Volvo EX30 review

Volvo EX30

We spend some quality time with Volvo’s smallest SUV, which also happens to be 100% electric…

Here’s something you thought you’d never hear. The most affordable car in the Volvo range is an all-new EV.

In the midst of a climate emergency, it’s essential to cut emissions, yet survey after survey says the cost of electric vehicles is one of the main reasons buyers are not making the switch from the internal combustion engine.

Volvo EX30

Volvo is doing its bit to change that narrative with the stylish EX30, which starts at a highly competitive £32,850. Sure, it’s still not cheap, but then this is a premium product from Volvo.

A tad shorter than some of its main rivals in the compact crossover class (the Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot E-2008, to name a few), but it is a stylish newcomer.

Instantly recognisable on the road, it’s attractive with a defined crease along the side of the body, then there are those distinctive “Thor’s hammer” headlights and the big badge with diagonal stripe adorning the bluff front end of the car.

Volvo EX30

Inside, it’s everything you’d expect from Volvo, with a modern twist. So, it’s minimalist (there’s not much more than a central touchscreen, steering wheel and air vents) and it’s sustainable. Recycled materials include denim from blue jeans, and plastic from drinks bottles and window frames. There are clever storage spaces too.

You can choose from three versions of the EX30. The entry-level Single Motor has a 268bhp motor on the rear axle, fed by a 51kWh (49kWh usable) battery. Official figures give it a potential range of 210 miles, and it can charge at up to 134kW, so a 10-80% top-up can be delivered in 26 minutes.

The Single Motor Extended Range model is much the same, except that it has a larger 69kWh (64kWh usable) battery, giving an official range of 296 miles. Charging is slightly faster too (up to 153kW), meaning a 10-80% boost will take as little as 28 minutes.

Volvo EX30

Finally, there’s the Twin Motor Performance version, which has an additional motor on the front axle (giving all-wheel drive and a combined 422bhp), but the potential range drops to 280 miles. It has exactly the same battery and charging speed as the Extended Range model.

For the record, the Single Motor has a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, the Single Motor Extended Range takes 5.3 seconds, while the Twin Motor Performance arrives at 62mph in a blisteringly fast 3.6 seconds. Torque figures are 252lb ft for the Single Motor models and a massive 400lb ft for the range-topper.

Volvo EX30

We tested the Single Motor Extended Range on a variety of roads over a week and there’s no doubt that the Volvo EX30 is an impressive package.

As is increasingly the case, there’s no key or starter button, the car recognises you as you approach (no pop-ups, just solid door handles), you get in, then select Drive and you’re off.

It’s not stupidly fast like some EVs – instead offering manageable acceleration with instant torque to get you off the line.

Volvo EX30

The EX30 is easy to drive and nimble with sharp steering. It feels lighter than its 1.85 tonne kerb weight, while the brakes are pleasantly progressive (unlike many EVs).

Hustle it and body lean is well controlled. Add solid traction and it inspires confidence – not a given these days with so many front-wheel drive EVs scrabbling for grip.

The ride is gentle for the most part, and all in all, the EX30 delivers a refined, comfortable and engaging drama-free drive.

Volvo EX30

Of course, no car is perfect and the EX30 is no exception. Our biggest gripe is that virtually everything is controlled via the 12.3-inch central display, including wing mirror adjustment and glovebox opening. In other words, there’s no conventional instrument cluster ahead of the driver with essentials such as speed, range and traffic sign recognition.

Yes, the infotainment system is Google-powered, so it gets the best hands-free voice assistant, but too much fiddling in the centre console diverts attention from the road ahead.

The other area where the EX30 is compromised is when it comes to rear space. It’s snug for adults to sit comfortably in the back and the high floor means there’s a knees-up position. The boot only has a 318-litre capacity (smaller than a Golf hatchback). That said, you can fold down the rear seats for 904 litres in total, and there’s a small frunk under the bonnet.

Volvo EX30

Finally, the recycled materials may tick all the right eco boxes, but they don’t yet have the same premium feel,. For instance, the plastic used on the dashboard and elsewhere in the cabin looks good, but it’s a tad too hard and scratchy for our liking.

