TopGear South Africa | Volvo EX30: Another Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Option Coming to SA

Volvo EX30: Another Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Option Hits SA

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‍Of late, Volvo has been on some EV product offensive in South Africa by offering electrified models as part of its commitment to electrifying every new car launched from 2019 onwards.

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Though the status of our power grid keeps disappointing, Volvo is having none of that. Instead, its product portfolio has significantly expanded to include electrified XC90, XC60 and XC40 variants.

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The Swedish carmaker has recently unveiled the C40 Recharge, a sleek coupe version of the XC40 featuring stylish design elements and impressive interior details.

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A new product has joined the fold in the form of the EX30, which the marque says is its smallest SUV to date with great potential to alter the EV segment. How? You ask. Well, priced from R775,900, it's technically giving the Mini SE a run for its money in the EV segment by offering more cruising range, space as well as trim level options to choose from.

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For reference, the Mini SE carries a starting price tag of R742,102 and can only travel up to 217 km, which is below par even with what the base EX30 Core model offers.

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With dimensions that measure 4,233 mm long, 1,836 mm wide and 1,555 tall, plus a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, it's a margin shorter than the XC40 and C40 models.

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Speaking of the local market, the new EX30 will be available in both Single Motor (RWD) and Twin Motor (AWD) derivatives with 51 kWh and 69 kWh battery packs. Regarding trim levels, Volvo will only offer three; Core, Plus and Ultra.

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Things get interesting here. The flagship AWD variant, which can be had in Plus and Ulta guises hurtles from 0-100 km/h quicker than §you can read this sentence with a time of 3.6 seconds, thus making it the fastest Volvo road car ever, thanks to electric motors that pump out 315 kW and 543 Nm. Volvo says this specific model can travel up to 460 km.

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Remember, the i4 M50 gets the same task done in 3.9 seconds, so Volvo is gunning for the mighty with the EX30. Just saying…

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As for the EX30 Core Single Motor, it packs a 51 kWh battery pack that delivers 200 kW of power and 343 Nm of torque and can travel up to 344 km between charges. The EX Plus Single Motor Extended Range houses a bigger 69 kWh pack with the same power outputs but a range of up to 480 km, the same goes for the EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range.

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Not only is the interior design minimal and eco-friendly, but it also boasts impressive features. These include a 12.3" high-resolution central display with the latest Android system, a unique Harman Kardon audio system with 1 000w and a soundbar spanning the top of the dashboard, a digital key, and a Park Pilot Assist function.

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Volvo says buyers can choose between four distinct interior themes and five different ambient lighting themes.

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The Volvo EX30 clearly demonstrates how committed the brand is to embracing the future of electric mobility.

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It's giving the Mini SE a run for its money by not being a better option but by offering more driving range and derivatives. This move by Volvo will allow even the average consumer to afford an EV, especially in SA, where they aren't friendly to the wallet.

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