John Challen on why Volvo’s smallest-ever SUV has a big role to play in the brand’s all-electric plans.

Already open for orders, the EX30 starts customer deliveries in Q1 2024

What is it?

Small premium electric SUV

When is it available?

Already open for orders; customer deliveries Q1 2024

Biggest changes?

New model for Volvo as it expands its EV line-up

Fleet appeal?

Three electric powertrains; competitively priced; driving range

Power to the people

EX30 is available with a choice of three powertrains: a single-motor option boasting 272hp and a 51kWh battery; an extended-range single-motor version with 272hp and a 69kWh battery and a Twin motor model with 428hp and a 69kWh battery. Maximum driving range is 298 miles; consumption is 4.0 miles/kWh and recharging from 10-80% can be completed in 26 minutes.

Size DOES matter

Reading through the official blurb on the new EX30, it’s almost as if Volvo is embarrassed that the new model is its “smallest SUV to date”. However, in the next breath, the company notes that the new car is expected to become “one of its best-selling models”. It won’t be the last electric sub-C-segment SUV appearing and the price, which starts at £33,795, is sure to attract a lot of interest.

It takes two

Trim-wise, it’s relatively simplified for the new Volvo, with just two grades: Plus and Ultra. There are also only five exterior colours, although things get a bit fancier inside when Volvo mentions ‘rooms’ and ‘interior treatments’. Spec-wise, even in the base model there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate, front and rear parking sensors (and rear camera) and heated front seats and steering wheel. Ultra adds a load more goodies, such as a 360° camera and self-parking.

Find a safe space

It might not be quite the USP that it used to be, but Volvo continues to stand out with its safety options. The EX30 debuts Safe Space Technology, which is designed to reduce the risk of accidents in urban environments. In reality, the car boasts front and rear Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, to detect and warn drivers of potential dangers close by.

Verdict

The EX30 enters the market at a time when manufacturers are looking to plug gaps in their line-ups – and smaller is sometimes better. More efficiency, decent range, but still oozing in technology and safety systems, the new Volvo is sure to be on many shortlists.