The 2-door C30 is a premium compact featuring a prominent glass rear hatch like the 1800ES wagon of the early 1970s. It's the smallest car available in Volvo's lineup and last year's major exterior styling updates help to differentiate it from Volvo's S40 sedan and V50 wagon.

Power comes from Volvo's turbocharged 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine making 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 6-speed "Geartronic" automatic is optional. Volvo estimates combined fuel mileage at 21 mpg city with either transmission, while on the highway, the manual is rated at 29 mph and the automatic at 30 mpg.

Two models are available: the T5 and the R-design. The T5 comes equipped with a leather-covered steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, a comfort-tuned chassis, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, tire pressure warning system, trip computer, ambient temperature gauge, Bluetooth, HD radio with CD player and iPod and USB music interface and 50/50 split rear seating.

The sportier R-design gets a much sharper and stiffer chassis, with much more precise steering featuring a ratio reduction of ten percent over the T5. The springs are 30 percent stiffer and the shocks and sway bars have been redesigned to provide a much more solid ride. Outside, the package adds special badges, front fog lamps, silk metal finish grille and side mirror housings, unique body kit with front and rear spoilers, 18-inch aluminum wheels, tailgate spoiler and chrome tailpipes. Inside, special upholstery has been fitted, with embossed R-design emblems in the front seats, and aluminum trim is featured around the gauges and shifter.

New trim levels for both models include Premier Plus and Platinum. Premier Plus offers a power moonroof, power front seats with driver memory, LED daytime running lights, aluminum inlays (in the T5) and a load cover (in the R-Design). Platinum includes all of the above, plus a premium sound system, Sirius XM satellite radio with a 6-month subscription and navigation.

A Climate Package adds heated front seats, headlight washers, rain sensor, electronic climate control and an air filtration system.

Standard safety features include a reinforced passenger compartment, dual-stage front airbags, inflatable side curtains, side-impact air bags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners, whiplash protection, rear fog light, daytime running lamps, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Assist.

For 2012, the Volvo C30 sees some of its trim and options packages revised, with the introduction of Premier Plus and Platinum trims available for both T5 and R-Design models.

With room for four, a sport-tuned suspension and styling reminiscent of Volvo's 1800ES of the 1970s, the 2012 Volvo C30 appeals to a wide range of buyers. And just because it's fun doesn't mean it can't be responsible; Volvo's reputation for safety and reliability puts it at the top of its class among other small cars priced under $30k.