A self-confessed enthusiast of Swedish cars, will Al Suttie rate Volvo’s EX30 electric compact SUV highly?

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Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range RWD Ultra

List price: £43,295  BiK: 3%  Official Range: 295 miles  Range as Tested: 295 miles

Monday

Following my recent time with the Škoda Elroq and Kia EV3, I was keen to get behind the wheel of the Volvo EX30. In my view, the Volvo’s neat looks give it a small edge and, for the purposes of full disclosure, I’m a bit of fan of Swedish cars. So, this EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra should be just the job for the week ahead, and we’ll see if the 295-mile range on the dash proves possible or accurate.

Tuesday

No need for the fob to leave my pocket as the EX30 opens and starts hands-free. The gear selector on the right-hand column stalk works quickly, unlike the Jaecoo tried recently. With the single pedal mode engaged, the Volvo is easy to move at low speeds around a car park and doesn’t show any jerkiness, and it’s equally smooth on more flowing roads in town and beyond.

Wednesday

There’s plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it from the EX30. A busy roundabout near me usually requires a brisk entry and the Volvo has not trouble. The official 0-62mph time is quoted as 5.3 seconds and it feels every bit as swift without being too excessive in the manner of some EVs. The EX30 also handles nimbly and rides the bumps serenely, even sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Thursday

Room for the driver in the EX30 is very good and the all-round vision is decent, helped by the upright driving position that works ideally for me. Less convincing is rear seat space that is tight when you’re in there and just as much of a squeeze to get into. The boot is also a little bit squished for space, though it’s reasonable for the class of car and managed fine with a weekly shop.

Friday

Pondering the mix of materials in the EX30’s cabin this morning while in traffic and there are some lovely details. The door handles are real gems and add a sense of bespoke class. On the other hand, the recycled plastic lower door trims look like they’ve been made from municipal bins – very worthy to use eco plastics, but do they have to look, well, rubbish?

Saturday

A week in and I’m used to the EX30’s infotainment, though it is far from the best in a number of respects. Why does Volvo think having the speedo in the central display is a good idea? A simple gauge ahead of the driver or head-up screen would be much better, and it would stop the nagging attention alert from telling me to focus on the road ahead when all I’m trying to do is fathom the ventilation.

Sunday

There is much to like about the Volvo EX30 and its battery range matches what it claims on the dash. It’s also quick to recharge. I can even forgive the infotainment screen a little when the ventilation display looks like it has ghosts emerging from the vents – once you spot this, you cannot un-see it and it makes me chuckle every time.