Volvo Cars unveiling of the all-new C30 at 2006 Paris Motor Show, Volvo Cars of North America announced that it will bring the car to the U.S. market no earlier than the 2008 model year. Pricing and volume expectations for the U.S.-bound C30 have not yet been set. The announcement comes just nine months after the C30 Design Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early 2006.

“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” noted Volvo Car’s Design Director Steve Mattin. ” The edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark.

Measuring in at just 167 inches in length, the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range — an impressive 8.5 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan while still retaining the 103.9 inch wheel base, which really pushes the wheels towards the end of the car. “A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel,” said C30 project leader Hakan Abrahamsson. “Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering.”

Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30′s standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Simply put, it rocks.

The C30 offers first class safety. The front end incorporates the same patented multi-steel structure as the S40 and V50. But the C30 wouldn’t be a Volvo if it didn’t also include such standard safety equipment as the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.