We achieved an average of about 3.5 miles/kWh, which is not bad at all and should give a real-world range closer to 230 miles. There is the option for one-pedal driving, but no paddles behind the steering wheel to alter the brake regeneration.

Verdict: It’s no wonder the EX30 has already won so many awards. Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV is a winning combination of Scandi cool and sustainability, delivering a good range and efficiency, alongside a refined and engaging drive.

Volvo UK

Volvo EX30

Meet the all-new, all-electric Skoda Elroq

Home / Auto News / Meet the all-new, all-electric Skoda Elroq

Gareth Herincx

33 mins ago
Auto News

Skoda Elroq

Skoda has released the first official pictures of its Elroq compact SUV.

The camouflaged prototype looks like a cross between the bigger Enyaq and similarly-sized, conventionally-powered Karoq. It will have a range as high as 348 miles and charging times as quick as 28 minutes.

The first Skoda model to adopt the new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, it will combine comfort with practicality and value-for-money.

Skoda Elroq

The introduction of the Elroq marks the beginning of Skoda’s new EV offensive, which will see the launch of six battery-electric cars over the coming years.

There’s no official word on UK pricing yet, but we’d expect the range to start below £40,000. Rivals will include the Volvo EX30, Ford Explorer and upcoming Kia EV3.

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Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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Xpeng G6 review

Xpeng G6

We test drive a new car from a new brand – the all-electric Xpeng G6 mid-sized electric SUV…

The latest EV brand from China to reach Europe has its work cut out. Just for starters, its family SUV is pitched against the Tesla Model Y – the world’s most popular new car of 2023, with sales totalling 1.22 million.

The fact that the G6 is an SUV will help matters because this is the fastest rising sector, but starting from scratch is a big challenge.

Xpeng G6

Founded in 2014 by a group of entrepreneurs with a shared vision to transform future mobility with technology, Xpeng launched its first car (the G3 compact SUV) in 2018, followed by others including the P7 saloon in 2019 and the big G9 SUV in 2023.

In fact, Xpeng is held in such high regard that Volkswagen announced a partnership with the company earlier in 2024 to jointly develop two smarts EVs.

So, is the G6 any good and will it be able to compete with the mighty Tesla Model Y and other rivals including the Kia EV6, Volvo EX30, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq. Smart #3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E?

Xpeng G6

Well, if you just consider the car, then it’s a worthy rival. Whilst I respect the game-changing success of Tesla and the Model Y’s massive sales, I’m not a huge fan of the vehicle itself.

From the dumpy front styling to the firm ride, so-so quality of materials and dull driving dynamics, the Model Y is something of an enigma to me.

The Xpeng G6 is marketed as an “ultra-smart coupe SUV” and is almost identical in size and weight to its American rival. It’s also likely to be competitively priced when it goes on sale in the UK later in 2024. Xpeng hasn’t announced pricing yet, partly because of tariff issues, but the Model Y is priced from £44,990.

Xpeng G6

For me, the “robot face” of the Xpeng G6 gives it the edge aesthetically, while its streamlined body shape (which boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.248Cd) is similar to the Tesla and comes complete with pop-out door handles and frameless doors.

Inside, there’s the same minimalist, tech-led feel of the Model Y, but with the welcome addition of a 10.2-inch display ahead of the driver, showing essentials such as speed, battery range and navigation instructions. Beats me why the Model Y and Volvo EX30 have decided to do away with this necessity and opt for only a central touchscreen.

The Xpeng G6 gets one of those too (15 inches, no less) and it works well enough (the graphics aren’t class-leading), but – as ever – there is a high learning curve. The system is due to have an over-the-air upgrade later this year, which should make it more intuitive, while new mapping from TomTom will also be welcome.

Xpeng G6

Ultimately, just like many other EVs, there are too many necessities controlled via the centre touchscreen, taking your eyes off the road ahead. Controls for everything from drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain), brake regen and steering weight options, wing mirror adjustment and air conditioning are accessed via the screen.

Unfortunately, the Xpeng G6 also follows another annoying trend. The right hand steering wheel stalk is now the gear shifter, while the left doubles up indicators and wipers. No prizes for guessing what comes next until you get used to the system.

