” New small Volvo set to shake up the estabishment “
Pros & cons
PROS
Volvo safety systems in a smaller SUV
Priced to compete with mainstream rivals
Google Android infotainment
CONS
Too early to say
Overview
Its existence has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry, but Volvo promises that the new EX30 will be packed with tech not normally associated with vehicles in its market sector. It’s the latest electric car in the Swedish firm’s line-up, and will be the entry-level model in the range when it’s revealed fully on 7 June.
The Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV, and is designed to bring Volvo’s EV range down to a more affordable price point, comfortably undercutting the XC40. It is based on the same hardware as the Smart #1, and will be aimed at the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Renault Megane E-Tech.
Volvo says that the EX30 will offer a wide range of safety systems designed to bring big-car tech to the small SUV sector – including tech aimed at preventing occupants opening their doors into the path of oncoming cyclists.
What do we know so far?
This is a fully electric baby SUV and right now, alll we’ve seen are a series of teaser photographs is available. ‘On 7 June at 12.30pm, the new, fully electric Volvo EX30 SUV will make its global debut,’ Volvo confirmed. ‘On the same date, it will also become available to order or pre-order in selected markets.’ British customers will be able to place deposits from that date.
The new smaller EV joins the EX90 SUV range-topper, and in traditional Volvo style, it will share many visual details with the next generation of family Volvos. The smaller, cheaper EX30 is scheduled to arrive in UK dealership from spring 2024. No engineering details of the car have been formally announced.
Range and charging
There are no details yet, but we hear that the battery pack is likely to be around 68kWh in capacity, suggesting an EV range of around 250-300 miles.
What models and trims are available?
We’ll have to wait until 7 June to hear the EX30’s full story. Expect a single motor rear-wheel drive model for the majority of sales, although an all-wheel drive, twin-motor Volvo EX30 is likely to stretch the range into higher price areas, where it will face more premium opposition.
The least powerful, lowest-spec models are expected to cost from around £33k in the UK. Don’t expect them to lack the safety or digital systems you’ll find in larger Volvos, so that will mean it will feature the excellent Google Android-powered infotainment system found in larger models.
What else should I know?
Ahead of its launch, Volvo has shared details of some of its more innovative features. The door opening alert will chime if an oncoming bike, pedestrian or vehicle is approaching, while an eye-tracking camera will monitor drivers’ state of alertness and prompt them if they are not paying attention.
Stay tuned to find out more about the Volvo EX30 as the firm rolls out more details. Will it head straight to the top of the baby electric SUV class? Our first drive later this year will reveal all.
Source: parkers.co.uk
