I picked up mine on Sat., 2/23. After pricing a "2.0" out at $26,832 on the phone (I asked to speak to a fleet salesperson and would have gotten about $1,500 knocked off that - ALWAYS talk to fleet sales first when buying a new car - they won't talk to you if you've already talked to a "line" sales person and you will always save a chunk of money over what you can buy it for from a line salesperson.
The salesman then told me he had two demo cars equipped as I wanted in the color I wanted, but with a bunch more options. One had 300 mi. on it, the other 600 mi. I bought the 300 mi. demo, which, if not a demo, would sell for $30,095. I bought it for $26,987 (only $155 more than my single optioned new car quote
, out the door, incl. tax & reg. it was $29,381.51. I have the full warranty, but the 4 years started in Nov. 07, when the dealer took delivery and used it as a demo car.
I've since talked to a few people who tell me that these demo cars come on line for sale pretty frequently. Good way to buy a "new" car without taking the immediate depreciation hit when you sign the papers.
Mine's metallic "Cosmic White" (the car I posted the pic of) but ask anyone who looks at it what color it is and the answer is invariably "silver".
The C30 is competitive with the Mini Cooper S and the GTI - a little less money than the Mini, a little more than the GTI and a larger car than both.
Volvo and VW both say the C30 is quicker and faster than the GTI, however, it seems to be the general opinion that the Mini and the GTI are more "driver's car" than the C30, which has slightly slower steering and is not quite as go-cart like.
Basically it's the S40 sedan with a bobbed tail, teardrop shaped greenhouse which only allows for 2 rather than 3 rear passengers, a sports tuned suspension and 320 lbs less weight. Front seats and dashboard forward are pretty much identical to the S40 sedan.
My SC satisfies my "boy racer" urges and I love the looks and design of the C30for a second car.