During a recent meeting, the manager announced that our 2009 Volvo C30 would be put into demo service and that somebody needed to drive it. I tried not to let the inward smile leap onto my face. Cough! Cough! “No, I’m okay. It’s nothing.” My mind was racing through the possibilities. Would one of the other guys beat me to it? And what about the gas I had just put in the XC90? I’d have to think things through.
Above any other concern was the fact that the C30 is a true four passenger two-door. During the week, that’s not a problem. I usually take only our three kids to school before heading to work. But what about Sundays? It’s been nice to put the family in the 2005 XC90. That has enough room to comfortably seat all five of us. But what would happen if I brought home the C30? Would we be doomed to leave the haatch in the driveway and take the old minivan?
I kind of hinted at the possibility with my wife a couple of days ago as she was going out the door. “Y’know, I was kinda thinking about bringing home the hatchback as my demo.” Her nonchalant answer gave me hope. All she said was, “Whatever.” If she didn’t mind, it might just work. But do I really want to take home a 2 door? Do I want the hassle of getting out of the car so the kids can get out? And what about that review I was putting together for the XC90? Hmm…
The decision was finally made Friday afternoon. My manager agreed to let me take the car home. It had only 248 miles on it when I started driving it, and I have to keep the miles under 1000. That means I’ve got about a month to drive it, which is perfect. That will take me through the slippery, leafy fall here in NE Ohio and maybe even and early snow. I’ve read good reports about the good handling in snow, but it would be good to experience it first hand over an extended period of time.
What really made me want to drive the car were the comfortable seats, nice looking design, and sporty handling. Did I mention the turbo-charged T5 engine? This little beauty produces 227 hp and when connected to the 5 speed automatic is supposed to take only 6.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60. It’s not an S60R, but I’m thinking this ought to be fun!
The first test will be this evening on the way to my son’s Webelos campout. There are plenty of curvy roads between there and Painesville which should prove to be a good first test drive. Can you tell I’m looking forward to it?
I was right. The car was awesome!