Has your dad ever exchanged his suit and tie and started dressing like a “metrosexual?” Did he start wearing "man" jewelry and add highlights to what is left of his hair? What you most likely experienced was a midlife style crisis.
Can this happen in the auto industry? We’d give that a definite affirmative as Volvo, purveyor of all things conservative and safe is now trying to be “cool.” We know, we know: Volvo and cool are two words rarely used in the same sentence.
In a quest to attract younger, hipper buyers, the Swedish automaker is now offering an exterior personalization scheme that allows your C30 to have leopard print, flames or (gasp!) pink polka dots. Sounds like something MINI would offer but without the benefit of having any taste. These Volvo style options are sort of the stylistic equivalent of a painting of dogs playing poker on a luscious template of velvet.
Fortunately for owners who may rush into a leopard print C30 on a whim, these designs are merely stickers that can be removed at any time. Note that embarrassed family members forced to ride in the fancifully decorated C30 can also take heart that the stickers are only designed to survive for two years. Then they must be replaced with something else or the owner can let the car return to its natural color.
In addition to the designs listed above, a person can add a fluffy cloud motif on a blue background, a Scottish tartan design, butterflies or faux wood paneling. (Hmmm. A C30 with the wood paneling might make an interesting and fun statement. We just aren’t sure how it would come across on a Volvo. Cool Volvos, like cool Dads, sometimes just come across like a dork who is trying too hard).