Packed within the compact and curvy bodyshell of the C30 are all the splendid Scandinavian attributes of Volvo, coupled with the kind of customisation normally reserved for more exclusive, more expensive machinery. Of course, the more boxes you tick on the options sheet of the entry-level C30, the more you have to pay. Anyway, the standard 2-litre C30 is already well-specified and on standby to live your yuppie life to the fullest.
The MINI Cooper Clubman is an acquired taste, and many enthusiasts don’t understand it. Even devotees of the modern Mini marque are bemused by this unorthodox British-German station-wagon. Holland Village hippies would probably appreciate this ride, but everyone else would just go for the regular MINI hatchback. In the context of this story, the Clubman is more kooky than kinky.
So the Scirocco scores the winning goal in this match. It boasts a beautiful blend of talents, the most prominent of which are styling flair, perky performance and surprising practicality. The build quality is impressive, too. Sealing the victory for the Volkswagen are comparatively low running costs and a reasonable price that is also the most affordable of the trio.
Volvo C30 2.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1999cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 87.5mm x 83.1mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Power 145bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 185Nm at 4500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed dual-clutch transmission
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 205km/h
0-100km/h 9.7 seconds
Consumption 12.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 2
Size 205/50 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4266mm
Width 1871mm
Height 1447mm
Wheelbase 2640mm
Kerb Weight 1373kg
Power to Weight Ratio 105.6bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $110,699 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Effective facelift, pleasant ride, ergonomic cockpit
– Average dynamics, poor boot space, weird colour combos
Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1390cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 76.5mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 9.7:1
Power (with motor) 160bhp at 5800rpm
Torque 240Nm at 1500-4500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 218km/h
0-100km/h 8 seconds
Consumption 15.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli P Zero Rosso
Size 235/40 R18
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4256mm
Width 1810mm
Height 1404mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb Weight 1285kg
Power to Weight Ratio 124.5bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $103,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Desirable yet sensible design, efficient yet urgent performance, genuine bang for the buck
– Relentlessly racy ride, inconvenient cabin access, terrible outward visibility
MINI Cooper Clubman 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1598cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Power 120bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 160Nm at 4250rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 195km/h
0-100km/h 10.9 seconds
Consumption 15.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Excellence ROF
Size 195/55 R16
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3937mm
Width 1683mm
Height 1426mm
Wheelbase 2547mm
Kerb Weight 1260kg
Power to Weight Ratio 95.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $118,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/90,000km
+ Funkiness plus quirkiness, handling of a giant go-kart, crystal-clear window views
– More fun than functional, Clubdoor on wrong side, slowest of the group
