http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107193

Rumor has it that the C30's inspiration will come from this safety concept:



Volvo's Smallest C30 Hatch to Debut at Detroit Show
Date Posted 09-09-2005

DETROIT — Volvo will pull the wraps off its newest — and smallest — vehicle, the C30, in January at the North American International Auto Show here. The C30 will go on sale next fall in the United States as a 2007 model.

Volvo first announced its intention earlier this year to launch the C30 at the Detroit show but provided few details. Sources say the car will be built on Ford's C1 global small-car platform, which underpins the Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon, as well as the upcoming C70 hardtop convertible that will be unveiled at next week's Frankfurt show.

But unlike the C70, the smaller C30 is a three-door hatchback coupe, with styling inspired by Volvo's Safety Concept Car, which in turn traces its design roots to the 1800 ES wagon. The C30 will be nearly 8 inches shorter than the S40 sedan, according to Volvo.

The C30 likely will be powered by a small, twin-cam, four-cylinder engine, although Volvo has said it also is looking at hybrid powertrains. The car's most likely competitors will be the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series.

Production is scheduled to begin late next summer at Ford's Ghent plant in Belgium.

Volvo also is working on a successor to its S80 flagship sedan, which could be introduced next spring at the Geneva show.

What this means to you: The smallest Volvo yet will bring Swedish style and safety into more affordable territory.

Ew.

I think it's ice cool... it's more playful than the 9X concept, but less elegant.

I like it. I also like the current S/V40. They're Volvo... distilled. Sweet!

MT had a picture of something similar to the safety concept in one of there sneak peek articles, it looked a little different.

Looking forward to seeing the real thing

Another variation of the Volvo 2-door hatch: