2024 Volvo EX30 evaluate | CarExpert

Volvo’s newest entrant into the electrical automobile (EV) house has lastly landed in Australia.

The 2024 Volvo EX30 takes the title of Volvo’s smallest present automobile, in addition to the fastest-accelerating mannequin the Chinese language-owned Swedish carmaker has ever produced.

Using on the Geely SEA platform shared with the Good #1 and Zeekr X electrical crossovers bought abroad, the EX30 is a ‘subcompact’ EV crossover that slots under the prevailing XC40.

It’s at present solely produced in Zhangjiakou, China, although the corporate has confirmed it is going to additionally construct the EX30 at its Ghent facility in Belgium from 2025.

Measuring 4233mm lengthy and 1837mm extensive, the little Volvo EV is just like the automotive equal of a staffy. It’s not all that giant, however its squat and muscular proportions mixed with massive wheels make it look fairly aggressive and sporty.

In pictures it might seem bigger than it’s, however in actuality it’s shorter in size than a Volkswagen Golf, if a bit wider. It’s additionally smaller than the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 twins.

The EX30 enters a brand new worth section for Volvo’s electrical vary too, which the corporate brazenly says is strategic. Ranging from $59,990 earlier than on-road prices, the EX30 competes with all the things from a high-spec MG 4 or Cupra Born to entry-level variations of the Tesla Mannequin 3/Mannequin Y on worth. It’s a scorching a part of the market proper now.

Volvo hopes to get loads of conquest enterprise because of this, and is reporting a optimistic early response from Australian clients.

Some 300 autos are hitting the nation as we converse, with 3900 models anticipated to be delivered to clients all through the course of 2024 – equal to about 30 per cent of Volvo Automobile Australia’s yearly quantity.

There’s loads to speak about, from the design to the efficiency and the deal with sustainable manufacturing. It’s additionally debuting Volvo’s new minimalist cockpit format in Australia, which does away with the standard instrument cluster.

Is it value your consideration? Learn on to search out out.

How does the Volvo EX30 examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Volvo EX30 in opposition to equally sized autos.

Volvo

EX30

How a lot does the Volvo EX30 price?

As famous earlier, the EX30 kicks off from a pointy $59,990 earlier than on-road prices.

Volvo Automobile Australia has confirmed the preliminary MY24 allocation has bought out, with MY25 fashions obtainable to order now. Whereas specs are carryover, the Extremely variants have seen $1300 worth will increase which the model attributes to transport and freight will increase.

MY24 Volvo EX30 pricing:

MY25 Volvo EX30 pricing:

Costs exclude on-road prices

To see how the Volvo EX30 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device.

What’s the Volvo EX30 like on the within?

Just like the bigger EX90, the EX30 is an actual shift in Volvo’s inside design language.

Volvo has been very candid about its sustainable strategy to the EX30’s inside – it’s claimed to be essentially the most sustainable Volvo mannequin ever produced.

It’s completely leather-free, with a selection of as much as 4 inside upholstery and colourway selections, all of which carry a really distinctive vibe and flavour to the cockpit. The corporate informed us they’re affectionately named ‘lounge rooms’.

In keeping with the Swedish model, the inside incorporates renewable supplies together with flax, wool and denim upholstery “created from the waste fibres of the denim manufacturing course of”.

My private favorite is the wool-blend-like gray inside obtainable on the Extremely grade, paired with inside ornamentation that appears just like the cross sample for glue on the again of tiles – random, however form of cool.

Abroad media have been considerably essential of among the inside’s development, however to me it’s a very nice mix of colors, textures and surfaces.

The tops of the doorways (together with the rears), dashboard and armrests are all padded in good squidgy plastics whereas the tougher plastic surfaces, that are probably recycled too, are properly textured and have some specks of color in them.

The entire contact factors really feel fairly prime quality and Volvo-like too. The shiny metallic vent internals and swap accents, in addition to the tasteful purposes of piano black, all elevate the atmosphere. It definitely feels extra premium inside than one thing like an MG 4 or Cupra Born, and extra on par with the brand new Mannequin 3.

There’s a heap of funky storage choices too, such because the double telephone holder on the base of the dashboard, and the opening lure door that may disguise away smaller gadgets like keys and wallets or function a platform for a purse.

