Review: Volvo EX30, mostly impressive but part badly flawed compact SUV

[@TonyGoff-Yu]

I totally understand the frustration with everything being within a touch screen, but you can't score this car really badly and then score a Tesla really highly. That's so contradictory. Plus there is zero mention of voice commands which is so important in a system like this. I'm sensing some strange bias here.

[@bw1376]

I know many English, Scottish and Welsh people who cannot get voice commands to work for them because of their accent.

[@monoply11onpsn]

@@bw1376maybe they should learn to speak English

[@bw1376]

@@monoply11onpsn There's nothing more the EV-loving globalists want than the destruction of people's local culture and heritage.

[@nicksokolis6343]

​@@monoply11onpsnor maybe they should add buttons until speech recognition has been perfected

[@monoply11onpsn]

@@nicksokolis6343 too simple

[@ftangftang3702]

Why not use the voice control to set the temperature etc when on the move? It comes as standard and completely removes the problem of taking your eyes off the road to change the temperature, heated seats, etc. It works really well in a Tesla so it would have been good to see that tested here too, or at least mentioned.

[@KensAlpaca]

Or just have physical buttons.

[@ftangftang3702]

Sure, I personally prefer physical buttons for climate control etc, but going on a massive rant about how dangerous it is when the car (at least in theory) has the facility to let you adjust things safely through voice control seems odd. If the voice control is garbage then fair enough, but if it works well then it’s nowhere near the issue it’s made out to be.

[@androo4519]

@@KensAlpaca If voice control is good (would have liked a test of that here), just saying 'Hey Car, it's foggy' is potentially quicker and easier than finding the switch, or at least no slower. Voice control has to be perfect though so you don't open the glovebox instead of turning your fog lights on.

[@jwickerszh]

True, I have the sister car from Zeekr and the voice commands work very well (in Mandarin here). It also has quick buttons on the steering wheel to change the media source, change the aircon, control volume and tracks, enable the 360 camera, defogging. It also has a great HUD standard that the volvo lacks. So I'm perfectly fine not using the central screen and in fact half the time I have it slide over to the front passenger side where my kid watch music videos. Some people do like normal physical buttons for the mirrors, even if I don't adjust them ever after the first time, it may be handy in some cases.

[@simono4991]

Voice control isn't better than pressing a button for simple tasks like temperature setting or turning lights on and off. It takes longer than a button press and gets in the way of a conversation or listening to anything on the stereo. It has its place for things like setting navigation destinations but otherwise is a gimmick in my opinion!

[@agishauger7713]

Finally, a journalist who doesn't hide the problems with the EX30. I think that it is very strange that Volvo prioritised cost savings rather than safety. I actually think that shouldn't be allowed from the law not to have (at least the speedometer) in front of the driver the basic information needed.

[@Runoratsu]

100% agree. I HATE that trend of touchscreens or even „just“ touch buttons over real, tactile, blindly findable buttons and dials. Wouldn‘t buy a car that uses those for basic functions, ever.

[@SWR112]

Oh look a reviewer that set his agenda before he even tried the Car. You set your Mirrors once let’s face it not every day. Your temperature you simply say what you want. Only thing beyond acceptable is a reviewer not actually using the system right to try and prove his point and bias. The machine gun presentation is bad enough. You have to think how some of these guys are in the job they are.

[@lol0609]

One thing I hate is how everyone knocks off point for the everything having to be done on the touchscreen but when its comes to Tesla reviewers barely mention it. Its one thing to criticize something but at least be consistent with it.

[@christianmoran3272]

Spot on. Zero consistency and 100% double standard.

[@strudl32456]

The manufacturers tricked the public (and some reviewers) with this "clean" aesthetics. But they are doing it because of just one thing: cost. The buttons are expensive.

[@abrahamgeorge4994]

At last a sensible review highlighting the ridiculous driver interface when all other journalists seem to heap praise and skim over the functionality.

[@Symmetry77]

Absolutely share the pain of too much menu diving for basic controls. It is not safe and makes no sense whatsoever

[@eroche913]

Hear, hear.

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

I totally agree with you about pokey screens and complicated multi level menus. After 6 years I am still finding odd things in my hybrid Panamera and forget where things are that I only need very infrequently.

[@adamg9786]

You’re right to call out the touch screen approach. Another problem with the many screens of modern cars is that they don’t get dark enough at night. I live down dark forest roads, and I can’t seem to be able to dim the interior enough to be able to see out. Saab had the right idea with their ‘night panel’ feature.

[@strudl32456]

Every car should have a night mode that dimmed or switched off almost everything like Saab had if I remember correctly.

[@trizvanov]

@@strudl32456 Yes, in the night mode the only part that was illuminated was the speed indicator.

[@ms-jl6dl]

As someone who has driven thousands of miles at nighttime (mostly highways) I can confirm that any lights are distracting and annoying during longer drives. To discover that you have to spend hours in the car at night before that becomes obvious. Most people like "light shows" in their cars in the begining but pretty soon all those reflections and contrasts start to annoy and your eyes get tired quickly. Minimum light is the way and "black panel" was wonderfull.

[@PigeonTendies]

I'm very much looking forward to receiving my EX30 next year once deliveries start in the US, but it was very refreshing seeing some more critical feedback compared to the exclusively positive a lot of other reviewers seem to be giving.

[@xyredmax]

Its all in the drive as to whether you can accept the inevitable compromises

[@techpappee]

The use of google assistant nullifies using the screen, just use voice commands. I don't understand why he missed that in his rant.

[@eroche913]

It amazes me that car makers who tell us that they worship at the altar of safety, can make basic controls and ergonomics so poor and so inherently unsafe. Bizarre.

[@lozbox97boro12spurs0]

Well, sounds like a grumpy old man. Voice control is brilliant and negates most of the negative tripe. Perhaps I should change side mirrors when I move around…but I don’t…and still distracting to do with buttons on my xc40. Yes, hugely disappointed by lack of front display but even at my advanced years, I anticipate being able to learn.

[@SB-jt2vx]

Hey Google..turn Autocar review off.

[@MrChadder007]

Thanks so much for the honest take on some of the functions being buried into menus. It’s absolutely frustrating the path they are going down to push even more things unnecessarily onto the screen.

[@_rhapsodist]

that touchscreen interface seems painfully slow

[@milesyounghamilton]

I tend to agree that they have gone too far with the centralisation concept. It certainly saves costs but too much at the expense of convenience

[@Kallax420]

As much as I agree with the user interface problems, giving this car the same rating as a “Maxus T90EV” and some bs car “Ora Funky Cat” (2.5/5 stars) must be the biggest journalistic abuse I’ve ever seen in motoring. Even describes it as a con being quick, saying “Is it too fast for a small car?”.

[@silentmajority3428]

He will totally flip when he reviews the new Tesla Y with no indicator stalks.

[@keithlegg4164]

Its only car journalists who are forever fiddling with car settings. I imagine most of us set them up at home, tweak them in the first week of ownership & then barely change them ever again.

[@bw1376]

Yeah, whoever needs to turn up the fan speed, turn the fog lights on, open the globebox, or move a wing mirror.

[@Zuzoz]

While I agree that some of the functions would be better on buttons, some of the complaints are way too exaggerated. Why should I care about side mirror adjustment? I've never had a car in which I adjusted the mirrors more than twice. Fog lights? In most climates/countries you need it ~ once in every 2 months on average. What I miss is a small driver's dispaly (or a HUD) with just the key driving information , so the whole central display could be better organized for settings only. Anyway, the layout might still be improved by future updates.

[@bigalalbig]

Unbelievable how a brand that used to be sold on Safety, can be so compromised with those distracting screen controls and instruments. Appalling.

[@markshakespeare5146]

No its not. sort it out before you start driving!

[@tamasszabo8824]

@@markshakespeare5146 You have never turned on heated or ventilated seats while driving? Never adjusted AC temperature or fan speed? Never turned on a fog light? Unreal.

[@assarstromblad3280]

@@tamasszabo8824 Tell the car to do it. No need of touching the screen. The voice assistant is great.

[@ThePolleDK]

It's a bit funny that changing temperature, adjusting the mirrors and even turning the fog lights on, are something that I rarely do now, with normal buttons. So I don't really see the massive issue here. The fog lights are a bit weird, because I live in Denmark, but i probably only have to use them once or twice a year.

[@spl1011]

but when you need them, you need them. Its dangerous to find yourself in the soup and fiddling around a screen, distracted in the fog. By then the driver is another accident statistic.

