Volvo’s new entry-level electric SUV is a futuristic city runabout for the ung i hjärtat.

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Photos: Clifford Chow
Text: Augustine Lai & Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

Volvo aims for half of its global sales to be fully-electric by 2025, and plans to exclusively sell battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030. With the introduction of small premium electric SUVs such as the Smart #1 (the Volvo’s German sibling), and the non-premium Peugeot E-2008 and Hyundai Kona, it is no surprise that Volvo has decided to hop onto the bandwagon by introducing their latest offering – the Volvo EX30. The decision here is a simple one, since Volvo’s new B-Segment SUV is based on a platform developed by parent, Geely, who also have ownership of Polestar, Smart and the upcoming Zeekr brand).

While the EX30 shares some visual cues with the slightly larger XC40 (here’s an electric-flavoured one), with its signature Thor’s Hammer headlamps, “shoulders” and upward kink at the rear window; it vibes very differently from the Volvo you have come to know. Its broad LED pixelated daytime running lights, smooth-integrated bumper and that baby’s-bottom-smooth “non-grille”, hint of something that had come right off the clay modelling floor. Our test car’s Cloud Blue paintwork, which is pleasing to the eye, but difficult to photograph right, makes the car “low-level” pop. The small Volvo SUV is also available in striking Moss Yellow or even a more subtle Vapour Grey.

Within the cabin, Volvo’s green message becomes clearer, with the introduction of surface panels, made from recycled cars. Adding on to this, they have even incorporated ground-up house window frames, PET plastic from water bottles, plant-based flax fibres, and discarded denim threads from the recycling of blue jeans into the interior of the EX30.

In the middle of the dash, you are greeted by a high definition 12.3-inch portrait infotainment screen, powered by Google. Over here, things are minimalistic, with just about every feature being controlled on-screen. This includes, the climate control function and even the centralised glovebox, which I feel can be a bit of overkill, and distracting to users.

But while the EX30’s interior boasts a liberal use of recycled materials, designers have balanced this with some new materials too. I particularly like the sleek satin-finished metal door handles, which emerge from a(nother) recycled panel. I do also like the neat touch of the dual cup holder drawer, positioned within the centre armrest area, which is practical, and looks like it came right out of a concept drawing. Below, a wireless charging cradles your phone, and sits in-front of yet another compartment.

To suit your preferences, the EX30 boasts a wide array of ambient themes to choose from, which includes the Northern Lights, Forest Bath, and Midsummer, all which reflect things – Scandinavian. And of course, being a premium car, there is a Harman-Kardon sound bar, located up in the front of the dash. This is accompanied by speakers discreetly located around the cabin, and for bass, a sub in the boot.

I do gripe about the lack of room at the rear though, as it is a tight squeeze for three. The limited rear knee room also makes the EX30 not the best for distance driving for taller rear passengers. Additionally, the keyless entry function only allows access from the drivers side, and to make matters more complicated, there are no functional locking/unlocking buttons on the key fob.

On the road though, the EX30 performance. Impressively well. The rear-mounted motor, which produces 272Hp and 343Nm, launches the small SUV to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Overtaking is effortless, and if you do like a brisk drive, the EX30 feels composed around corners.

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However, I would have liked it if the steering was less numb, even on its heaviest setting. Smoothness aside, the small SUV’s short wheelbase does show itself over rougher surfaces, but ride quality is generally smooth. You can drive with the regenerative braking on, however, I find that it is not the most seamless experience. Quickly, I found that turning it off improved the driving experience significantly.

Consumption-wise, on paper, the small Volvo does 17.5kWh/100km. I managed even better, at 15.1kWh/100km, even with some spirited driving. With a claimed 476km of range, the EX30 would probably give you between four or five days of driving with Singapore’s road conditions… which I feel is more than decent.

All in all, EX30 is a very different Volvo. It plays to a younger crowd, who are keen to embrace electrification.

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2024 Volvo EX30 Electric Ultra 69kWh

Drivetrain type	Full Electric
Electric Motor / layout	Single Motor, Rear Wheel Drive
Motor power / torque	272hp / 343Nm
Battery type /net capacity	Lithium-ion / 66kWh (net)
Normal Charge Type / Time	11kW AC / 7.5 hours
Max Fast Charge Type / Time	153kW DC / 46 mins
Electric Range	475km
0-100km/h	5.3 seconds
Top Speed	180km/h
Efficiency	17.5kWh/100km
VES Band	A1 / -S$25,000
Agent	Wearnes Automotive Pte. Ltd.
Price	S$235,000 with COE and VES
Availability	Now
Verdict:	Refreshing good looks could make it a winner. Pity the lack of rear legroom, and that price

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