VOLVO'S attempt to recreate the P1800 of the 1960s falls short in looks but offers as much performance or economy as anyone could want.

The C30 a three door with fair interior space and slightly coupe looks, plus a glass hatch at the rear.

Petrol engines range from a 98bhp 1.6 up to the hugely quick T5 with a 226bhp 2.5, and diesels also start with a 1.6, borrowed from Peugeot, which has 107bhp.

Then comes a 2.0 litre with 134bhp and the range topper gets the 2.5 five cylinder D5 with 177.

The latest 1.6 DRIVe ultra green version uses the same diesel unit but adds automatic stop-start taking average economy to 74mpg and emissions down to just 104g/km.

Performance is good or great depending on engine size, handling and roadholding are both superb, with almost no roll and tremendous grip. It also has very positive and direct power steering.

Comfort is good except for a slightly unsettled ride at slow speed in town.

They comes with a good level of equipment including aircon and alloys, stability control, and good seat height adjustment. But being a low three door, access into the back is not easy.

Like all Volvos it also comes with On Call - a system which links to a call centre for directions or other help, and even calls the emergency services if you have an accident!

Pay about £9,970 for an '07 07-reg S, or £14,000 for an ‘08 58-reg R-Design

107bhp, 1,560cc, 4 cylinder diesel driving the front wheels via a 6 speed manual gearbox

118mph

11.5 seconds

57

8

129g/km

10/10

Ford Focus ECOnetic