When has a Volvo ever sparked such a firestorm of attention? In one quick stop at a gas station, I was drawn into two separate conversations about the C30 T5 R-Design. The first gent led off with the usual, "how do you like C30?" The second fellow launched by informing me of his wife's desire to own a C30. Thanks to the tremendous appeal of Volvo's youth-oriented hatch, my quick hit of fuel became a rather protracted social event.

The C30 is a compact front-wheel-drive three-door hatch that looks exciting from every angle.

Attention justified
I've got to admit that this is a spectacular looking vehicle, especially in R-Design format, which for 2009 replaces last year's sport package. Even in base form, the C30 is a visual delight. Volvo pulled-off the unexpected by delivering a product that draws heavily upon the sensational 1800ES, which was a wagon adaptation of the fabulous Volvo P1800 sports coupe from the early 60s.

The C30 is a compact front-wheel-drive three-door hatch that looks exciting from every angle. The T5 R-Design version takes the car's unique styling to a whole new level of aggression. The twin exhaust pipes set into the rear fascia combined with a subtle body kit and two-tone paint is so un-Volvo-like but oh so cool.

A glass rear hatch adds authenticity to the nod to yesteryear while a generously equipped, upscale cabin establishes this car in modernity. The R-Design two-tone upholstery scheme and other R-Design detailing in the cabin further convey the sportiness inherent in this premium-level sport compact while distinguishing it from its more docile C30 roots.

Seating for four
In addition to looking the part, seating in C30 T5 R-Design is sublimely comfortable yet firmly supportive; and that includes the two rear perches as well. If there's a shortcoming, it applies to legroom. Long-legged drivers may find themselves desiring more "stretch space." And expect rear seat passengers cry foul if the front seats are not moved forward to share the limited real estate. Surprisingly, headroom is not an issue.

The rear seat backs fold forward creating a flat unimpeded load floor. This function enhances the car's practicality, compensating somewhat for its inability to carry more than four occupants.

The seating in C30 T5 R-Design is sublimely comfortable yet firmly supportive.

T5 = Turbocharged 5-cylinder
Squeezed in under the hood of my tester was an all aluminum 2.5-litre DOHC turbocharged I-5 featuring continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) technology. This gutsy mill produced 227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and 236 foot-pounds of torque from 1,500-4,800 rpm.

My tester was backed-up by a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring Volvo's Geartronic manual-mode.

Given the C30 T5's trim curb weight of 1447-kg, the aforementioned potency is plentiful. Gentle applications of throttle are richly rewarded with smooth, enthusiastic acceleration. Heavy stomps on the "go" pedal are quickly responded to with vigorous leaps off-the-line and strong pulls in the passing lane. This car doesn't run low on steam and seems to increase its fortitude commensurate with increasing its speed.

Although I wouldn't consider the harmonics of this engine unrefined by anyone's standard, this mill doesn't deliver turbine-like smoothness that one might associate with a turbocharged BMW powerplant. Nonetheless it's a pleasing engine, which is always willing to deliver plenty of low-end torque.

My tester was backed-up by a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring Volvo's Geartronic manual-mode shift capability. This unit performed suitably however I would rather have found the six-speed stick beneath my right hand that comes as standard T5 equipment.

Fun-to-drive quotient
You can be forgiven if Volvo doesn't jump to mind when naming hot-handling compacts; that is of course prior to reading this review. The C30 T5 R-Design is a strong contender in the discipline of pavement athletics.

The handling qualities of this less-known contender are up there with the best in the segment, which says a lot given the ever-improving performance thresholds in the premium compact class. I derived much enjoyment from tossing my tester into tight turns and long sweepers, finding it to be exceptionally easy to control thanks to confidence-inspiring handling dynamics and feedback that's both predictable and communicative.

This engine produced 227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and 236 foot-pounds of torque from 1,500-4,800 rpm.

This agile little hatch exhibits negligible body lean in cornering and little nosedive when its sure-footed binders take hold. Despite its highly admirable pavement athletics, I didn't find the taut ride of my tester unduly rigid but don't expect to be cosseted in a cabin free of intrusion. Rough road surfaces and potholes are not well masked.

Volvo safety
When it comes to crash avoidance and occupant protection, no one out-shines Volvo. All C30s receive a full-suite of airbags along with Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control (DSTC) as standard gear. My tester was also equipped with BLIS, Volvo's unique Blind Spot Information System that activates a warning light to inform drivers that a vehicle is within the operator's blind spot on either side of the car.

The C30 T5 R-Design is somewhat of a non-conformist; it's not trying to be something it's not.

Wrap-up
The C30 T5 R-Design is somewhat of a non-conformist; it's not trying to be something it's not. Instead, this little Swede gives a respectful nod to yesteryear while fashionably stepping-up to compete with the big players in the lower-end of the premium-sports-compact market.

Pricing for the C30 T5 R-Design begins at $36,395 and climbs forth depending on options and packages chosen. That said, this vehicle is nicely equipped without the need to check-off any additional boxes unless an automatic transmission is required.

The C30 T5 R-Design supplies endless driving enjoyment combined with reasonable but not generous practicality. It's also a unit that protracts fuel fill-ups by initiating countless conversations with complete strangers, and how special is that in this day and age of heightened insecurity?