[@ThePolleDK]

@@spl1011 That is true. However, when I need to turn them on now, I still have to take my eyes of the road to find the correct button and turn on the lights. They're partly obscured by the steering wheel, so even though it's a normal button, it's still not any better than if it was on a screen. I don't really think the stuff mentioned in this vid is actually a major issue. If it was, Tesla owners would be crashing left right and center due to being distracted by faffing about with the menu system. I'm quite sure more people crash due to fiddling with their mobile phone, rather than fiddling with the sub menu system. Several of the things mentioned in this vid I don't understand why you would even change while driving: 1. Side mirrors. You don't set them while driving. You set them before you start driving! 2. Temperature, what's the point of having auto climate control, if you constantly need to set the temps? I set mine to 20c 5 years ago when I bought my current car and I haven't had the need to change it. Why would I? 3. Fog lights. Well, as mentioned, I rarely use them as it is, and when I do, the physical buttons are placed rather inconveniently so not any better than what's been shown here. All said and done. The good thing about the having it on a screen, is that it is software. Software can be changed rather easily. I'm sure they can change it to be more safe to use. Like being able to select certain functions you want on the main screen so no need for going through menus.

[@fwiler]

@@ThePolleDK Side mirrors- when someone behind you is blinding you, and you need to offset it. Temperature- climate control can't see if my windows are fogging, hence I need to turn on a/c. Or I want a quick change, I don't need to wait 5 minutes to regulate. Fog lights- for someone that uses them all the time, it's a quick turn on the stock, same place as my lights. It's been like that for every car I've had for 20 years and it works well without taking my eyes of the road. Point is, touch screen is a really stupid idea with no physical buttons or feedback. Just watch how long he needs to keep his eyes off the road just to open the glove box! How many pushes of fake buttons do you need?

[@ThePolleDK]

​@@fwiler I think we have to agree to disagree. Nothing mentioned here by anyone or in the vid is a problem for me personally. While driving, I don't need to reset my mirrors, open the glove box, set temps or anything other than things I can manage from the steering wheel (Volume, next track, wipers, indicator, autopilot etc). And as far as I can tell, I would be able to manage those things in the EX30 the same way. So all in all, I don't see a problem. I think people are trying to make it a problem, because they like real buttons and are trying to find excuses. And again, if it was a massive safety issue, we would have heard numerous stories about Tesla drivers crashing all the time.

[@Rausner]

⁠@@fwilerit has auto dimming side mirrors, like most modern cars. If you have problems with windows fogging up when driving, then something is wrong with your car. Why would you ever turn the AC off? Parasitic drag is basically non-existing these days.

[@PierreDybman]

If you hadn't spent so much time ranting about the on-screen controls, you could have told us about the original audio system, and told us whether the front panel soundbar provides a good sound...

[@andylawton5914]

Never saw any of your other reviews, but were you having a bad day?

[@CaryInVictoria]

I found your rant about the lack of buttons to be unjustified. I have a Volvo C40 that has only slightly less reliance (than the EX30) on the main display for changing settings. When I need to change a setting while driving I almost always use Google Assistant, which can of course be invoked by saying "Hey, Google", but that can also be done by pressing a button on the steering wheel. Here are some examples of common instructions I make while driving: "Set the cabin temperature to 20 degrees", "Set the fan speed to 3", "Set steering wheel heat to medium", "Set driver's seat to high", "Turn on one-pedal driving", "Increase the base in speakers" (which brings up a slide control on the screen). "Change speed units to miles per hour" (as when entering the US from Canada), "Set temperature units to Celcius". And of course Google Assistant is great for navigation (e.g., "Hey Google, navigate to Thrifty's in James Bay"). Some reviewers--not you--go ballistic when complaining about the need to press a toggle switch in order to control the rear windows. The VW ID4 had similar switches and car journalists abused VW for that for months. I can only say this: the only times I've unrolled a rear windows on my C40 (which has four window switches) was when when I accidentally pressed the wrong switch. Would I mind having the EX40's window switches: not in the least. Let's not forget that moving controls from physical buttons to the screen has benefits. It reduces cost, which in time will reduces prices, it allows the way different systems are controlled to be changed with over-the-air software updates and it will reduce future maintenance costs.

[@SupremeRuler-yu1ki]

Reduces cost while sacrificing safety. That's bad. It can cause accidents. I have a C40 recharge too but it has driver side console w speedometer, and manual controls that include adjusting mirrors, locking doors, child proofing windows etc.