One other Easter egg is the sliding cupholder drawer that may be retracted fully, or pulled out to disclose one or two cupholders. Above it sits a small console with window and lock switches.

There’s a hidden glovebox within the centre too, underneath the centre touchscreen. You possibly can’t manually open it, and as an alternative it’s accessible by way of a button on the touchscreen and is surprisingly deep.

Seat consolation up entrance is fairly good, with figure-hugging entrance chairs which might be sporty in design however are very supportive and comfy – particularly within the gray cloth of the Single Motor Extremely we examined.

They’re electrically adjustable too, with a cool squircle dial that adjusts fore and aft, effectively as for peak and backrest recline.

Sadly, you’ll be able to’t modify the angle of the seat base, neither is there an extendable base cushion like dearer Volvos – it’s one among my favorite premium options.

You don’t get an instrument cluster of any type both, which is a little bit of an adjustment. There’s a module for the driving force monitoring (which can flash up a notification to take a break each time you yawn), however in any other case your regular supervision cluster capabilities are positioned atop the 12.3-inch touchscreen – very like a Tesla.

It might take some getting used to, however you finally get on with it. A fast look to the left of the steering wheel to examine pace isn’t essentially splendid, however manageable.

I want there was not less than a head-up show, as it could sometimes take a little bit of double-checking to see some issues like cruise management data.

That 12.3-inch touchscreen show options Google built-in with embedded apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. It’s additionally suitable with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and helps over the air (OTA) updates. There’s no Android Auto talked about, however the native system could be very very like an enormous Android telephone anyway.

A number of settings are frustratingly buried in submenus in an effort to minimise bodily switchgear, however fortunately the menus and interface are fairly user-friendly, clearly labelled and fast to reply.

We solely obtained a quick probability to check out the Harman Kardon soundbar, positioned underneath the windscreen, which contains tweeters, mid-range audio system and a woofer outlet very like a house audio system.

It was surprisingly punchy and actually transmitted audio proper by way of the cabin – plus it frees up house within the doorways the place audio system would usually be.

Much less spectacular was the again seat, which is fairly cosy for taller occupants like 6’1 (185cm) me. Behind my most well-liked driving place my knees have been simply scraping the entrance seatbacks, although headroom was superb even with the panoramic roof.

You possibly can see this being a superb four-seater for a pair or younger household, however if you happen to usually cart round tall adults you may need to have a look at the XC40 (quickly to be EX40) because it gives segment-busting rear lodging.

You additionally solely get a storage bin and window switches within the rear of the centre console, and no adjustable air flow.

With the rear seats in place, boot house measures 317L, increasing to 904L with them folded. There’s an adjustable boot flooring to make a flat load bay when configured as a two-seater, which additionally creates an underfloor space to cover cables.

Consistent with the city focus, there’s no spare wheel both, only a tyre restore package.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

Australia will get two drivetrain variants, with the identical Prolonged Vary battery pack.

Whereas our launch drive wasn’t fairly indicative of real-world blended driving circumstances, we have been seeing indicated power effectivity of 18-19.5kWh/100km which is fairly bang on the declare, noting our excessive ratio of high-speed roads and spirited driving.

To see how the Volvo EX30 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device.

How does the Volvo EX30 drive?

Our Australian media launch drive took us from the streets of Adelaide out into the picturesque Barossa Valley.

We began off within the Single Motor first. All variations on check have been the higher-grade Extremely specification, with 20-inch alloy wheels fitted – although in response to official paperwork these ought to be unique to the Twin Motor…

Anyway, leaving Adelaide Airport within the Single Motor Prolonged gave us the possibility to see how Volvo’s city-sized SUV offers with effectively, metropolis roads. Being a bit automotive with a little bit of weight and massive wheels absolutely would check out the city experience.

The EX30 Single Motor pleasantly shocked us with its extra comfort-leaning tune, with loads of suspension journey dialled in to cushion occupants from the lumps and bumps of metropolis life.

It additionally demonstrated good physique management over successive bumps, although the trade-off for that’s at larger speeds the place it could sometimes porpoise over successive undulations or a collection of sharper hits. That stated, it was by no means wallowy, however maybe didn’t really feel fairly as tight on this respect as a few of its rivals.

