C30 Engine : - Which C30 diesel?

leedsladmatt · Dec 13th, 2009, 16:14

Hello everyone,

Just registered here (first post *gulp*) but have been reading the boards for a few months and have always found this place to be a good source of info on all things volvo.

Looking for some advise. I currently have a '53' plate S60 D5 SE that I love but its getting a little tired and to be honest its a little big for what I need.
I've always liked the shape of the C30, practiacility isn't a huge concern & i fancy a change from saloons i've finally decided to start seriously looking at a C30. Because of the miles I cover i need to have a diesel again but my question is....which one? I love the D5 in my S60 but the reviews all state thats its "boomy" and "heavy" in the C30 and the early ones only came as autos. Will the lower power in the 1.6 be noticable or is the 2.0 a better compromise

appologies for all the questions I'm just keen to get some feedback from real world drivers who have spent time in the car rather than just journalists who have had one for an afternoon.

Many thanks

Matt

NewVolvo · Dec 13th, 2009, 16:26

Having driven both the 1.6D and 2.0D I can honestly say that the power difference is greatly different. The 1.6D's figures show a relative "slow" car but is suprisingly swift on the move. Great economy too.

The 2.0D is a fantastic engine IMHO. Quiet, fast and sounds relatively clutter free for a diesel, even on cold start. Can't speak for the manual version, but the Powershift (Auto/Dual Clutch) version that we have return over 50mpg on a long gentle run. Very often even see readout (instand) at over 60! At 3100mls our avg is 38mpg with about 80% town driving.

Clan · Dec 13th, 2009, 16:30

difficult one , all 3 engines have their pros and cons :

D5 , effortlessly fast with a nice sound , 35-48 mpg or more if you drive sensibly .. I'd prefer this to the T5 version ..

2.0 D a coarse engine with that 4 cylinder diesel sound , similar fuel consumption to above , most problems ironed out with it now, feels quick due to the torque but with 138 bhp cannot overtake 2 cars in one go .
My least favourite C30 engine , forever changing gear ... 2000 rpm power band .

1.6D can be VERY economical and if you get a DrivE in the new year then 99gm CO so FREE Road tax , it is still very pleasant to drive and getting the most mpg becomes an obsession rather than getting the lowest 0-60 time ... Its smoother and quieter than the 2.0 D
I could easily live with this for it's MPG and if in traffic a lot i'd get the stop/start version worth another 5 - 8% fuel saving ...

you have to try all 3 before you decide ..

one thing for sure the engine in your S60 is a classic , ample go and extremely economical, so my final choice , stick with that! no way can it be "tired" :-)

leedsladmatt · Dec 13th, 2009, 16:57

Thank you for the prompt responses.

a test drive is on the to-do-list hopefully the dealer will have one of each.
i think it might be between the D5 (better the devil) or the 1.6. Do any of the petrol versions give decent mpg with reasonable driving ;-) just a consideration for the hunt (currently getting about 42mpg out of mine)

thanks

Matt

Kapouille · Dec 16th, 2009, 17:20

To answer your question about petrol usage, I get 37mpg with my 1.8 s40, and managed to get a tad under that with the 2.0 v50s I had as courtesy cars.

I have to admit something though: I'm a bit of an hypermiler.

I also test drove a 2.0D s40 and 2.0D c30. I found it hard to get more than 40mpg out of it (even with the best technique I could muster), and found it sounded rather gruff... But then I like my engines very quiet.

The 1.8 petrol is very very smooth sounding indeed. It can hardly be heard under 60mph/3000rpm. The 2.0 petrol is more boomy and sounds more metallic, but it's nothing in comparison to the 2.0D.

In a word, I wouldn't swap my 1.8 for any other engine I have tested, but then I'm mainly interested in comfort rather than performance.

Mark Hygate · Dec 16th, 2009, 18:08

I really like my 2.0D (C30 R-design SE) - especially with BP Ultimate Diesel - much quieter! (very significantly quieter on my 6y old V40).

The engine is a bit quirky - but I have also been trying to get the best fuel consumption from it on occasion. 600 mile round trip got 56mpg and being careful even showed 59.5mpg once.

You have to take care though - best consumption is constant speed, air-con off and Eco tyre pressures (Nitrogen fill helps a lot early on whilst the tyres warm up).

If you want a diesel that's in the middle - reasonable economy vs occasional power, then the 2.0D is a good choice. But it needs to be driven within its limits.

cheetah · Sep 1st, 2012, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clan

difficult one , all 3 engines have their pros and cons :

D5 , effortlessly fast with a nice sound , 35-48 mpg or more if you drive sensibly .. I'd prefer this to the T5 version ..

