At a time when almost everything on wheels seems to be getting bigger, and looking angrier, it’s nice to see a car like the Volvo EX30.Newly launched to healthy backorders, it is the smallest car in the Volvo range and the precursor to the company’s all-electric future.
In 2010, the almost unknown Chinese company Geely purchased Volvo Cars from Ford. Since then, the Swedish-headquartered company has been given autonomy and sufficient resources to develop arguably the best cars in its history, while also taking advantage of cheaper EV technology and manufacturing.The EX30 is noticeably shorter than the previous “little Volvo”, the EX40.
Only the two dearer versions of the EX30 were available on the launch program we joined. And those setting the drive route for this city SUV specified mainly fast, twisty and bumpy roads. They also fitted all cars with 20-inch wheels Despite all this, the Ultra, which we drove first, acquitted itself remarkably well. It proved quiet at speed, punched out of corners with alacrity and generally put a smile on this driver’s face. It’s not a sports car though, even if it accelerates like one.
The recycled materials used on the seating, dash and doors give an interesting mix of shades and textures, and still feel premium despite the lack of leather, wood veneers and conventional signifiers of luxury.The most controversial aspect is bound to be the enormous central screen that provides an almost one-stop shop for information and controls. The speedo is there, for example, so are the adjustments for mirrors and the like, via various menus.
To a newcomer, it’s fiddly and occasionally annoying, and I’d much rather have the speed shown on a head-up display rather than down and slightly to my left. Safety-conscious Volvo claims research shows the top right-hand of the screen is still in your field of vision when watching the road. I’m less sure.What looks like a small info panel on top of the steering wheel is actually a driver-monitoring camera to pick up fatigue or inattention.
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Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »