THE EX30 SMALL SUV is set to be Volvo's most affordable electric car )EV). In fact, when the EX30 goes on sale early next year, it'll be the least expensive new Volvo full stop. And while the design of the EX30 features familiar Volvo styling cues, it's actually based on the same underpinnings as the Smart #1, a model that we gave five stars.
Like the #1, the EX30 is offered with a single 268bhp motor that drives the rear wheels, or as a 422bhp four-wheel-drive variant with a Tesla Model Y-challenging 0-62mph time of 3.6sec.
However, the EX30 differentiates itself from the #1 when it comes to its battery. While the #1 comes solely with a 62kWh )usable) battery, the EX30 can be had with either a 49kWh battery or a larger, 64kWh unit. The latter increases the official range of single-motor EX30s from 231 miles to 298 miles. Twin-motor cars get the larger battery and a 286-mile range.
EX30 prices start at £33,795 for the 49kWh version, undercutting the cheapest # 1. A 64kWh EX30 will set you back at least £38,545 a similar price to our favourite mid-range #1.
We invited our readers to inspect a pre-production EX30, to find out whether it deserves to be a hit.
DAVID EDMISTON
Age 64 Job Retired Drives Aston Martin Vantage, Skoda Scala
"I'm looking for a new car to replace my Skoda Scala. I need something with a good amount of interior space, because I have two tall, grown-up children, neither of whom drives, so I often end up picking them up and driving them around. I think they'd have plenty of room in the EX30.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000