The only engine for North America is a 218-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cyl, mating with 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmissions. With that, plus trimmer size and weight, this should be Volvo's quickest, most nimble small car yet, with likely 0-60 mph acceleration of around 6.5 sec.

Pricing and equipment details won't surface until sales begin toward the middle of next year. However, Volvo says the C30 will be available with its Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which uses cameras in the door mirrors to signal drivers of nearby vehicles that would otherwise go unseen.

2008 Volvo C30