THIS is Volvo’s new C30.

Due to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week, the C30 is a rival to the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. It features a distinctive glass tailgate, echoing previous Volvo coupes such as the 480 ES, and shares the firm’s chunky front-end styling first seen on the S60.

The C30 is part of a major push for Volvo into the corporate market, following the launch of the C70 coupe-convertible and the new S80 executive saloon which is due to arrive in June.

Ian Rendle, Volvo Car UK’s corporate sales manager, said: ‘The C30 will take us into bandings and fleets that would previously never have included Volvo, so I expect demand could outstrip supply for this car.’