The 2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition will be available in the United States in limited numbers for a sticker price of $32,445, including $895 in destination.

 

The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine receives an upgrade of 23 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque, leading to a total output of 250 hp and 273 lb-ft. Volvo says the power boost comes from increasing airflow into the combustion chambers and advancing spark timing.

 

This is a welcome improvement to the C30, which just needed a bit of extra oomph to compete with the Mazda MazdaSpeed3 and Volkswagen GTI.

 

Volvo also says that the increases don't change the fuel-consumption numbers, which remain at 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Highway mileage gets a bump when the five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission is installed.

 

The sport chassis, which is standard on the R-Design, is also standard on the Polestar. When compared to the base C30, stiffness is increased by 30 percent, the dampers are designed to build up pressure quicker and the steering ratio is 10 percent quicker.

 

The exterior is enhanced with 17-inch Styx alloy wheels with a matte black finish. Polestar badges adorn the rear and sides of the vehicle. All of the special models will wear a coat of Volvo's new rebel blue paint. The Polestar is based on the R-Design model, which gets a body-colored body kit, R-Design logos, watch-dial instrument cluster and a sport steering wheel and pedals.

 

Each C30 Polestar will have a numbered plaque inside, noting the uniqueness of the ride. Leather seats are standard with a choice of off black or two-tone off black and calcite. It comes with a version of the company's Premium Plus trim level including a power sunroof, power driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED running lights, keyless drive and xenon headlights. Customers can add the Platinum trim, which improves the radio, and adds navigation and satellite radio.

 

Like all Volvos, the special edition comes with traction and stability control, side-impact protection and whiplash protection.

 

Only 250 C30 Polestar Limited Editions will be offered, and they arrive in November, so if you're interested, call your local Volvo dealer and get on the list.

 

Content provided by Autoweek.

Get more Car News from Autoweek.
Get the latest Car Reviews from Autoweek.