Volvo has recently refreshed its C30 SportsCoupe and C70 Coupe-Cabriolet models for 2010, with some not inconsiderable styling tweaks to the front end of both models.The restyled front end includes a new honeycomb grille, new headlights, more prominent Volvo badge and sculpted bonnet.On C30 R-DESIGN models there's even more tweaking going on, with a more purposeful face complementing the unique rear end: skid plate, scuffplates, all that jazz.The C30 also gets an optional sports chassis to stiffen up the suspension and sharpen the steering.D5 and T5 engines are the headline acts for both models, but the C30 gets a stop-start DRIVe low-CO2 version that returns over 74mpg combined and emits 99g/km - stunning figures for any car, never mind a stylish coupe.I'm a fan of the C30's styling, even if only there are only 8,000 people per year who agree with me sufficiently to buy one.In this new restyled guise the coupe looks even better from the outside, with the R-DESIGN body kit upping the ante further.The C30 seems complete with its fairly major front-end restyle - so major it required retooling of the sheet metal works - and the refresh adds to the visual dynamic.Specifications include S, SE, SE Lux and R-Design, with the latter's body kit really adding to the C30's lines.I drove the 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine C30 in difficult conditions in Austria, which didn't allow for much opportunity to really test the cars, but the drive was assured thanks to the optional sports chassis.Arguably there's a trade-off with ride comfort with such a stiff chassis, but not to a point where it's an issue on the C30. Cruising is relaxed, but the diesel engine lacks low-down pep and refinement.Steering has been firmed up, but still fails to communicate as much as it might, but overall the sports chassis sharpens up the C30.Elsewhere there are 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre and T5 2.5-litre petrol engines and 1.6-litre and and D5 2.4-litre diesel engines, plus the aforementioned 1.6-litre DRIVe model.Inside the C30 is a comfortable place to be, and there's a new floating centre stack, that's pleasingly odd.Volvo seems to have forgotten about the dash though, much of which is as featureless as the snowy landscape on evidence from the German Autobahns.Still, there's lots of quirk colour schemes that can be specified - which set the C30 apart from other cars in the class somewhat, and there's more customisable stuff available.Practicality may be pushed, with boot space hardly impressive and the rear seats cramped, but driver and front passenger get enough room.As a package, the C30 has been improved in most areas. It's a smart-looking car whose idiosyncratic design has ensured it's remained pretty distinctive, and its new facelift makes it a much more interesting choice than most in the premium hatchback or coupe segments.Equipped with the right engine and the right spec it's a strong car, while the R-DESIGN and DRIVe variants move the car into different niches again. Clever Volvo. Volvo C30 MILESTONES Volvo C30 134bhp 2.0D SE with sports chassisPrice: £19,195Transmission: Six-speed manualTop speed: 127mph0-62mph: 9.4 secondsFuel economy: 49.6mpgCO2: 151g/km
