Can Volvo dominate the small SUV segment with the new Volvo EX30?
Exterior – Front
So, starting from the front of the car. We get the usual Thor’s hammer LED Daytime running lights but, on this model, they are pixelated just like on the bigger EX90. But unlike the EX90 they don’t split to reveal the headlights as they are hidden just above and below the daytime running lights. We don’t get a grill on this model which is not noticeable at first as Volvo has kept the same chrome style badging as its other cars. Lowr down we do get a central air vent and some hidden side vents in a black bar connecting the headlights together which I do like.
Exterior – Side
moving round to the side and we get a similar profile to the XC40 Recharge. We get a boxy design with some cool wheel options and a black contrasting roof. Body colour options are also different to other cars. They are all light pastel colours apart from white and black. This is a nice change and makes the Volvo unique from any of its rivals. You also get frameless door mirrors taken from the Polestar 2 which again makes this car look modern and futuristic.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a modern take on Volvo’s signature taillight design. We get a 2-part design with one part being near the rear window and the other part located lower down. We also get this visor like body colour design which connected the taillights together and houses the Volvo lettering which I do like. The bumper is plain, but it does look modern and quite sporty. So, the style is very Volvo, does it have the correct powertrain options to make it a Volvo. Let’s have a look.
Car and engine specs and price
So, for the battery and motor options there are 3 models you can go for. Let’s start with the first model. This is a single motor unit with a 51-kWh battery pack. This will give you 270 bhp and a claimed WLTP range of about 210 miles which is decent enough. Power is sent to the rear wheels, and it will take 6 hours to charge at home and 26 minutes to charge with a DC fast charger from 10 to 80%. This model will do 0-62 in 5.7 seconds. The next model has the same motor setup but with a bigger 69 kWh battery pack. This brings the range up to 295 miles, but it extends the charging time to 8 hours at home and 27 minutes DC Fast charging. This model will do 0-62 in 5.3 seconds. Now for the top of the range model. This time the battery pack stays the same, but we get another motor. This means this model is dual motor with 426 bhp and a 0-62 time of just 3.6 seconds. This also adds 4-wheel drive but it reduces the range to 280 miles which is still pretty good. Charging speeds are the same as the extended range model. The price of the Volvo EX30 starts at £33,795 which is quite cheap in my opinion. Let’s have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside the new Volvo EX30 and we get a different setup to what we are used to. To start with we have a lot of recycled materials in the car. Volvo has also done what we call cost cutting to keep the EX30’s price low but it is not done in a way you would think it has been done. One main example is in the interior and the wiring. They have tried to reduce as much wiring as possible by moving the switches and speakers that would be on the doors on the dashboard and centre console. This makes it easier to manufacture. Let’s start with the door cards. They are very plain and minimalistic, but storage is very good. The dashboard is part odd and part masterpiece though. We get this full width Harmon/Kardon soundbar which sound great. We also have a portrait infotainment system running Android Automotive. Like other Volvo’s it is easy to use but what is not easy to use is the lack of instrument cluster and mirror switches. This is all on the central screen just like a tesla which I am not a fan of, but people will get used to it. The indicator and gear selector stalk feel premium and of high quality with a dampening effect which is nice. We do get an Austin Allegro steering wheel. It is square and has touch sensitive buttons which I am not a fan off. The centre console is modern, and you do have hidden cup holders as well as your window switches. The seats are supportive and comfy which I like, and we also get wireless charging for your phones and ambient lighting. Let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting into the rear seats and there is not a lot of legroom, but headroom is ok. This sis to be expected though as it is only a small car. The window switches just like the front are in the centre console. Storage is good and the materials are still of high quality in the back too. You also get USB C ports and some air vents but no arm rest which is a shame. Let’s have a look in the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the Volvo and you are welcomed with 318 litres of boot space. Again, this is not much for a Volvo, but it is on par with its rivals. Folding the seats down you get 904 litres. On the EX30 though you do get a front boot to store your charging cables in which is nice.
Summary
So, what do I think of the Volvo EX30 then. Well, it is a Volvo, and it has a good price tag to go with it. For what you are getting at this price is very good and if you are in the market for a small electric car that you want to afford then this may be the way to go. There is a lack of normal colours though which will make it harder to find the one you like but once you do you won’t be disappointed.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 13/15
Model | Volvo EX30 Plus Extended Range |
Engine | 69kWh Battery Pack, Single Motor, 270 bhp, 0-62 = 5.3 Seconds 295 Mile Range |
Trnasmission | Single Speed |
Price | £38,545 |
On Sale | Now |
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