Volvo EX30

- Volvo EX30 -

 

I want you to ask yourself, how do you really feel about electric cars? It is a huge change and in all honesty, I didn't like the idea. I am a massive fan of big, loud engines and fast cars but here and there, something special pops up and just warms me a little bit more to batteries. I have to say, as far as everyday road-cars are concerned, I was never interested if they didn't have an engine but a particular Swedish manufacturer have just released a car that excites me. This is the Volvo EX30 - Volvo's cheapest yet most powerful car.

They have produced what I think might just be the best value car (not just electric) that you can buy. There are a few versions, you get the plus or the ultra and top of that you can have the single motor, extended single motor or dual motor performance power train. The ultra specifications offers a few more bells and whistles such as: parking pilot, a 360 degree camera and a panoramic roof on top of an already generously specified car. The extended range offers up to 296 miles of range which is better than average for the category of vehicle. The dual motor performance package offers AWD, a 280 mile range and a big performance boost. 

Volvo must want to sell these cars because they are priced very reasonably. The range starts from £33,795 but with and Ultra Performance Spec you will be spending just shy of £44,500. There are four choice for interior and 5 paint choices. Personally, I would choose the Onyx Black paint with a Breeze interior. Jump on the configurator to create your own.

In terms of performance, the dual motor version of the car has 420bhp and 540Nm of torque. That is a lot and then you realise that electric cars don't need to build up power so you get all of it instantly... that is insane! The car will launch from 0-60 miles per hour in just over 3.5 seconds but even the 'slow' specification is no sleeper at 5.7 seconds. It tops out at about 111mph but that isn't really an issue because you get there much faster than most cars.

Medium sized SUV's are the trend in the current car buying market and Volvo have very much been a competitor in that scene. The introduction of the EX30 penetrates an even larger demographic to sell to especially as customers are warming up to the idea of electric cars more. The closest competitors for the EX30 will be the Kia Niro, Renault Megane E-Tech, Volkswagen ID-3 and the new Honda e:NY1. Honestly, I think the Volvo wins in almost every department from price to performance.  

With all the good, there is bound to be some bad: Firstly, the window controls are located in the centre console which I find very peculiar. Another bad thing to point out is that climate controls are located in the infotainment screen which make it difficult to mess around with whilst driving - why couldn't they have just stuck with buttons! Lastly, the leg and head room is a bit limited compared to its competitors but it isn't often that most people have a full car of adults.