not a strong point, I see. No, having a manual box doesn't automatically make something sporty, but lacking a manual box will always detract from the driving experience if you know how to use one properly. Complaining that the drive isn't engaging when you've choosen an automatic box is like taking a flight and specifying an aisle seat and then complaining that the view out of the window is crap. The only reason to choose an auto is lack of ability or laziness, both of which bar entry from any conversation about sportiness.
I recently bought an S60 and tested the C30. I also have a 2000 Miata, so I know what sports cars are about. I really liked the C30 but needed a bigger car. But, if I lived where a convertible was impractical I'd have a Polestar C30. It's a gem. Yeah, the GTI might be a better hot hatch, but it's a VW and I trust them about as much as GM.
We hope you'll watch our more recent MazdaSpeed3 vs. Focus ST comparison. Paul comes around a bit on the Mazda and it's a very cool match-up. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Am I the only old schooler that thinks 4 door = not hot hatch? That Volvo is by far the most attractive of those and a 2 door to boot. The 2 door hatchback segment in new car options is almost gone.
Great question. This was a comparison test of the traditional hot-hatch formula, pioneered by the GTI - and thus, FWD cars only. If the WRX would have had a pretty unfair advantage in this company. But, we've just finished a WRX piece where it was lined up with the AWD Golf R - we hope you'll give that a look. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@wagdog1 - We aren't debating that, and we didn't say anything about the quality or amount of tuning provided by the manufacturer. We merely stated why we test the stock/factory setup.
@ecurules - You're absolutely right, it's very possible to tune the GTI for more power. However, you can tune the others as well. As a result, we test the stock setups of each car. That's the way most people will encounter a car anyway and setup the OEM decided as "this is the way we want it".
We do realize this video is long overdue. We're sorry for the delay and are ramping back up to a new video every three weeks at least. Thanks for your patience.
I bought a c30 and yeh the boot is small compared to a square booted gold but i dont carry four people around or a watercooler. It takes my triathlon gear my bike and i just flip the seats down. Airport trips i flip one seat down if i need to. The stereo quality is superb. The level of luxury from the finish and the stereo also a big plus. It surprises many of my friends. Its a three door and im looking forward to getting the new V40 T5 R design polestar very soon.
I think the Volvo will be the best car for attracting women (provided you're in your 20s or so). The reason is, the Volvo C30 might be the one car that young women in the US will recognize, for the express reason that it's the car Edward drives in the first Twilight movie. I have to wonder of that appearance helped, or hurt Volvo sales?
For Gregory G I'm just under 6'2" and a large build. On my R-Design SE Sport, the front seats are height adjustable and give a great range of movement. On the lowest setting, I easily have more than 4" clear headroom, with plenty of leg and shoulder room too. I suggest you get into one as soon as you can and put your mind at ease with a test drive.
Theres also a fair amount of room in the back which I was suprised by! Admitidly I'm shorter at 5' 11.5" but I can very happily sit behind myself with enough leg room
@25tubes - Well we hope you'll watch other reviews on our channel before concluding you don't like what we do. It's not uncommon for a someone to disagree with one of the guys - they rarely agree with each other! We hope you also noticed that while Paul didn't like the MazdaSpeed3 - Todd loved it.
Just watching this now because I’m thinking of trading my GTI for one tomorrow it definitely looks more luxurious and refined exterior wise and being older now this might be a better fit. looking forward to the test drive
I happily own a 2008 volvo c30 t5 standard transmission and I agree to some extent with what these guys are saying. The car is not very practical, as I have never really used the hatch for much. I love the engine with the turbo charger, it really makes the difference. The handling and breaking are nothing special.. But I noticed with their review that the volvo was an automatic which with a turbo can obviously not perform as well as a manual due to the lower rpms. Also, if they were going to test the top of the line models for each car, then they should have chosen the c30 polestar edition, which is more similar to the speed3 and would easily kick the shit out of it. An AWD, manual, 400bhp engine... thats what they should have tested if they wanted it to be fair. The speed3 is obviously the fastest and sportiest, because thats what its intention was... the polestar edition was that fast and sporty intention that volvo had for the c30 they had originally made so casual. Although I will say the polestar edition still has no more space than the ordinary c30's.
