Yesterday my uncle (who is working in a Volvo dealer, previously he worked for Saab) let me & my father drive a C30
It is the 2.0 turbodiesel, with sport option. ( edit : 136 hp, 6-speed manual gearbox )
The acceleration is really great, too great: you have to change the gear too quickly
I think that I would prefer the gasoline version, even the 1.6 (which still has sensible performances), as I do not need a so fast car anyway.
The engine seems a little noisy when you turn it on, but when driving it is not very noticing. The sound insulation is good, as is the suspension. As it was the sport version it was not too soft, but still comfortable enough.
And I really like the style of that car