On the plus side, the cabin oozes space front and back, it’s bathed in light thanks to the panoramic sunroof, it’s all well put together and it had a classy feel with the use of quality materials, though delve down in the cabin and there’s still some scratchy black plastic.

Xpeng G6

Oh, and a special mention for the leatherette seats, which are comfortable, even if the driving position is a little on the high side for my liking.

Luggage capacity is a decent, if not class-leading 571 litres, expanding to 1,374 litres with the rear seats down, but there’s no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for storing cables and no passenger glovebox.

Three versions of the Xpeng G6 are available. The entry-level RWD Standard range combines a 66kWh battery with a 262bhp rear-wheel-drive motor. The RWD Long Range version gets a larger 87.5kWh battery and slightly more powerful 290bhp motor, while the range-topping dual-motor AWD Performance version uses the same 87.5kWh battery but with 483bhp driving all four wheels.

Xpeng G6 driven by Gareth Herincx

The RWD Standard range delivers a claimed potential of 272 miles and a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. The RWD Long Range offers an impressive 356 miles of range and a slightly faster sprint time of 6.7 seconds. Finally, the AWD Performance is properly fast (4.1 seconds), though overall range takes a hit (344 miles).

Just as importantly, the Xpeng G6 uses state-of-the-art ultra-rapid 800V charging architecture, meaning a 10% to 80% boost can take just 20 minutes with a fast enough charger.

We tested the AWD Performance, which is just as well because it was tanking down on our test route in the Netherlands, so the extra traction was more than welcome.

Xpeng G6

On the road, the Xpeng G6 is smooth and refined with Standard drive mode offering the best balance of efficiency and performance. Sport is fun for overtaking and acceleration demos, but the effort of going into the touchscreen to switch drive modes is likely to mean it will be rarely used.

The ride is firm, which is par for the course with electric SUVs, and body lean is kept in check, though we didn’t really get the chance to stretch the G6’s legs on the flat, mostly residential road route. On balance, I’d say it’s a tad more dynamic than the Model Y, so job done.

Xpeng G6

The steering is best left in standard (Sport is too heavy) and visibility is good except for the slim rear window. Thankfully there are plenty of cameras and sensors to help with tighter manoeuvres. What’s more, it has a memory-based automatic parking functionality and it can be parked remotely via a smartphone app.

We achieved a decent 3.8 miles per kWh during our limited test run, and we’d expect a real-world range for the AWD Performance closer to 300 miles.

Xpeng has kept things simple with the G6. You just choose the powertrain, one of five exterior colours, and white or black artificial leather. In fact, the only option is an electrically deployable tow bar (maximum towing capacity: 1,500kg).

Xpeng G6

Ultimately, the success of the Xpeng G6 in the UK could rely on a combination of keen pricing, clever marketing and a proper dealer network for sales, servicing and parts.

Verdict: The Xpeng G6 is a welcome addition to the seriously competitive mid-size electric SUV sector. Boldly styled, spacious, well built, comfortable and packed with tech, it’s more than a match for the Tesla Model Y.

Xpeng

Kia EV9 crowned ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’

Gareth Herincx

1 hour ago
Auto News

Kia EV9 review

Kia’s flagship EV9 SUV has triumphed at the UK Car of the Year Awards, winning the overall title and the ‘Large Crossover’ category.

Celebrating the best new vehicles available to UK customers today across eight categories, the UK Car of the Year jury is made up of 30 journalists working across the UK on automotive, business and tech publications. Eligible cars for the awards must have been launched within the past 12 months.

Judges praised the EV9 for several factors, including its innate practicality, modern design, and long electric driving range.

“The uberpractical Kia EV9 could be the vehicle that gets more drivers out of their petrol or diesel car than any other model,” said John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards.

“Seven seats, loaded with technology, premium quality and enough miles from the battery to cure almost every case of range anxiety – plus it’s fantastic to drive, too.

“The fact that nearly half of our judging panel chose the Kia as the UK Car of the Year 2024 is a massive vote of confidence in what is a seriously impressive and hugely appealing car.”

The streamlined Hyundai Ioniq 6 took the runner-up spot, while the final podium place went to Volvo’s EX30.

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