thanks SwedishStud1 for your comment, because I'm seriously considering buying a C30 , could you please advice on reliability and maintenance cost (and anything special when it comes to defects or recall programs). many thanks
hey mate, I got my c30 used with 78,000 miles on it from a specialized service center for volvos and saabs and they really took great care of it. When I bought it, it looked and ran like it was brand new. So far I have had no serious issues (had to take it in once to get the aux port fixed) and I'm hoping it stays that way. As for maintenence, from what I understand, volvos are a lot like other European cars - very well engineered and reliable however pricey to fix up when the time comes. If you buy your c30 used, then its crucial to make sure its in top condition when you purchase (or at least get a warranty) so you don't get swamped with bills to pay your mechanic right after you leave the used car lot. As for recalls or defects, I know of none. Volvo put out this car as a sporty little hatchbatch and didn't make tons of them (and stopped making them this year) but what I can tell you is that during the time I have owned it, it has been a quality car. As for getting the car: -If you have the money to get one, do it. -I HIGHLY reccomend the 6-speed manual t5. its so much more fun, you really feel the turbo (although you do get some turbo torque) and you will also get decent mileage -When you buy, make sure its in good condition cause you're not gonna wanna have to deal with the mechanics bills until wayyyy down the road -It is not really a sports car but you can take steps to make that happen if you are interested. Im putting lowering springs on mine and I've heard it just handles beautifully with them. (In the video these guys complain about the handling, but putting springs on will make for a much more aggressive ride) -The car looks phenomenal and you will get attention where you go because of its looks. There isn't a day where I don't turn back around to look at the car when I'm walking away from it just because I love the way it looks. -Back seats fold down and make for a decent sized area for luggage for a two person road trip, although with all 4 seats up, you don't really have a ton of space in the back -Overall fun car to drive and reliable has been my experience. If you have any other questions, just leave another comment Hope this helps!
UMM I disagree. With the rear seats down, the volume of the hatch is amazing, without being too much. IF you want to carry 4 people AND a bit of gear... well, you've picked the wrong car. The only thing is the angle of entrance of the rear door, so real large items are a no go. But I find it superb in terms of carrying capacity, just right. And I've owned two full size trucks right before, where I could carry my own home if I wanted to... I love my Volvo.
SwedishStud1 I probably cant thank you enough for your extensive detailed reply you wrote here, you have almost covered most of the points I've thought of. I haven't driven one yet , been a very busy week but i will try to book in a test drive next week. I'm not into big engine and really dont expect the car to be too agile, but so hoping that it will have a tight feeling to it. my daily drive to work is about 35 km each way , so i guess having something quite and firm on the road and surely feel safe too wld be my main thing. as for the gearbox, unfortunatly there isnt any here in NZ, all the ones I have seen listed for sale here got the automatic G/B with the 2.4L engine. www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=807681854 this is the one I'm after. once again , many thanks for your positive input.
Bought a 2011 Mazdaspeed3 last summer and just replaced it with a 2012 GTI. 1 year of that ridiculous torque-steer was all I could take. Moving to the GTI is possibly my best car buying decision. Don't really miss the extra power of the MS3, and simple ECU reflash on the GTI will instantly provide 250HP... and still no torque-steer!
To tell you the truth, unless you are going to spend all your time pushing your car to the limits the Volvo is the best choice. It has something for you occasionally but you'll be comfortable and happy for the long term.
My ST suffered a cracked cylinder liner (check my vids!), which is a common fault with the B5254T3. They've squeezed too many cylinders and too much displacement into a small area, at expense of the cylinder wall thickness. As for GTI styling - check my "stage 2" video and see a 3 door, with the optional (yet mandatory!) 18" Monzas - leagues ahead of the Volvo. Good review though lads, you kept me tuned throughout.
