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Discussion starter · #1,342 ·
I was able to drive a euro specked Level II T5 C30 today at my local dealership, Alan Byer.

The car was an 07 model done up like the concept car first seen in Detroit.

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A very helpful salesman (thanks Paul!) accompanied me on the ride which consisted of a drive through some city traffic / streets and then a short jaunt on the highway. Our test drive did include some on and off ramps as well.

I'm unsure of which suspension the car had but I'd guess it was sport. It rode just a bit softer than my Focus with the Koni adjustable set at the softest setting. The ride was firm and the car didn't exhibit much body roll, but then again, we weren't pushing it. The poor roads let there presents be known but not in such a way that it was bone jarring. I'd say enthusiast will be pleased while folks who want a smooth ride would be put off by this particular set up.

I'd have to fiddle with the seats a bit more than I did today to find the best seating position for myself. I was comfortable but was sitting low and could see the rear fender flair a bit too much (they are beautiful).

The steering wheel was the aluminum trimmed one that's an option on the C30. It was just the right thickness for my hands, and felt great. I felt the steering was pretty responsive but also was light. You don't get a whole lot of resistance / feedback as you turn the wheel but I could get use to it.

The T5 is a dream. Lots of low down grunt that just builds and builds. I merged with traffic very easily. I didn't get on it too hard as I was being very polite so as not to scare Paul to death. Still, impressive even on a test drive.

I'm sold, and the the good news is my dealership is willing to honor A plan.

Thanks again to Paul and Alan Byer Volvo of Syracuse. After following this car for four year and only being able to look, it was great to finally climb behind the wheel.
 
Not Fair!:thumbdown

Glad to hear some good things after an initial impression.
Can't wait until someone stateside gets one to have their way with.:evilgrin:
 
Discussion starter · #1,350 ·
Over Seas Delivery has been confirmed for the C30

Just as a reference,

OSD:

C30 1.0 starts @ $21,090

C30 2.0 starts @ $23,875

A Plan

C30 1.0 starts @ $21,373

C30 2.0 starts @ $24,193

OSD offers two round trip tickets to Sweden, a tour of the factory, and overnight accommodations in a five star hotel. You can stay and drive around Europe for up to two months.
 
bluebyutoo said:
Over Seas Delivery has been confirmed for the C30

Just as a reference,

OSD:

C30 1.0 starts @ $21,090

C30 2.0 starts @ $23,875

A Plan

C30 1.0 starts @ $21,373

C30 2.0 starts @ $24,193

OSD offers two round trip tickets to Sweden, a tour of the factory, and overnight accommodations in a five star hotel. You can stay and drive around Europe for up to two months.
I will most likely be doing this in about a year and a half. It's worth the extra time to wait for something like that.
 
Wow these are going to be cheap! How much are they supposed to weigh? 3100? If it was around the focus weight and had some aftermarket it could be a quick little car!
 
yeah T-5 has been around in the S40 for a while.
 
Discussion starter · #1,359 ·
Sorry to hear you got treated poorly. I got an email invite to drive the demo car. Might be the only one outside of the dealership employee that drove it in from Jersey to have driven it. Salesman wasn't proficient with a manual transmission and as such hadn't driven it.
 
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