Volvo EX30 – maximum minimalism

UNDERSTATED style and an emphasis on safety and sustainability have long been hallmarks of Volvo cars.

And as the Swedish brand continues its journey towards full electrification – with its range now a mix of fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrids – more stylish models are hitting the road.

Among them is the all-electric EX30 crossover SUV, currently the smallest Volvo model and also a flag bearer for the company’s position as a leader in automotive safety having notched a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests.

With a starting price of £33,060 for a single motor variant in entry level Core trim there’s clearly some value to be had in what’s every inch a premium model.

But it is very minimalist, excessively so for some with more traditional tastes. That said, the UK is now Volvo’s single biggest global market for the EX30 and, to be fair, few could argue it doesn’t ooze style.

So what are the EX30’s strengths, and what makes the compact Volvo so popular with British buyers?

Well depending on the sort of distance you generally drive, the single motor model with its 49kWh battery and official 209-mile range may be insufficient.

Our tested Extended Range version with 65kWH battery not only boosts that distance to a much more reassuring 296 miles but also has some serious performance, accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds compared to its stablemate’s 5.7 seconds.

Both have an impressive charging speed, the larger battery car capable of loading up from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes, the smaller one managing the same charge in only 26 minutes.

Dynamically the EX30 is also up there with the best, beautifully damped for a comfortable yet engaging ride quality while handling confidently through bends and rural lanes. It’s quiet too, with the minimum of road noise.

Safety is another key factor and in the EX30’s case we’re talking an advanced suite of active safety features including a driver-alert system, an intersection auto brake and a door opening alert.

Move inside and the Volvo’s upholstery feels predictably clean and classy, the seats in our tested Ultra trim model being particularly upmarket with electric seat adjustment and lumbar support as standard.

Space up front is more than adequate and headroom excellent all round while a flat floor means plenty of room in rear for feet, though it is a tight squeeze for three adults across the back.

Boot space, meanwhile, is not brilliant at 318 litres but the rear seats fold to expand the capacity to 904 litres – and there’s a small 61-litre compartment beneath the boot floor for cables.

What may not be to everyone’s liking is the fact that most of the EX30’s functions are accessed through a complicated central display unit. It’s a 12.3-inch vertical touchscreen that even controls the boot lid and door mirrors.

Of course there’s a big difference between driving a car every day and having it on loan for a week but nonetheless getting the hang of working the screen is frustrating, even if Volvo isn’t alone in this.

Overall though, the EX30 is affordable to buy, enjoyable and nimble to drive and looks distinguished – a small car that feels genuinely upmarket.

All models come with a generous amount of kit, the likes 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control and Apple CarPlay included as standard while Plus grade adds stuff like heated front seats, a powered tailgate and a heated steering wheel and Ultra a 360-degree bird’s eye view camera, a Harman Kardon premium sound system and a panoramic glass roof.