This review is just tons of bullshit compared to what I've found out owning this car. I appreciate everyone's opinion, but they could not be more wrong about certain things. I have the last iteration, so could be slightly different? hmmm... Better for just cruising? It's great for that, but great for some very fast, agile driving too. very little torque steer. It corners great, quick, really surprisingly flat, steering response is great for the car it is, feel of the road is great for the money as well, the steering wheel a little too large, but that's Volvo... not an actual issue. Suspension a little too harsh even on the regular T5. They said super comfy? The car is very obviously geared more towards the fun factor than just cruising. Plus, update it with the Polestar tune (Volvo's in house tuning company) and you've got yourself a serious little beast. Engine tone is superb for any small engine (5cylinders just naturally sound great), torque curve is something you will be staggered about. It will pull and pull and pull. Interior is laconic but super comfy, yet not overdone. Now, let me list all the bad shit, too, but they never mentioned any of it. Bottom line- this was the cheapest Volvo, entry level. You get what you pay for. And it is still Ford era Volvo, built on the old P1 platform... ( I can't stand most Fords and their philosophy sans Shelby...) So you will find some daft things about it. Yes, that's the right word- "daft". Silly. Nothing bad about it. Overall, it is the grown up of all the hatchbacks and I've yet to meet a person who's regretted their choice of buying this fun, yet somewhat exquisite little car.
thanks for the review, good bluntly honest one ..... I wouldnt let this occasion pass without throwing my boring question at you. Any maintenance/reliability issues ?? and is yours manual or auto ? thanks
dalyinnz Let me begin by saying mine is a 2012 and the vehicle only has around 22k miles at the moment, I haven't had THAT much time with it, so I am not the best person to ask about its longevity or issues with older models. I have the auto transmission (Aisin), which is adequate. I didn't particularly care auto or manual (actually wanted auto more due to the fact it IS my daily driver and sometimes in bad traffic), but if you are a manual driver, go with the manual hands down, it is great. What do I mean by adequate? It works well, it never "searches" for gears in tougher conditions, just putting it in Drive you know what is going on and you can pretty much "let it be" and stay relaxed. That said, it is just a little too sluggish, a little delayed for my liking, which I believe to be more due to how it is programmed than its inherent engineering. It is hard to describe but you will find this with quite a few Volvos, unfortunately. I also test drove a 2009 (I believe) S80 with a 6 cylinder engine and also Aisin, but the transmission made the car a complete cruiser. So the C30 is heaps better to me than those in terms of response. The Geartronic - manual gear selection works great and is rock solid, but also slightly lacks in response department. I don't think you will find this annoying or a big drawback, but it is my opinion. It is almost like the car is designed for wide throttle sweeps on the freeway, rather than quick, short sweeos- sort of like BIG engine cars, which it follows great, by the way- like I said, it just pulls...and torque curve is unbelievable for a little car such as this (that's where 5 cyl motors really shine)... My issues with it? I have got one. Not really an issue, but definitely a nag. I have heard it from others as well, so I don't know if all 5 cylinder Volvos suffer from this or it is just certain cars, but there is quite a bit of engine vibration (and vibrating noise) at idle, while in Drive and also slightly in Park, especially while the engine is still cold. In fact, you can't actually feel much of a vibration, it is the annoying noise. Pop it in Neutral and it is gone. Now, the typical person will tell you it is due to the "inherent nature of 5 cylinder engines", but looking deeper into actual engineering of 5 cyl engines, I have found that to be false. So it is peculiar to Volvo. What it is exactly, I have yet to find out. It is irritating, but does not affect anything. I thought it to be engine mounts- nope, they are all just fine... I will dig deeper and find out. But it is not something that gets me down or like I said, affects anything. Just irritating. Seats... The cloth material looks simply fantastic and is very hard wearing. However, beware of any sort of stains or even rain drops, especially on the lighter colors. It will stain it and you will have to use some sort of detailing upholstery cleaning product. There are also cars with manual seats, such as mine... I mean, seriously? In 2012? you got to be kidding... but they do work well and are even better adjustable than most automatics that I've had experience with. Hands down, Volvo seats are always a step above most others. Brakes... they are good, but can't be modulated that well. Could be certainly better plus they seem to be set up to be heavier on the rear, rather than the front and you will very likely find quite a bit of embedded brake dust on the rear rims. Due to this, I clean my wheels weekly or more. I have read of people having to change the rear brake pads at around 30k, so when that time comes for me, I will certainly look into pads that emit less iron dust and last longer. Umm, there might be something else, but I certainly can;t think of anything right now. So, a long post, but these are my nags with the car
oh and another aesthetic thing- the floating center console, which is a fantastic design, in my opinion, but if you happen to get the aluminum variant, be careful not to drop ANYTHING on it. It is soft and it will dent. In fact, a lot of older used cars will have them already slightly dented. I am super careful with my cars, so I wouldn't find that to be an actual issue at all, just something to look out for. Unfortunately a lot of drivers don't really pay attention so that's what happens :/
***** This is an old comment thread but in the chance that you'd respond I have a question. I've driven many manual C30s and the clutch always feels so disconnected and didn't provide good feedback, is there any proven fix for this?
