Car review: 2024 Volvo EX30

Posted 29 August, 2024 Mark Borlace

Volvo Australia has committed to being an EV-only car manufacturer in the next two years, and the new EX30 is the smallest, cheapest and fastest EV the car company has on offer.

Value and range

With prices starting at nearly $60,000, the EX30 is competitive with similar vehicles from other car manufacturers, including the Tesla3 and Hyundai Kona. Available in three variants, Volvo has struck a good balance between cost and features.

The base Plus variant has a dual-tone roof, digital key, wireless charging, Harman Kardon premium sound system, power-operated tailgate and front parking sensors. The higher models come with the likes of a fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, park assist pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo also offers two-year interval servicing free for the first five years or 150,000km, with the cost included in the EX30’s purchase price.

Interior design

Inside, you might notice the small Swedish flags sewn into the trim, but Volvo is now owned by Chinese company Geely, and the EX30 is built in China. The interior is refreshingly spacious, and designers have taken a minimalist approach, with a soundbar integrated into the top of the dash to free up space for storage. The centre-mounted control screen is needed for nearly every function and even includes the speedometer, which can take a while for the driver to adapt to. Unfortunately, a heads-up display isn’t offered as an option.

While occupants are well catered for in the front seat, those sitting in the rear will be reminded that the EX30 is a small car as there’s only a narrow rear-door opening. Once you’re in the rear seat, the room is just adequate, however there aren’t any roof-grab handles for ease of access.

Externally, the EX30 has a clean and attractive design highlighted by Thor’s hammer-style headlights, high-cut rear window and unusual shaped rear-view mirrors.

The first thing you’ll notice when you get in the driver’s seat is the absence of a start button. Instead, the driver simply taps the column-mounted drive selector and they’re away.

On the road

For me, the cheaper single-motor variant will provide all the power you need. EX30’s one-pedal mode has good linear throttle response making it very easy to drive.

While negotiating the twisting Adelaide Hills roads, all variants had comfortable and competent handling, with the twin-motor Performance Ultra variant having a slightly firmer ride because of the extra weight of the additional motor.

All three variants come with the 400V lithium-ion, 69kWh battery option with stated ranges of between 460km and 480km. Volvo claims that all EX30 variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.

The bottom line

In summary, the EX30 is more like a hatch than an SUV, but Volvo’s strategy of making a small, fast electric vehicle at a lower cost, means this vehicle is very competitive on the burgeoning EV market.