SUVs are everywhere these days, and come in a range of different shapes and sizes. The trouble is, even the very smallest specimens are still pretty large, which can make threading them around city streets an annoying process. If that sounds like something you'd grapple with, then opting for some form of compact hatchback could be the perfect option. Their small size makes zipping through tighter streets more straightforward, while their flat tails make it easier to park without worrying about reversing into something.We're not talking about buying a basic Corolla or anything here either, as you could instead trawl the used market for Volvo's punchy C30. Not only does it look unique from most other compacts out there, but it also offers plenty of pace thanks to its awesome engine. The C30 Was Graced With One Of Volvo's Best Powerplants Bring a Trailer When the C30 reached the US market for the 2008 model year, there was only one option when it came to what engine you'd find lurking beneath the hood. Of course, Volvo opted to combine the hatchback with its iconic turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five unit, which not only provided plenty of grunt, but also an angelic howl that is characteristic of such a design. The fact that it was turbocharged not only meant it had more power to play with, but that it was also more efficient than a naturally aspirated engine, allowing it to comply with the stringent American emissions regulations.The unit sent its power to the front wheels of the slick C30, and through either a six-speed manual or five-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox. The C30s Spritely Powerplant Meant It Could Shift Volvo While the five-cylinder unit was chosen more for its refinement than its outright performance capability, the fact that the C30 could get down the road at a fair lick was a happy side benefit. With 227 horsepower being fired the way of the front axle, the compact could breach the 60 mph barrier in just 6.2 seconds, before eventually running out of puff at 146 mph. When twinned with that intoxicating five-cylinder melody, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd heard it sound strangely similar to another modern machine. And you'd be right. Ford Also Made Use Of Volvo's Five-Pot Ford Around the time of the C30s conception, Volvo was owned by American automotive giant Ford. The firm had taken over Volvo in 1999, which meant the brands swapped technology between them. The C30 was a perfect illustration of this, as it used Ford's global C-car platform as the basis for the model, meaning it was closely related underneath to the likes of the Ford Focus and Kuga, as well as a range of Mazdas.In return, Ford made use of Volvo's five-cylinder engine in some of its offerings. The Ford Mondeo sedan utilized the powerplant outside of the US, but its most famous appointment came under the hood of one of the most thrilling hot hatches ever produced. The Engine Powered Two Of Ford's Greatest Performance Cars Ford Yep, Volvo's turbocharged inline-five called the Focus ST and RS home in the late 2000s. The ST came first in 2005, and it produced the same power as the C30 T5 did, though it offered more focused handling due to it being a performance-geared hot hatch. Ford then upgraded the engine so that it could be used in its uprated RS model in 2009, with the unit getting an upgraded turbo, cooling system and stronger engine internals.The upshot of this was a peak power output of 301 hp, which pushed the front-wheel-drive Focus to the limits of physics. Ultimately, this arrangement would cease in 2010, when Volvo was sold off to Chinese automotive operation Geely. Having lost access to the five-cylinder engine, Ford instead began using four and six-cylinder designs for its future projects. The C30 Was Built More For Comfort Than Speed Volvo Seeing as the C30 borrowed the same platform as the Focus, Ford wanted it to sit as more of a premium luxury model, whereas its own hatchback would be positioned at the lower end of the market. Or as a hot hatch, in the case of the ST and RS versions. As a result, the base C30 T5 offered for the US market came with its independent suspension tuned to offer a smooth ride, as opposed to one that would get its nose pointed squarely at the next apex. In addition, it came lavished with seats and a steering wheel finished in high-quality leather, as well as with cruise control and a premium audio system.Various options could also be had, such as power seats, an electric moonroof, and satellite navigation. The Platinum trim came with most of this extra equipment, though the Climate pack, which came with highlights such as heated seats and electronic climate control, was an option for every trim level. If You Wanted A More Involving Driving Experience, There Was One Option Volvo Should the standard T5 feel a little too laid back for your tastes, then you could always opt for the R-Design variant instead. Aside from getting a more aggressive body kit and alloy wheel design, and some sportier aluminum trim in the cabin, this version was equipped with a revised suspension setup. The springs and dampers were stiffened by 30% to lessen body roll and improve chassis agility, with the stabilizer bars also tightened up to help with this. In addition to the suspension being made stiffer, the car was also dropped by 0.4 inches to improve its center of gravity and further reduce body roll.The steering ratio was also quickened up by 10% to afford the model a more direct feel. The engine remained the same, but the more focused chassis at least made the car more engaging, even if it wasn't at the same level as full-fat hot hatches like the Focus ST. Used C30s Are Pretty Cheap Nowadays Volvo If you fancy securing a slice of the good life in a compact package, then you'll be pleased to learn that used C30s are very affordable. According to CarBuzz's Marketplace, base 2013 C30 T5s have a current average value of $10,496, with sportier R-Design specimens costing around the same. This kind of money can get you a tidy example with less than 100,000 miles on the clock, as evidenced by a black 2013 R-Design variant offered by Cars.com. The machine is priced at $9,988 as of March 2026, and has traveled 92,000 miles during its life. Lower mileage examples will set you back closer to $15k. On the other hand, you'd be hard-pushed to pick up Ford's RS for any less than $30,000, and prices are on the move, too.If you don't mind owning a car that has covered significantly more distance, or a lower-end variant, then decent C30s can be found for closer to $6k. Make sure to do your due diligence with these though, as high milers that haven't been looked after properly could start costing you a ton in repair bills. Volvo's five-pot needs frequent maintenance to keep running fresh, so you should be good as long as you can confirm it's had its fair share of love.Volvo's much-missed I5 is one of the coolest engines ever produced, and the C30 provides an excellent way of enjoying one in comfort and style.Sources: Ford, Volvo.