Anybody had a go in the C30 T5 yet?
Discussion
Anyone know what the differences are between the T5 engine in the C30 and the Focus to the one fitted to the S60 say? The S60 is now 260BHP while the others are 225BHP - but I would have though that they are identical for production cost savings etc.
I am told that the Focus T5 engine goes to 275BHP with ease so there is obviously lots of headroom to play with. I wonder why they chose to knock the power down while other models cope admirably with more power. Surely a C30 with 250+BHP would be a bit of a barn stormer and bring them into Audi S3 territory?
I am told that the Focus T5 engine goes to 275BHP with ease so there is obviously lots of headroom to play with. I wonder why they chose to knock the power down while other models cope admirably with more power. Surely a C30 with 250+BHP would be a bit of a barn stormer and bring them into Audi S3 territory?
The Volvo engine in the Focus ST and S Max is the same B5254T3 that is in the current C30 T5, S40 T5, C70 T5 and in the V70 and S60 lpt and will be in the upcoming New Mondeo as the range topper until the new inline 6 is fitted next year.
This Volvo B5254T3 is a low pressure turbo with a high compression ratio and small KKK turbo. The current Volvo S60 and V70 T5's are fitted with the entirely different B5244T5 engine which has a narrower bore and low compression with a larger KKK turbo fitted to a separate exhaust manifold, the 'ST' B5254T3 engine having a smaller KKK with integrated exhaust manifold.
These two different current engines are not to be confused with the older, pre '05 B5234T3 engine in earlier Volvo 'T5's.
Again there is another entirely different Volvo B5254T4 engine in the current Volvo S60R and V70R.
A good source for reference is www.wothrline.com a private site run by one of Volvo's developement engineers.
Regards, Don.Norchi.
www.kalmar-union.com
This Volvo B5254T3 is a low pressure turbo with a high compression ratio and small KKK turbo. The current Volvo S60 and V70 T5's are fitted with the entirely different B5244T5 engine which has a narrower bore and low compression with a larger KKK turbo fitted to a separate exhaust manifold, the 'ST' B5254T3 engine having a smaller KKK with integrated exhaust manifold.
These two different current engines are not to be confused with the older, pre '05 B5234T3 engine in earlier Volvo 'T5's.
Again there is another entirely different Volvo B5254T4 engine in the current Volvo S60R and V70R.
A good source for reference is www.wothrline.com a private site run by one of Volvo's developement engineers.
Regards, Don.Norchi.
www.kalmar-union.com
I tried a T5 Se Sport for a whole day. I was expecting a lot more. I found the steering wheel too large, the steering at speed was very twitchy, it took a long time to wind up the engine. I was expecting it to go like a bat out of hell and handle really well. Instead, my initial smile as I pulled out of my local dealership soon disappeared. As someone else has said, I think the Ford Focus ST has stolen a march on the Volvo.
Hi all,
I work for Volvo so have had the pleasure of running around in a C30 T5 for a few days. Was going to answer some of the above Qs but Don seems to have it covered.
I will only add that the reason the C30 doesn't feel as sharp as the ST to drive is down to all the extra safety systems and higher quality construction + materials used. Always a problem for Volvo when trying to market a driver's car. Rarely is it that a buyer chooses a Volvo for the driving experience alone.
I work for Volvo so have had the pleasure of running around in a C30 T5 for a few days. Was going to answer some of the above Qs but Don seems to have it covered.
I will only add that the reason the C30 doesn't feel as sharp as the ST to drive is down to all the extra safety systems and higher quality construction + materials used. Always a problem for Volvo when trying to market a driver's car. Rarely is it that a buyer chooses a Volvo for the driving experience alone.
Well what a disappointment!
Wouldn't call it quick, not even in the repmobile getting a bit of a wiggle on stakes.
Driving feel, no different from my V50.
Interior, could have ben in my V50.
Seats, it is a sports car ffs! standard Volvo leathers, comfy yes but.....
Rear space and boot space as expected, but what is that half arsed flappy plastic cloth excuse for a load cover all about!!!!
Giving it some beans around a section on one of the class 1 test routes, not going all that quickly, could physically see the fuel gauge going down!!!!!!!
Looks a bit funky admittedly and even got some glances from the yoofs, wikkid innit!
Some presentable females even glanced twice so not all bad.
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
Wouldn't call it quick, not even in the repmobile getting a bit of a wiggle on stakes.
Driving feel, no different from my V50.
Interior, could have ben in my V50.
Seats, it is a sports car ffs! standard Volvo leathers, comfy yes but.....
Rear space and boot space as expected, but what is that half arsed flappy plastic cloth excuse for a load cover all about!!!!
Giving it some beans around a section on one of the class 1 test routes, not going all that quickly, could physically see the fuel gauge going down!!!!!!!
Looks a bit funky admittedly and even got some glances from the yoofs, wikkid innit!
Some presentable females even glanced twice so not all bad.
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
Edited by Flat in Fifth on Friday 20th April 16:01
Slightly worried to read all of these negative reviews of the C30 T5, as it was (until reading this) top of the list for a possible swap (practicality upsize 
). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five.
Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five. Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
Andrew D said:
Slightly worried to read all of these negative reviews of the C30 T5, as it was (until reading this) top of the list for a possible swap (practicality upsize ). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five.
Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five. Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
I've got the 2.4 (in a V50) and it goes and sounds great. Although, dont go expecting any great fuel ecomomy. I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on here about someone trying a V50 D5 and saying it was good and pretty quick, but not that exciting...something like it built up speed easily and quickly, but didnt feel that involving.
mondayo said:
Andrew D said:
Slightly worried to read all of these negative reviews of the C30 T5, as it was (until reading this) top of the list for a possible swap (practicality upsize ). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five.
Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
). I have to say that the 2.4 still looks quite interesting, I've always loved the sound of the wailing high-rev NA straight five. Has anyone had a go in the D5 yet? From the performance figures it should be a bit of an animal, but I'm not sure about the geartronic-only issue.
I've got the 2.4 (in a V50) and it goes and sounds great. Although, dont go expecting any great fuel ecomomy. I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on here about someone trying a V50 D5 and saying it was good and pretty quick, but not that exciting...something like it built up speed easily and quickly, but didnt feel that involving.
That was me amongst others, it didn't accelerate, more gathered pace very effectively. Think those were the words used.
Also it's an estate whereas the C30 is aimed at a different demographic.
The D5 in the C30 feels like the V50 actually, based on a short 20 minute blast. I think it might be better on the back roads, but nothing special. So much space sacrificed.
Almost no space for rear passengers behind me, and I'm average height, and the luggage space is what you might expect from that sort of vehicle, i.e. next to nowt. Think my old 205GTI had better packaging actually.
So thumbs down from me for the C30 D5 too.
What I'm saying is that on balance I'd rather have a bigger estate with more flexibility in use and have what seems like the same performance.
It's interesting that demographics should be mentioned, as I'm in the exact target demographic for the C30. So I suppose that's why I prefer the C30 to the S40/V50, although it's not down to my perceiving it as a "coupe". The real reason is that I'd look like I was driving my Dad's car if I had a saloon or an estate, and I don't carry passengers much so I'd prefer bigger front doors.
I didn't really expect any performance benefits over the other models, other than as a result of the metal lost through cutting the boot off, as its fundamentally the same car as the S40/V50. No amount of marketing is going to convince me that the C30/C-Class Sports Coupe/et al are anything other than a hatchback version of the S40/C-Class. Which is fine, because that's what I want.
I suspect that the 2.4 is going to be the one to go for, because the T5 doesn't seem to carry enough benefit to offset the significant increase in running costs and insurance. The D5 looked like a winner on paper, but by the sound of it it seems to be just another over-blown oil burner.
I didn't really expect any performance benefits over the other models, other than as a result of the metal lost through cutting the boot off, as its fundamentally the same car as the S40/V50. No amount of marketing is going to convince me that the C30/C-Class Sports Coupe/et al are anything other than a hatchback version of the S40/C-Class. Which is fine, because that's what I want.
I suspect that the 2.4 is going to be the one to go for, because the T5 doesn't seem to carry enough benefit to offset the significant increase in running costs and insurance. The D5 looked like a winner on paper, but by the sound of it it seems to be just another over-blown oil burner.
Flat in Fifth said:
Well what a disappointment! Wouldn't call it quick, not even in the repmobile getting a bit of a wiggle on stakes. Driving feel, no different from my V50. Interior, could have been in my V50.... <clip>
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
Well you won't like the Brera then! Simply swap what you said about the C30 vs' V50 with Brera vs' 159. The Brera is heavy, sluggish and well, you may as well be in an Alfa saloon car because that's exactly what it's like inside. RichB said:
Flat in Fifth said:
Well what a disappointment! Wouldn't call it quick, not even in the repmobile getting a bit of a wiggle on stakes. Driving feel, no different from my V50. Interior, could have been in my V50.... <clip>
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
On balance, nope, not impressed. If I wanted something like this would go for the ST, or more likely look v hard at a Brera.
Well you won't like the Brera then! Simply swap what you said about the C30 vs' V50 with Brera vs' 159. The Brera is heavy, sluggish and well, you may as well be in an Alfa saloon car because that's exactly what it's like inside. An interesting observation because reckon I'd have the same or bigger problem with separating those two. Setting aside the dynamics and going just on looks.
I mean the V50 looks sort of OK but nothing special, the C30 looks plug ugly but with some interesting odds and bobs, but so much wrong with it. So its a no brainer getting down to it.
The Brera looks rather fine, but like me from some angles looks a bit heavy round the middle, OK OK I look heavy from all angles......
The 159 though is one damn nice looking car.
4941cc said:
Hi all,
I work for Volvo so have had the pleasure of running around in a C30 T5 for a few days. Was going to answer some of the above Qs but Don seems to have it covered.
I will only add that the reason the C30 doesn't feel as sharp as the ST to drive is down to all the extra safety systems and higher quality construction + materials used. Always a problem for Volvo when trying to market a driver's car. Rarely is it that a buyer chooses a Volvo for the driving experience alone.
i also work for volvo as a mechanic,the car is not heavy at all with safety kit,the engine is in a low boost setup,can easily chip to 265bhp and totally reliable.I work for Volvo so have had the pleasure of running around in a C30 T5 for a few days. Was going to answer some of the above Qs but Don seems to have it covered.
I will only add that the reason the C30 doesn't feel as sharp as the ST to drive is down to all the extra safety systems and higher quality construction + materials used. Always a problem for Volvo when trying to market a driver's car. Rarely is it that a buyer chooses a Volvo for the driving experience alone.
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