Just checked it out on MSN. Pricing will be mid 20's and they are expecting between 6 and 8 thousand to be imported. Nota bad looking car, but I'm not sure how I feel about all of the glass on the hatchdoor...

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I went to the Volvo site and it looks like they are going all out with the customization and configuration you can do. I'm all for companies trying to expand this segment. I personally prefer a 4-door, but if I were just getting into the market for a small sporty hatch, I would have to look into this car.

 

looks kinda economy to me.

wouldnt really look into it. Anyways, the wheels in the picture are enormous, in real life, it would look more like a CRV than a FX.

 

Base model 1.0's start at 23, 2.0 sports start at 27. Typicalstickers are 27 and 31, respectively. i've driven both - here's the lowdown:

High points - killer AC, strong, flexible engine (with the manual trans), good seats and ergonomics, attention-grabbing styling and graphic adds. Nice but not exceptional driving dynamics. Radio/CD systems better than Audi's.

Low points - Geartronic is a typical slushbox; the car feels much less quick than a DSG A3. Funky body colored interior trim. No cargo area - I mean we're talking 2 grocery bags and a sweater here. Limited cargo access due to funky shaped rear door and high liftover.

This is more a competitor for the 2 door GTI than the A3. I'd own one, but wouldn't be happy with it afterliving withthe Audi, which is a much better total package.

 

There is one at my local volvo dealer that is painted like a swedish flag which is neat but I really dont like the way the back looks. I guess if someone gave me one i wouldnt complain but i wouldnt choose to buy it.

 

I was looking at this before I got my A3, but this was back in the beginning of the year and I didn't want to wait 'til August/September for a new car. I'm glad I ended up with the A3 though.

 

It's a Ford!

 

By that logic, then so is Jaguar (and until recently Aston Martin) and Land Rover.

Lambo's and Bentley's are VW's!!! Just givin ya chit man.

 

I saw one prominently displayed at a dealership last week. OK looking...the rear looked a little too exaggerated in length...but not bad.

 

Haha yes, but VWs are very respectable.

Ford, not so much. I live in America, where idiots buy Fords. They can make them like crap and still sell them here. From watching Top Gear, I guess Ford is pretty decent in the UK with the Mondeo and the Focus ST, which they hail as the best "hot hatch", above the GTi.

Anyways, I've had experience with Volvos. I've had a 1998 S90 and a 2002 S40, and my friend has a 2000 S70. Ford has really cheapened them out and sold them for more than what they're worth. Sure they're cheaper than BMW and Audi, but still not worth it. Each of the aforementioned cars, except for the pre-Ford 1998 S90, has had problems that shoudln't have happened... ranging from catalytic converter destruction to eletronic throttle control problems. The 1998 S90 didn't have working A/C, and leaked some oil... but ran well, and sharp. It had 200,000 miles on it. The other two are still under 100,000.

Nevertheless, the other two Volvos have reached 100,000 miles and haven't "exploded". They are still dependable machines, and I guess that's what counts.

But if you have the money, don't go with American cars. Stick with VW for your cheaper car needs.