Acually the volvo C-30 is a Focus, not vice versa. As it was a Focus in Europe before it ever became a volvo, same goes for the Mazda 3. They all share the same platform. However, yes the engine is Volvo's.

As far as the old Focus sucking, thats BS. Its not as good as the more modern euro focus, but its still a solid, well handling and well performing car. Seats 4 adults, lots of room, nice ride, handles well, 2.0 ltr ZETC is solid as is the 2.3. The Focus and the SVT Focus is as venerable a platform as any civic, at least up until the latest civic. Infact, probably in many cases a Focus is even better than the civic. When the Focus debuted in europe in 98, it was light years ahead of its competitors in chassis structure rigidity and suspension geometry. So its only now that its age is catching up to itself.