Preview: Volvo EX30

Preview: Volvo EX30

We love fast cars, but unfortunately, the cost of speed is rising at a rapid rate. The Merc-AMG A45 S is nearly R2 million, and cars like the Honda Civic Type R are cusping on a bar. If I were to tell you that there is a brand that can offer something with hot-hatch-adjacent acceleration, albeit in a small electric SUV package, for less than a mill, you probably wouldn't think of Volvo.

Volvo's latest offering is the new Volvo EX30, a new compact electric SUV that's projecting the brand into the age of futuristic and minimalistic. Volvo hit the nail on the head when styling the EX30 with smooth lines, a clean shape, and a bold front end that is easy on the eyes. You can see that there was some retro inspiration in elements like the block-styled headlights, which is a touch I'm rather fond of but can be received differently.

The interior of the EX30 centres around a millennial-aimed approach. There is extensive use of recycled materials, which, while having the rough texture of scratchy plastic, can be seen in the unique and colourful patterns on the doors and dashboard. This almost forces you to forgive the texture of the material, as it adds a funky, guilt-free, and fresh vibe to the cabin. This also comes from the use of soft blue and grey colours to brighten the inside while maintaining the refined style Volvo is synonymous with.

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Optimised cabin space

Volvo's EX30 takes a turn from current Volvos, as this new EV is incredibly tech-heavy. Nearly all the car's functionalities are controlled through the 12.3-inch infotainment tablet on the dash. This is where you can adjust everything from your tunes and navigation to adjusting your side mirrors and opening the glovebox. As clever and entertaining as this might be for a tech buff, I much prefer the texture and functionality of buttons, but that is, again, down to preference.

The most notable interior addition is the Harman Kardon soundbar, which spans the width of the dash and removes the need for speakers in the doors. It provides a decent, full-bodied sound quality that is projected from the front of the car, frees up space in the doors for more storage, and adds a more spacious feel to the cabin.

Space is something Volvo got right with the EX30. Despite its smaller nature, there is an abundance of space on the inside of this compact SUV, with little pockets and crevasses to hide your valuables and a sunken centre console capable of storing a small laptop bag. The aforementioned exclusion of speakers further frees up leg room, while the rear passengers also have a good amount of it available.  

Fast & Frugal

Now for the most impressive aspect of the EX30: its power. The EX30 is available in two different power options. The first option is the single-motor model, priced at R775,900. While the dual-motor option is the most remarkable power option, don't sleep on the single-motor EX30.

It produces 200kW and 343Nm, launching from 0-100km/h in a rather brief 5.7 seconds. You can add a further range extension to the single motor option for a total vehicle price of R865,900, increasing the range from 344km to 476km. It also delivers a 10-80% charge time of 26 minutes, which is just enough time to pop in for a coffee at a charging station.

The Twin Motor Performance option is the big brother, with 315kW and 543Nm, rocketing from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds. The range is also impressive on the dual-motor, claiming up to 450 kilometres between charges. And yes, 3.6 seconds to 100km/h is dabbling in supercar territory, but the price makes this car that much more favourable. The Twin Motor Performance comes in at a shocking starting price of R935,900, making it roughly the same price as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 with the straight-line performance of an AMG GT S.

As exciting as this sounds, it does raise the question: How did Volvo make it so affordable? On the surface, the use of recycled materials certainly helps with the deletion of buttons, further aiding cost-saving measures with less manufacturable and sourceable components, but this doesn’t cover the whole cost topic. I suspect that the batteries are another factor contributing to the cost savings.

The EX30 makes use of lithium-ion phosphate batteries, which are less resource-intensive and cost-effective than traditional lithium-ion batteries and claim to have a longer lifespan. I'm not sure if this new battery technology is any area of concern just yet, but it does help explain the impressive price.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to hit the roads with the EX30 quite yet, but it will soon be in our TopGear SA garage. As of now, the EX30 stands as the most affordable high-performance electric vehicle in the country. So, be on the lookout while you're driving, because if an EX30 challenges you to a race, chances are you'll end up on the losing side.

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