***** hi, I wish I can assist you with your question - but I still considering having one. funny enough I was actually looking for a manual (the two I have test driven were autos) and no complains but being a big fan of manuals thought I should be patient till I can find the manual one. (now seems as if you wouldn't recommend it) - can you describe more that disconnect fault you mean. many thanks
@g8spikyhair - We use a lot of roads throughout Southern California. This one is Glendora, Ca. MotorTrend, Edmunds, and many others have also used it for Video and Photo shoots.
@xxNELLABOYZxx - Lots of good options, especially buying used - good plan there if you shop smart. Will send you a PM as this is a longer answer. Depends a bit on how much utility you need - everything from hatchbacks to two seat coupes available at this price point.
The Volvo should win hands down simply due to it being the only one of the pack with a decent sounding engine. You just can't beat that five-cylinder, which with almost any aftermarket exhaust will make it sound like a mini V10 (it really does sound like a Viper). Oh, and it's reliable too and there's tons of tuning out for it. 19T and fueling and you got 350 HP :-)
The other thing that scares me with the GTi is how many people have electrical issues. Like circuit board failures in the dash, the very common and expensive DSG mechatronic failures. I would get a stick anyways though which would take care of the dsg worry. Just torn over the better exterior looks of the Volvo and better winter driving vs the GTis More exciting driving, much nicer interior, and more room.
hey guys that complaining about the C30´s back: you are complaining, because you don´t know a design like this. all you know are golf, audi, and so on. this is a fresh looking back. with a very good sight to the back.
I loved your review guys! Indeed, it was fantastically overdue: Oh, well. You do them for free, so I suppose I can understand. Please keep up the great work!
I have driven both the gti and mazda speed 3, i agree with todd.. If your looking for a hothatch, hands down mazdaspeed3, its a hatch that when you drive, you'll pound on it and it will as for more, although its not as responsive as the gti, the mazda at the end of the day is what had me smiling and asking for more.... i rate it the same as todd, and for the gti, its overall balanced with nice interior and good handling, but at those corners its slightly slacks in response and power.
For ranking these cars based on longevity. Volvo, Mazda, GTI last. That's because the VW is the most expensive to keep and run. When you mod all 3 cars, the Volvo's inline 5 makes the most power. After I got rid of my last VW, I'm so glad I don't have to clean the intake valves anymore.
In summary: GTI is more compliant and tame MS3 is more raw and visceral (cliche terms I know) Volvo is somewhere in between, but closer to the GTI Personally speaking I would go for the speed 3, and I own one in fact. There is NO denying that the GTI is more refined and has a better interior. I also rather like the GTI's mature and toned-down exterior as well. However, I also want good power/performance at a reasonable price, and the Speed 3 delivers that.
Regarding a Previous comment concerning the tuning, all three cars have very good stage 1 or just reflash options. Volvo will do it at the dealer with warranty because of polestar, it takes it 2 250 hp and close to 300 ft lbs. The other two have very good tuning but not from the dealer like Volvo, and the motor on volvo is just as good as the 2jz. I cannot find one that has blown up even with after market turbos pushing 350+. If you ever do say a tuned version of hot hatches limiting it to just reflash only would be interesting.
In Canada, any of those cars are 30k+ and at that price or lower, you can have the all new 2011 Mustang with 305hp at 25-27k very well equiped. Personaly that would be my choice.
I love the MS3...i think its the sexiest but i still like the others. But everyone has opinions, right? I also think it handles well and it's pretty comfy to me!!
@CharlieHorn7 have you driven the car, yes it has torque steer, but the car limits the torque though the first 3 gears, and in my opinion while driving it, it was no more out of had than the gti. plus it will smoke it.
