SIX Things We Learnt About The Volvo EX30

The cars we sampled all stil wore pre-launch camouflage, so we couldn't really gauge the exterior design in the flesh yet...

Set to debut locally this month, the Volvo EX30 certainly holds a lot of promise in our still-thriving local electric vehicle (EV) marketspace. Having sampled it early during an official press drive organised by Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) last week, there’s indeed plenty to talk about.

But in the interest of keeping thing both objective and brief, we’ve come up with SIX key talking points about the Swedish marque’s latest metal, which also promises to be its ‘most affordable’ offering yet. Here’s what you ought to know about it then…

At 4,233 MM long with a 2,650 MM wheelbase, 1,836 MM wide, and 1,550 MM tall, the EX30 is indeed a 'compact' crossover.

1. It’s Actually Very Compact

Despite what press images might suggest, the Volvo EX30 is indeed a compact crossover. At 4,233 MM long with a 2,650 MM wheelbase, 1,836 MM wide and 1,550 MM tall, the EX30 sits slightly smaller than its ‘cousin’ the smart #1, with which it shares the same Geely-sourced SEA platform base. It’s also smaller compared to the C40 and XC40 crossovers.

But, as the old saying goes, good things do come in small packages, and the EX30 is a prime example of which, especially with the way it is designed and built inside. Nevertheless, as far as exterior styling goes, we’re certain the simplistic and typically Scandic design the EX30 wears will hold mass appeal.

Camouflage wrap prevented us from gauging details like the C-pillar badge, but what is clear here is the two-tone exterior colourway the EX30 will be launched in.

What also clear despite the camouflage are the distinct all-LED lighting patterns the EX30 boast. We reckon many will dig the headlight's new combination of pixel squares forming the 'Thor's Hammer' DRLs.

Our favourite bits NOT covered by the pre-launch ‘camouflage’ include the distinct all-LED lighting suite. There’s a tasty combination of both new pixellated squares motif plus Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRLs up front, whilst the rear sports striking horizontal lines arrangements. Tasty here too are the 19-inch, dual-tone rolling stock primed.

On board, the EX30's cabin in full of quirks like the near absence of physical control switches and squared steering wheel. What's certain though is that it all felt very posh, up-market and well-built.

2. It Has A Quirky Yet Posh, Minimalist Cabin

It may share the same base as the smart #1, but it is evidently clear on board that the EX30 is built as a much posher and more up-market offering. One major difference is the absence of body-coloured hard plastic panels in the dash and door inserts. Volvo had these surfaces covered in soft-touch plastics and trims plus plush faux leather instead.

As for quirks, note the absence of physical control switches in the door inserts or the main central dash. Instead, Volvo placed power-window and central-locking controls in the centre armrest, while controls and toggles for things like the mirrors and air conditioning are all integrated into the touchscreen.

On board, the seats are upholstered in 'sustainable' faux leather and fabrics. Critically, the front seats offer power-adjustability but we reckon built-in seat ventilation would've sweeten the deal.

Other quirky but nifty touches include the  front and rear power-window switches housed in the centre armrest, central glovebox, as well as the chunky gear selector stalk.

Absent too is a traditional instrumentation panel ahead of the driver, which is also integrated into the central screen’s top-section instead. These, along with the novel key-card and control stalks – gear selector included – positioned behind the squared steering wheel may seem weird at first, but we reckon anyone just needs time to get accustomed with.

Quirks aside, what’s undeniable is how well-built the cabin is, but this is perhaps a fitting trait expected of the Swedish marque. We’ll even add that the choice of high-end fabrics, soft-touch plastics and faux leather used all felt very upmarket indeed, thus bolstering this Volvo’s credentials as a true posh offering.

In dual-motor, AWD guise as tested, the Volvo EX30 proved very zippy and engaging to drive.

3. Finally, A Volvo That’s Exciting To Drive!

 One major upside with any smaller or more compact-sized cars is the added agility and rather zippy drivability, and the EX30 has this in droves. With a peak kerb weight of 1,843 KG in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) form as tested, the EX30 proved to be a fun thing to chuck in and our of corners with.

This came into view when we tackled the Karak Highway and the twisty B-road hillclimb leading up to Janda Baik, Pahang during our preview drive. Notable here is the sharp and lighting quick electric steering, as well as the highly taut but fairly balanced suspension tuning. As far as its EVs go, this Volvo is one that doesn’t disappoint when one’s in the mood for corner-carving.

Fortunately, all that fun doesn’t come at the price or trade-off in terms of comfort, and we’re glad to report that this is one very comfy compact EV crossover to conquer the concrete jungle with. Bolstering ride comforts further is the high noise suppression this cabin boasts, but this is arguably yet another bit expected of any Volvo.

With 422 HP and 543 NM available on tap, the dual-motor, AWD setup brings the EX30's claimed 1,843 KG kerb heft up to speeds rapidly, especially with 'Performance AWD' engaged.