Even the Single Motor has loads of efficiency, with greater than sufficient shove for city driving. There’s loads for getting as much as freeway speeds too – 343Nm from relaxation is so much for a bit automotive, in spite of everything.

Just like the Volvo XC40 Recharge (quickly to be EX40 from MY25), the Swedish model has dialled in some doughiness into the throttle response to keep away from all of a sudden jolting ahead with all that torque.

Whereas which will sound damaging on paper, it means you’re much less liable to lighting up the rear tyres and in addition helps to make acceleration superbly linear. All of it helps the EX30 to really feel very relaxed and comfy in on a regular basis situations, and you may see how this may make a quiet and refined city runabout.

There’s a pleasant fluidity and accuracy to the steering too, balancing consolation, weight and suggestions properly. It’s not overtly sporty or darty, but it surely ties in effectively with a responsive entrance finish and good grip ranges, letting the rear-mounted motor push you out the opposite facet of the apex.

As famous earlier the EX30 Single Motor has greater than sufficient poke for freeways and high-speed nation B-roads. It quotes a 0-100km/h dash time of simply 5.3 seconds, which not way back was the realm of V8 Holden Commodores.

That quiet and comfy experience on the town is mirrored on the open highway too, with good bump isolation on some patchier blacktop on the skirts of Adelaide in direction of the Barossa Valley.

Insulation from highway and wind noise was additionally admirable. The EX30 is well one of many extra refined EVs at this worth level no matter measurement or section, and positively feels a reduce above some mainstream-branded rivals on this respect.

There’s no synthesised powertrain noise both, so it’s fairly a serene little cruiser with solely a faint trace of the surface world creeping in and the occasional high-pitched whir of the electrical motor at work. Color me very impressed.

Hopping into the Twin Motor Efficiency, I rapidly seen some added firmness to the chassis tune and in flip the experience – and this was from the passenger seat.

It’s solely 110kg heavier than the Single Motor with the identical battery, however Volvo has clearly dialled in a bit extra athleticism and focus into the DNA of the EX30 Twin Motor to go along with that ‘Efficiency’ branding.

Whereas it was noticeably firmer, it was removed from uncomfortable leaving the Barossa Valley heading again into Adelaide. The place the Single Motor sometimes felt a bit gentle and floaty, the Twin Motor was actually tied collectively and struck a pleasant steadiness between consolation and dealing with.

One other factor you’ll discover is the additional efficiency once you put your foot down. Even with the extra linear acceleration tune the EX30 Twin Motor pins you in your seat as you fireplace in direction of the horizon – it positively seems like a 4.0-second automotive with out even attempting.

We maybe didn’t get sufficient of an concept of how a lot the added traction of e-AWD advantages in corners, given the extra dynamic a part of the drive route was taken within the lighter Single Motor.

I’ll say, nonetheless, that the Twin Motor Efficiency has no points in any respect in placing its 315kW and 543Nm to the tarmac. I gave it a boot full on a freeway onramp and it simply went – no scrabble, no slip, no nothing.

There aren’t any actual drive modes or profiles to vary issues up, although you’ll be able to toggle some particular person settings like regenerative braking.

The one-pedal drive mode, just like the throttle response, is kind of linear in its response and does a great job at making use of regenerative braking with out supplying you with movement illness.

As for help programs, the EX30 comes outfitted with “all the protection options you’d anticipate from a Volvo”. Even higher, they’re properly calibrated and subsequently largely unintrusive.

The lane-keep help didn’t attempt to wrestle the steering wheel out of my fingers, however nonetheless precisely and properly nudged me again in direction of the centre if it thought I used to be too near the lane’s edge.

Adaptive cruise management with Pilot Help can also be commonplace, activated by a tough push down on the column-mounted gear selector stalk as if you happen to’re re-selecting drive. When you come to phrases with the operation, it’s a fairly correct and intuitive assistant with shiny pace and distance controls on the steering wheel – clear your fingers beforehand…

There’s additionally blind-spot help with steering intervention, in addition to rear cross-traffic help with emergency brake. The Extremely’s 360-degree cameras might get you over the road to spend up, since outward visibility isn’t nice over the shoulder and out the rear due to the chunky C-pillar and slim letterbox-style rear window.