2.0 D a coarse engine with that 4 cylinder diesel sound , similar fuel consumption to above , most problems ironed out with it now, feels quick due to the torque but with 138 bhp cannot overtake 2 cars in one go .
My least favourite C30 engine , forever changing gear ... 2000 rpm power band .

1.6D can be VERY economical and if you get a DrivE in the new year then 99gm CO so FREE Road tax , it is still very pleasant to drive and getting the most mpg becomes an obsession rather than getting the lowest 0-60 time ... Its smoother and quieter than the 2.0 D
I could easily live with this for it's MPG and if in traffic a lot i'd get the stop/start version worth another 5 - 8% fuel saving ...

you have to try all 3 before you decide ..

one thing for sure the engine in your S60 is a classic , ample go and extremely economical, so my final choice , stick with that! no way can it be "tired" :-)

I am new to this site and would ask is it "normal" for my 1.6 DRIVe engine to judder when I switch the engine off? I would be very grateful for any info.

Clan · Sep 1st, 2012, 16:19

no not really , it should just stop . if it judders there may be a flap not shutting when you turn the engine off , best let your dealer advise you there ..

Ninja59 · Sep 1st, 2012, 17:05

hmm i like the 2.0D it offers reasonable power and some thrills without much effort tbh the 1.6D might be okay but the later D2 is definitely nosier due to valve count (if you ended up there)

i found you had to stir it a bit to much for me. The D5 i have been in but i just i do not know seems hmm i would buy a t5 instead, plus you have to remember the D5 in the C30 is slightly detuned over other models.

Overall i get virtually around 50MPG from mine recently got 48MPG driving like my hair was mildly on fire and in town and if i drive miss daisy i could see it improve i have never in 2 years or so got below 44MPG.

Axionknight · Sep 2nd, 2012, 09:31

Stay away from the 8 valve 1.6 diesel, if you end up with one and find yourself wanting a tad more power you won't be able to remap it to the same extent as a "normal" diesel engine as it's already running near it's limit, best to find one of the older 16 valvers.

The 2 litre 4 cylinder can seem a big noisy and have somewhat of an awkward power band on occasions, but it is pretty punchy and can achieve great MPG if you are sensible, also people have yielded excellent results with a remap which also would smooth the power delivery out!!

The D5 in a C30 can seem nose heavy if you really start chucking it around, but it does go like stink!

Whats your budget? The new D3/D4 engines are really good, infact it's the same 5 cylinder block as your current car!

Dec 13th, 2009, 16:14	#1
leedsladmatt Junior Member Last Online: Mar 16th, 2014 18:20 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Leeds	Which C30 diesel? Hello everyone, Just registered here (first post gulp) but have been reading the boards for a few months and have always found this place to be a good source of info on all things volvo. Looking for some advise. I currently have a '53' plate S60 D5 SE that I love but its getting a little tired and to be honest its a little big for what I need. I've always liked the shape of the C30, practiacility isn't a huge concern & i fancy a change from saloons i've finally decided to start seriously looking at a C30. Because of the miles I cover i need to have a diesel again but my question is....which one? I love the D5 in my S60 but the reviews all state thats its "boomy" and "heavy" in the C30 and the early ones only came as autos. Will the lower power in the 1.6 be noticable or is the 2.0 a better compromise appologies for all the questions I'm just keen to get some feedback from real world drivers who have spent time in the car rather than just journalists who have had one for an afternoon. Many thanks Matt

Dec 13th, 2009, 16:26	#2
NewVolvo VOC Member Last Online: Oct 23rd, 2022 19:52 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Köln, Germany View Photos By: NewVolvo	Having driven both the 1.6D and 2.0D I can honestly say that the power difference is greatly different. The 1.6D's figures show a relative "slow" car but is suprisingly swift on the move. Great economy too. The 2.0D is a fantastic engine IMHO. Quiet, fast and sounds relatively clutter free for a diesel, even on cold start. Can't speak for the manual version, but the Powershift (Auto/Dual Clutch) version that we have return over 50mpg on a long gentle run. Very often even see readout (instand) at over 60! At 3100mls our avg is 38mpg with about 80% town driving. __________________ 2019 XC60 T6 R-Design 2017 S6 Avant 1996 850R 1987 780 Bertone Lots of previous Volvo's

