Times are tough and budgets are getting tighter by the day, it's no wonder car sales are dropping at the rate they are. This is no doubt driving consumers in the direction of more affordable and more fuel-efficient cars, even in the premium end of the market.

Volvo's C30 has always belonged to the premium group of C-segment hatchbacks, and aimed at individualistic buyers seeking an alternative to the Audi A3, BMW 1- Series and Alfa 147. Its eccentric styling combined with those traditional Volvo attributes of supreme comfort and safety have made it an interesting proposition in this market and now it’s available in a more affordable 1.6-litre derivative.

At R214 500, it's no cheaper than the 2.0-litre model was a few months ago, but since the Rand's weakness against the Euro has pushed the bigger-engined model up to R238 500, the new 1.6 will become a very tempting alternative. But does it have any shove, you might ask?

Well, they were smart enough to launch it at the coast so I can't tell you how it'll perform at oxygen-sapped reef altitudes, but during my 50km drive north of Durban, I was impressed by the performance offered.

The motor revs freely and feels perky enough to satisfy the average driver, this despite it having only 74kW and 150Nm available. It's mated to a smooth five-speed gearbox with well-spaced ratios that work well for hard acceleration and highway cruising. Volvo claims it'll drink seven litres per 100km on the combined cycle, consequently emitting 167g/km.

The basic version comes with 'Essential' specification, which packs in most of the good stuff you'd expect in a luxury car, including climate control and a premium sound system and, being a Volvo, all the safety stuff is there too, including full- length side curtain airbags.

If you want more opulence in the way of comfort and style, three other equipment levels are offered and this is where you get leather seats, electric seats, iPod connections and the like, while the R-Design flagship package gives you a more aggressive body kit.

It's hard to say where the C30 fits in relation to its rivals. On the one hand it's a very comfortable and smooth luxury vehicle with styling that'll certainly stand out in the parking lot, but it's not particularly sporty or practical. Taller passengers won't be happy in the back and you're not going to fit much more than a few shopping bags in the boot, which you'd expect from a sporty car. Except it's not exactly a sporty car. It handles rather well, but doesn't come near the levels of agility or driver involvement offered by the likes of a 1-Series.

But there's something very likeable about the C30, in its premium feel and 'devil may care' styling. As a purchase, the 1.6 may just work for ambitious and individualistic people who aren't looking for serious performance.

Pricing:
Volvo C30 1.6: R214 500