All informed, the EX30 is a really likeable steer and superbly blends consolation and dynamism.

Props to Volvo for getting this steadiness largely proper on the cash and in addition for giving every powertrain variant distinct personalities with none crippling compromises to the general bundle – rival manufacturers might be taught a factor or two.

What do you get?

Two trim ranges can be found – the Plus is just obtainable as a Single Motor, whereas the Extremely gives each Single Motor and Twin Efficiency drivetrain choices.

EX30 Plus highlights:

Charging

• 11kW on-board charger
• House charging cable, 7m (10A)

Local weather

• Air high quality measurement
• Distant cabin air pre-cleaning
• Air high quality system
• Cabin filter
• Warmth pump
• Twin-zone local weather management

Driver assist

• Auto-dimming inside, exterior mirrors
• Door opening alert
• Driver alert system
• LED headlights
• Energetic high-beam
• One-pedal drive
• Rain-sensing wipers

Exterior

• 19-inch 5-spoke aero wheels
• Fog lights, rear
• Rear LED lights
• Roof spoiler, Onyx Black
• Roof high, mirror caps in Onyx Black
• Summer time tyres

Inside

• Blue air vent decor
• Atmosphere themes
• Denim decor
• Inside illumination, excessive stage
• Detachable rear storage field
• Sliding cupholders, storage
• Sports activities steering wheel
• Textile, Nordico upholstery
• Textile inside cabin flooring mats

Cargo and storage

• Flat-folding two-split rear seat
• Entrance load compartment
• LED illumination, load compartment
• Energy outlet, load compartment
• Energy tailgate

Tech and sound

• 12.3-inch centre touchscreen
• 5G functionality
• DAB radio
• Entrance, rear USB cost ports
• Google Constructed-in – 5 years
  • Google Assistant
  • Google Maps
  • Google Play Retailer
• Harman Kardon premium sound
• Over-the-air updates
• Volvo EX30 app
• Digital Key
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wi-fi telephone charging

EX30 Extremely provides:

Local weather

• Heated steering wheel
• Rear privateness glass

Parking Help

• 360-degree digicam, 3D view
• Park Pilot Help

Exterior

Seats

• Energy entrance seat adjustment
• Heated entrance seats

Is the Volvo EX30 protected?

The EX30 hasn’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP but.

Commonplace security options embody:

• Adaptive cruise management
• Blind-spot help
• Collision avoidance mitigation
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Autonomous emergency steering
  • Automobile, bike owner, pedestrian detection
• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Clever pace help
• Intersection auto brake
  • Straight crossing path
  • Proper, left flip
• Lane-keep help
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Oncoming mitigation by braking
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Pilot Help
  • Adaptive cruise
  • Lane centring help
• Rear collision warning and mitigation
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Rear-view digicam
• Street signal data
• Run-off Street Mitigation

How a lot does the Volvo EX30 price to run?

The Volvo vary in Australia is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

The battery can also be backed by an eight-year guarantee, and homeowners are handled to eight years of roadside help.

Scheduled upkeep is required each 24 months – pricing remains to be to be confirmed by Volvo Automobile Australia.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo EX30

The EX30 is shaping up as fairly a compelling little electrical automotive.

It’s priced effectively, gives loads of efficiency and vary relative to the competitors, wears a fascinating badge, and gives a design inside and outside that’s as considerate as it’s fascinating.

Volvo is seeking to conquest new demographics with this automotive, largely a youthful viewers which will beforehand have seen the Swedish agency as an ‘outdated man’s model’. The EX30 stays true to a lot of the model’s core values while being recent, vibrant and in addition in opposition to the grain.

I really like the way it drives, I really like the way it seems to be, and I really like you could actually make it your personal with the assorted inside trim selections. Some extra exterior color choices can be good – however that would all are available time.

Sure it’s small within the again and within the boot, and the costs have crept up for 2025, however the EX30 is a really well-rounded product for the cash, particularly when you think about many mainstream manufacturers can’t hit the identical steadiness of deserves on this sub-segment of the EV market and cost extra.

I wouldn’t be shocked if it finally ends up exceeding its gross sales forecasts. Hell, I would even purchase one.

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