Dec 13th, 2009, 16:30	#3
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Today 14:22 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	difficult one , all 3 engines have their pros and cons : D5 , effortlessly fast with a nice sound , 35-48 mpg or more if you drive sensibly .. I'd prefer this to the T5 version .. 2.0 D a coarse engine with that 4 cylinder diesel sound , similar fuel consumption to above , most problems ironed out with it now, feels quick due to the torque but with 138 bhp cannot overtake 2 cars in one go . My least favourite C30 engine , forever changing gear ... 2000 rpm power band . 1.6D can be VERY economical and if you get a DrivE in the new year then 99gm CO so FREE Road tax , it is still very pleasant to drive and getting the most mpg becomes an obsession rather than getting the lowest 0-60 time ... Its smoother and quieter than the 2.0 D I could easily live with this for it's MPG and if in traffic a lot i'd get the stop/start version worth another 5 - 8% fuel saving ... you have to try all 3 before you decide .. one thing for sure the engine in your S60 is a classic , ample go and extremely economical, so my final choice , stick with that! no way can it be "tired" :-) __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Sep 1st, 2012, 16:19	#8
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Today 14:22 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	no not really , it should just stop . if it judders there may be a flap not shutting when you turn the engine off , best let your dealer advise you there .. __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Dec 13th, 2009, 16:57	#4
leedsladmatt Junior Member Last Online: Mar 16th, 2014 18:20 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Leeds	Thank you for the prompt responses. a test drive is on the to-do-list hopefully the dealer will have one of each. i think it might be between the D5 (better the devil) or the 1.6. Do any of the petrol versions give decent mpg with reasonable driving ;-) just a consideration for the hunt (currently getting about 42mpg out of mine) thanks Matt

Dec 16th, 2009, 17:20	#5
Kapouille New Member Last Online: Sep 23rd, 2011 14:45 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Leamington Spa	To answer your question about petrol usage, I get 37mpg with my 1.8 s40, and managed to get a tad under that with the 2.0 v50s I had as courtesy cars. I have to admit something though: I'm a bit of an hypermiler. I also test drove a 2.0D s40 and 2.0D c30. I found it hard to get more than 40mpg out of it (even with the best technique I could muster), and found it sounded rather gruff... But then I like my engines very quiet. The 1.8 petrol is very very smooth sounding indeed. It can hardly be heard under 60mph/3000rpm. The 2.0 petrol is more boomy and sounds more metallic, but it's nothing in comparison to the 2.0D. In a word, I wouldn't swap my 1.8 for any other engine I have tested, but then I'm mainly interested in comfort rather than performance.

Dec 16th, 2009, 18:08	#6
Mark Hygate Junior Member Last Online: Jul 11th, 2011 08:47 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Basingstoke	I really like my 2.0D (C30 R-design SE) - especially with BP Ultimate Diesel - much quieter! (very significantly quieter on my 6y old V40). The engine is a bit quirky - but I have also been trying to get the best fuel consumption from it on occasion. 600 mile round trip got 56mpg and being careful even showed 59.5mpg once. You have to take care though - best consumption is constant speed, air-con off and Eco tyre pressures (Nitrogen fill helps a lot early on whilst the tyres warm up). If you want a diesel that's in the middle - reasonable economy vs occasional power, then the 2.0D is a good choice. But it needs to be driven within its limits.

Sep 1st, 2012, 17:05	#9
Ninja59 Probably Akita's Toyboy.. Last Online: Dec 27th, 2023 22:24 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: A House.	hmm i like the 2.0D it offers reasonable power and some thrills without much effort tbh the 1.6D might be okay but the later D2 is definitely nosier due to valve count (if you ended up there) i found you had to stir it a bit to much for me. The D5 i have been in but i just i do not know seems hmm i would buy a t5 instead, plus you have to remember the D5 in the C30 is slightly detuned over other models. Overall i get virtually around 50MPG from mine recently got 48MPG driving like my hair was mildly on fire and in town and if i drive miss daisy i could see it improve i have never in 2 years or so got below 44MPG.

Sep 2nd, 2012, 09:31	#10
Axionknight Premier Member Last Online: May 30th, 2020 21:59 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Aberdeen/Huddersfield	Stay away from the 8 valve 1.6 diesel, if you end up with one and find yourself wanting a tad more power you won't be able to remap it to the same extent as a "normal" diesel engine as it's already running near it's limit, best to find one of the older 16 valvers. The 2 litre 4 cylinder can seem a big noisy and have somewhat of an awkward power band on occasions, but it is pretty punchy and can achieve great MPG if you are sensible, also people have yielded excellent results with a remap which also would smooth the power delivery out!! The D5 in a C30 can seem nose heavy if you really start chucking it around, but it does go like stink! Whats your budget? The new D3/D4 engines are really good, infact it's the same 5 cylinder block as your current car!

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