HIDDEN AGENDA; Camo'd C30 might disguise future Volvo.(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: GREG KABLE

Volvo has gone from strength to strength of late. S40, XC90, C70 and S80 have set the automaker's international sales on an upward trajectory that clearly makes it stand out as the jewel in Ford's beleaguered Premier Automotive Group.

The latest arrival from the resurgent Swedish carmaker, under Ford ownership since 1999, is the slick new C30-a European Ford Focus-based three-door hatchback that made its world premiere at the recent Paris motor show ("Downsized but Not Downscale,'' Oct. 23). Before it makes its debut on North American soil, however, Volvo is already raising the image of its stylish new entry-level model by commissioning three tuner versions for the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

Among the C30 concepts from two U.S.-based tuners at Volvo's SEMA stand will be a four-wheel-drive creation from Heico Sportiv. With connections to Volvo going back more than 30 years, the German-based firm knows a thing or two about fine-tuning the Swedish machines.

Heico says its one-off C30 concept is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. "We like to think of it as a backpack on wheels,'' says Heico Sportiv boss Holger Hedtke.

Officially, the new hatchback is just a concept-a nonbinding glimpse into Volvo's future. There is no guarantee that the new car will be produced, and the show car shown here is adorned with features impractical for production. Still, Hedtke is convinced there is room in the Volvo lineup for a small SUV-style offering based on the C30.

"It's a logical step, given prevailing trends within the market,'' says Hedtke.