4.  There’s A Hidden ‘Performance AWD’ Mode

Predictably, the dual-motor, AWD variant we sampled felt peppy to say the least. With 422 HP (315 kW) and meaty 543 NM of twist available, 0-100 KM/H sprints are done rapidly in just 3.6 seconds. These are respectable figures, though what is typical here is the electronically-governed v-max of 180 KM/H.

But it’s the pleasant surprise of an ‘Easter Egg’ in the form of a ‘Performance AWD’ mode that got us more excited during our test. Hidden in the Vehicle Settings page, we sampled this feature fully through a specially organised sprint test against a V60 held at a make-shift dragstrip, and again during our hillclimb up to Janda Baik noted prior.

Simply put, if you needed the extra off-the-line oomph, or perhaps the added traction and grip to tackle a twisty hillclimb, this the mode you want activated in the EX30. Just remember that this mode does come at the price of reduced range, so don’t expect to meet or hit the EX30’s claimed 476 KM WLTP range figure with this turned on…

Despite its compact size, the EX30 proved surprisingly practical when it was tested with an impromptu visit to IKEA.

5. It’s Surprisingly Practical

Part of the official press drive saw us subjecting the EX30 with a full-day ‘urban adventure’ through the Klang Valley, plus a quick visit to a certain Swedish specialist home furniture megastore. We’ll start with the latter first and, one unique challenge we took part in was to see just how much of ‘stuff’ we could cram into the EX30.

While the EX30’s standard boot space of 318 litres proved sufficient for the daily, split-folding rear seats sees this expandable up to 904 litres. With this, loading up RM2,000 worth of IKEA goods – furniture included -  proved no stretch for the EX30. Our only gripe? The rather tiny 7-litre frunk, which is perhaps good enough to stow away small items…

Standard 318-litre boot already offers nifty powered tailgate and hidden floor compartment. Split-folding rear seats expands things to 904 litres. The 7-litre frunk proved rather tiny, but it does come with a neat easter egg with its inner cover 'artwork'.

Despite being subjected with a mixed driving cycle plus a round-trip up to Janda Baik, Pahang and back, the EX30 proved surprisingly efficient with its energy consumption.

Mind you, throughout our brief 24-hour stint with the EX30, we traversed quite a distance all on a single-charge – there simply wasn’t time for us to go on a charger hunt in such a tight programme. But much to our surprise, we were able to cover no close to 400 KM on in said time frame, and this included the round-trip up to Janda Baik and back too.

Taking into account that the dual-motor, AWD setup is juiced by a 69 KWh NMC-type battery, attaining said figure even after the mixed-cycle driving regime described is indeed impressive. Nifty here too is the fact that said battery pack accepts up to 175 kW of DC fast-charging inputs, and this enables 10-80% re-charges in a brisk 28 minutes.

The 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen display is a neat piece of tech as it's very akin to a high-end Android tablet in terms of performance and features. It does lack Apple CarPlay, but thankfully there are clever workarounds. 

6. It Doesn’t Have Apple CarPlay Yet, But…

Of course, no package is perfect and, as this writer’s personal nitpick, the absence of Apple CarPlay from the EX30’s neat 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen is a bit of a bother. Then again, this was expected given that Volvo has openly admitted to dealing with software gremlins in its global production efforts.

Nevertheless, the news isn’t all that bad as said screen is powered by Google’s trick new Android Automotive operating system that offers a boat-load of connected features, and its very much akin to having access to a high-end Android tablet. Included amongst which are built-in Google Apps like Google Maps for navigation plus the voice-activated Google-Assistant.

However, should the Google ecosystem be not your cup of tea, worry not as other leading third-party apps are still accessible via the built-in Google Play store that's also built-in. This is a nifty workaround for those that still prefer using other apps such as Waze and Spotify in their daily drives. In short, there’s no Apple CarPlay yet here, but thankfully there are clever workarounds to this.

Good news: The camouflage, as well as more details including price, will all be revealed on Sept 25! Bonus: You can register to test-drive the EX30 too! See details below...

It Launches Later This Month, And You Can Try It Yourself!

Aptly, it’s plain to see that VCM elected to keep mum about its plans with the EX30 for our market, even regarding basic details like the variants it intends to offer Malaysian buyers. We’ll have to wait a little for these details, as well as price and, fortunately, it won’t be a long wait.

That’s because VCM will officially debut the Volvo EX30 later this month on Sept 25, and rest assured that we’ll bring you more details by then. Now here’s a bonus: you can view and sample the EX30 for yourself after said launch.

As part of the EX30’s launch festivities, VCM will be hosting a public launch showcase for the new EX30 held at the KL Base, Sungai Besi from Sept 26 to Sept 29. You can register yourselves online to test-drive the EX30 first hand by clicking these blue words…