It feels like the other guy is just hating on mazda because of his personal reasons. I own 2012 mazdaspeed and Im more than satisfied. For the price you pay you cant get more from another car. Navigation, auto turning headlights, bose system, leather, POWER, economy and the fact that its Japanese (well known for quality) Like the other guy said "Its a hot hatch competition" Only thing I dont like about Mazda is the smile, but it grew on me. I go door to door with stage 2 GTI on a bone stock btw
I have a question for the guys. It happens to be my situation, and I've already found my own answer but I'd like to hear a different perspective. Let's say you've got a roughly $5,000 budget, and you need a vehicle than can transport at least one dirtbike (possibly by trailer but preferably not) but also be as sporty as possible. Gas mileage isn't a particularly big deal but does matter somewhat, and only seating for two is required. $5,000 sport truck, basically. What would you recommend?
Todd is the real enthusiast here. A hot hatch is supposed to be hot. If you just want a hatch don't waist your money any any of these, just get the base hatch.
vw is boring. I will admit that Audi makes some good looking cars, but vw's just don't look unique or really like anything that has real presence on the road. Every car company has a car that is an icon, that defines the style and soul of the brand, Ford has the mustang, Dodge has the Challenger, Mazda has the Miata, Subaru has the Impreza, Mitsubishi has the Lancer. The closest thing VW has isn't a VW, its an Audi R8.
@lcstay10 as a mater of fact I have driven both cars. The Speed3 saps my confidence when I wanted to drive it fast. That chassis and the FWD with all that power just DON'T work. When I drove the Gti i was having fun. Might not have been winning any races but I could car less. Also, if you want to go fast there are cars far better suited for the job than the Speed 3
Start replacing the C30 bits with Ford Focus parts and the "quiet and built for comfort not performance" disguise comes off faster than a Scooby-Doo villain.
why does everyone who reviews this car (or ones like it) think two tone seats is a big deal...wtf??? ohh and who doesn't love a bad sound track over the presenter talking....pure gold.
I'm split between a 2009 speed3, and a 2010 gti....What should i Do? I have a one hour commute on the weekend to come home. but its not every weekend. I just want something thats fun, and comfortable.
i was looking into a c30 awhile back and the interior was HORRIBLE unless it was optioned like crazy. the car i looked at didnt even have cruise control (it was optional). id take the gti in a second. the other cars feel like $16k cars loaded up while the gti feels like a $35k german sedan with an efficient/deceptively quick turbo engine
How are you telling him to calm down when it seems you are the one getting angry? Also, how and why are you unsubscribing and telling him he is wrong when he states his opinion. That really makes no sense.
their whole point about the gti being low on power is kind of silly. you can just one of those APR tunes and make 40 more HP and 50 more lb ft of torque for like $600
From the reviews I've read from owners, the Volvo is WAY better in winter driving than the Gti (which requires spending more money on a 2nd set of winter tires probly because of its sportier suspension). I'd buy the Volvo in a Heartbeat if it weren't for the incredible let down of an interior. If I'm going to spend most of my time looking at the inside vs the outside I would be very bored and unhappy with its blandness.
hey! Everyday Driver! I have a question, what's a good looking used sports or luxury car that's affordable for college students? I'm talking around 25k..recommendation would be helpful.
If the artistic shoulder line is what makes the car so appealing to you, maybe you should realise that's been around since, like, 2001. So the statement "Volvo's have never been this sexy" is kind of misconstrued..
the Volvo was placed at a disadvantage as far as the interior room went since u tested the 4 door models of the other two ( i'm aware there is no 2 door ms3) but the c30 isn't much smaller inside than the 2 door gti
mazdaspeed3 was best of the 3 ) fastest, powerful, drives better outside and inside looks way better just because vw gti was good before and because people are saying it's a good car you don't have to follow everybody else, have your own opinion mazaspeed3 is new on the market and because of that nobody knows about it
Focus ST was mysteriously substituted with a volvo? that seems a bit strange to me. Also to the balding one with the tucked in t shirt, your unexplained hatred of mazda is somewhat annoying. You have no real reason to dislike their cars other than you don't like the styling. To the not balding one that I rather like, you look like Jim from the office. Good video though
I'd buy the argument about design if the GTI was a masterpiece compared to the MS3. But it's just bland and boring. I'd also accept the argument regarding refinement if this weren't a hot hatch comparison. As it stands, despite the fact that the GTI is a better car, the MS3 is the better hot hatch and it's the one I'd drive home. The Volvo is cool, bit simply not a 'hot' enough hatchback to consider choosing over the other two.
