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The Volvo EX30 is the Swedish marque’s latest premium compact electric SUV and while Volvo products generally give us a warm, fuzzy feeling on the inside, it appears the chase for minimalism has led to some frustrations trying to switch on the fog lights here.
Autocar UK’s editor-at-large, motoring journalist Matt Prior found the experience frustrating during his time with the stylish EX30.
Terrible British weather usually means an increase in the frequency of fog light usage and while trying to switch it on in the EX30, Prior had to navigate multiple levels of the submenus in the infotainment touchscreen before finally discovering it. Click the link below
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Even once you’re accustomed to it, activating the fog lights will require the driver to navigate 2 submenus before arriving at the right page.
If you’re in a situation that require fog lights, odds are visibility is limited and if you’re going to have to take your eyes off the road to tap through 2 submenus… well, that’s not very safe.
In the pursuit of minimalism, carmakers have begun incorporating many of the functions that would normally be a switch or toggle on the dash into the touchscreen. This usually sees them buried behind a ton of submenus.
Also Read: Volvo EX30 EV makes ASEAN debut in Thailand; up to 428 PS and 480 km range, priced from RM 208k
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Even the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 suffers from this during our time with it, culminating in us sharing the frustrations of Prior.
That aside, here’s a little recap on the EX30. There are two powertrain options with the first being a Single Motor Extended Range variant with a lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) extended-range battery. It delivers up to 480 km (WLTP) with a charging capacity up to 153 kW.
For those seeking performance, there's a variant that with dual motors for all-wheel drive. The figures are 428 PS and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds. This performance variant also supports 153 kW DC fast charging, which charges the battery from 10 to 80 percent in a little over 25 minutes.
Also Read: Review: Volvo C40 Recharge - Pocket the RM 10k and get the XC40
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The design is typical Volvo, combining safety with convenience and aesthetics. Its interior features sustainable materials like recycled denim and flax while the dashboard showcases a central 12.3-inch screen, while a Harman Kardon soundbar, spanning the dashboard's width.
Infotainment comprises 5G capability that integrates Google services, including Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and Google Play. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay.
Being a Volvo, safety is top notch with prioritisation on battery integrity due to its electric nature. It employs high-strength steel in the chassis and safety cage to efficiently mitigate potential crash impacts. Additionally, reinforcement is applied to the A- and C-pillars and the roof to optimise structural integrity. There’s also a far-side airbag within the driver's seat to reduce head and thorax injuries in side-impact scenarios.
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Active safety includes cyclist alert system to prevent accidents involving opening car doors near cyclists, scooters or joggers. Furthermore, the car incorporates a sensor behind the steering wheel that monitors eye and facial movements, detecting distraction or drowsiness in real-time.
An updated version of Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist sees the system being capable of handling various parking scenarios, including parallel, curved, perpendicular and diagonal fishbone-style parking.
Bookings are open in Thailand with deliveries there expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
