Volvo EX30 Ultra Review

One thing large car manufacturers have in common is the practice of platform-sharing. In the interest of economies of scale and better profit margins, no manufacturer today would purposely build a platform that's only used by a single model.

This is why a big manufacturer like Volkswagen has platforms that are shared across its brands such as Audi, Porsche and Bentley. The current-generation Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8 and Bentley Bentayga, for example, all share the same platform. Yet all three models look and drive differently.

Geely, which owns Volvo, Polestar, and Smart (just to name a few), has done the same with the EX30, as the Sustainable Experience Architecture 2 (SEA2) platform it's built on also underpins the Smart #1 and Zeekr X.

Powerful lines and muscular body aside, the new Volvo badging looks great, too

Adorable little Volvo

The EX30 is Volvo's all-new, entry-level model that's also fully electric. Underpinnings aside, you won't see any resemblance to its 'corporate cousins', which is the key to keeping its identity.

One glance at the EX30 and it's obvious that this car is a Volvo. The design language is strong - the hammer-shaped head lights, muscular shoulder lines and chiselled body unmistakable styling cues. Even if you've never seen this model before, you'd be pretty sure of its brand.

Designers have managed to pull off the 'pixelated' style without making the EX30 look cheap

At the same time, the EX30 has elements it can call its own. The daytime running lights, for instance, are made up of individual panels that lend it a 'pixelated' feel. However, instead of making it look cheap, it has the effect of making the car look youthful and even playful.

The taillights are well-executed, too, for they frame the rear and add strength and sturdiness to the EX30. The Cloud Blue paintwork is eye-catching, to say the least. According to dealer Wearnes Automotive, this hue is the most popular, followed by Crystal White.

If you love Cloud Blue, you can specify this interior colour as well. However, I feel that Indigo or Mist would be a better choice to complement lighter-coloured paintwork because it provides contrast and would be easier to maintain.

The neat, minimalist cockpit features a square steering wheel and a very interesting 'terrazzo tile' inspired trims

That 'Scandi' feel

If you're a fan of Scandinavian or 'Scandi' decor, you'll feel right at home behind the wheel. Volvo's minimalist aesthetic is well-executed, for the cockpit is neat yet practical.

The cupholders, for instance, are conveniently tucked into the armrest between the front seats. But rather than having to open a panel, the cupholders are in a tray that slides forward when pressed.

It's a slick solution that saves space and makes you wonder why this feature isn't found in more cars. If only one cupholder is needed, you can slide back half the tray to save space and keep things tidy. The mechanism feels solid, too, and would probably stand up to years of use.

More storage for loose items can be found below the armrest by flipping up the 'trap doors', and the sizeable door bins without partitions. The armrests on each door also seem like they're floating, which is a lovely touch.

The 'floating' door handles are a cool touch

The bottom storage compartment also hosts a pair of USB-C ports

There are a few peculiarities, though. One, instead of a proper glove box, there's a small compartment below the centre of the dashboard, which can only be opened digitally via a button in the infotainment system.

Two, rather than having two sets of window controls in front, there's only a single pair. You will need to press the button marked 'Rear' to control the rear windows, thereby necessitating an extra step.

The instrument cluster permanently occupies the top portion of the infotainment screen

Lastly, the lack of an instrument panel doesn't seem like a good idea. The speedometer and driver assist animations are displayed at the top of the infotainment screen, so instead of looking down to check your speed, you must look down and to the left. It's neither seamless nor safe, and ironically, the latter is what Volvo is famed for.

Perhaps to make up for this, designers have included several cute 'Easter Eggs' for drivers. Open the boot and you'll find a useful diagram that shows the interior lengths and heights, which vary when the seat/s are folded.

Volvo didn't have to do this, but including this scene added to the Scandinavian feel

With this handy guide, you don't have to wonder if your purchases can fit in the boot

If you utilise the little 'frunk' or front compartment, opening the lid reveals a scene of the EX30 being driven along a road with trees, clouds, and a rather long-legged moose. The same character is also found on the side of the removable 'dustbin' for rear passengers.

These endearing touches, however, won't endear passengers to the backseat, for the seatbacks are too straight and the squabs are too short, resulting in a lack of thigh support. But it's still easy to squeeze in a third passenger since the floor is flat.

The rear-wheel drive SUV exhibits poise around bends, and a 'Sport' setting would have been welcome

Spry and snappy

The EX30 is the smallest and most agile new Volvo you can get your hands on. Fed by a 69kWh battery, the EX30's electric motor puts out 268bhp and 343Nm of torque, propelling the SUV from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Helping it feel even more engaging is the rear-wheel drive layout. There's nothing wrong with front-wheel drive, but the feel of propulsion from the back is just 'right'. The EX30 steers accurately and has generous grip, but one must remember that it is not marketed as a high-performance machine.

Perhaps this is why the ride/handling needs to be better resolved. Show the EX30 a series of corners and it's eager to play along. You'd think the damping was on the firm side when going over pockmarked surfaces, but the next moment, you notice that the car dives when you brake hard.

Set the mood using the available mood programmes and well-tuned audio system

Is the car firm or softly sprung? Under most conditions, it's pliant, but at the same time, undulating roads can result in thumps being transmitted to bottoms. Then again, it may just be the relatively short wheelbase (2,650mm). A longer wheelbase typically leads to a stabler and smoother ride.

On the go, the EX30's quiet cabin lets one enjoy the Harman Kardon audio system. Pair some lounge music with one of the ambient lighting themes and your drive can be a very relaxed one. If there was one thing the EX30 needs, it would be variable regenerative braking, which according to Volvo, can be added with a software update.

A Volvo for two?

The EX30 seems better suited as an SUV for two, rather than four people, so it would work well for say, a couple with no kids. I say this because while the front of the cabin is superbly executed, the backseat needs more attention. It almost feels as if Volvo, which is renowned for its seats, had nothing to do with the rear bench.

Then there's the boot volume. At 318 litres with the rear seats up, it's smaller than what a Volkswagen Golf offers. With seats folded, this expands to 904 litres, but most folks would expect it to be over 1,000 litres at this point. So, it may not be as useful to a family with two children and accoutrements in tow.

That said, the EX30 is a unique proposition from a Swedish brand better known for estates and large SUVs. The EX30 is just the right size for Singapore and offers more than enough range (475km), too. And most importantly, despite being underpinned by a shared platform, it has its own distinct flavour.

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