[@tj88825]

i've only ever setup my mirrors once and never touched them again in all my cars - same goes for climate, set mine to 23°C and have left it on Auto for the entirety of the time. not sure what all the fuss is about with this guy, nitpicking if you ask me. i reckon it may only bug older folks who have presbyopia and are having trouble to see the buttons on screen clearly.

[@rob_lightbody]

Fog lights? Glovebox? Heated seats?

[@tj88825]

@@rob_lightbody that's what voice commands are for. glove box admittedly, is a bit overkill

[@rob_lightbody]

@@tj88825 maybe they should remove the touchscreen option altogether so people realise to use their voice for everything

[@tj88825]

@@rob_lightbody ahh maybe it’s just not for you then (or generally anyone from an older generation perhaps) - Teslas have had this setup for ages - would buttons be welcome? sure. is the lack of it as agonising as this guy makes it out to be? definitely not...overly dramatic.

[@pat.h]

@@tj88825 don't bother with this bloke - he's just being bitter like the chap reviewing the car. is a full touchscreen execution the best idea? maybe not...but it's not exactly the worst either. i've got buttons on my car yet i still use the voice controls all the time for a variety of things...tech is moving forward; not everyone is ready for it and it's fine - they can stick to something more traditional.

[@scott135]

Good review - always enjoy your reviews as your critique is fair but pragmatic - and safety orientated. Let's hope Volvo/Geeley take notice of your criticism re: over-necessity of using the second or third level menu's via the screen. As a by-the-way, could I ask that your video editor tries harder to balance the sound levels? I was knocked off my chair with the voice-over levels compared to the in-car levels. Just a thought.

[@AbnormalAspirations]

The audio level disparity is a strange miss. The quality of content on youtube is generally so good now I am surprised that a channel as large as Autocar would let this get posted without the bad audio being flagged.

[@Muttonbird]

I agree about the screen and menus etc. but, none of the recent drive reviewers have used the Google Assistant. Do you think the Volvo design team expect people to use voice commands more?

[@xyredmax]

No mention of the excellent Google assistant that you could have used and not taken your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel!

[@Damo699]

Welcome to the 21st century! 😂

[@ChristopherJewell_me]

Not for adjusting the mirrors: that would be hard to control with voice commands. It is beyond irresponsible to force drivers to interact with the center console to adjust the mirrors.

[@xyredmax]

True, you have to turn the lights on and off via the screen too!

[@mikej4532]

This guy needs a roll in the hay sometime. Facile review… you used to be good at this.

[@jwickerszh]

TBF the touchscreen issues are common on most new cars, especially if you are not familiar with the layout. but easy access buttons for the most common settings should be more easily accessible, for example using the steering wheel buttons. There's always plenty of room for physical controls that you should be able to use with gloves ...

[@kfh123]

Finally true words instead of PR. Thank you!!

[@khc8800]

Totally agree about the ridiculous, self-defeating, dangerous screen-only controls, especially the critical fine adjustments of side mirrors once you’re driving, as you pointed out. I hate it, too.. It’s the reason I avoid Tesla and bought different EV. Sadly though, such complaints may not reach Volvo for any improvement. The EX30 is too handsome and low price, it’ll sell too many units that Volvo and a lot of people will be deluded to think it’s okay or even that it’s a preferred feature.

[@techpappee]

But he's wrong, google assistant (which all come with) will do nearly all functions with voice. Only a few items actually require the screen like side mirrors adjustments. You would think most drivers set that before driving not while driving. It's usually set it and forget it.

[@khc8800]

@@techpappee That’s an arrogant way to say you disagree, which you certainly have the prerogative to. So, no. You are wrong. Now let’s fight and downvote each other. LOL

[@4lpina]

@@techpappee but not everyone likes using voice and also it's not always practical. What if you're driving with multiple people in the car and everyone's talking? Much rather prefer to use manual controls in situation like this.

[@bens1972]

It’s interesting to see that Autocar have it 2.5 stars out of 5 for effectively something that you would get used to when you owned the car. I don’t ever adjust my mirrors, perhaps if someone else drives the car (which is almost never) I never need to use the back windows. You can rearrange the touch screen so you can always have the things you use most often. I’m sure also, that you have a setting in the touch screen that would memorise different drivers settings. I only ever have the temperature at 20 degrees regardless of the season. Interesting how sister car magazine What Car have it 5 stars.

[@nicksokolis6343]

When this is a great car for you, but for anyone that needs to use any of the functions it's absolutely crap. And you do have to open the glove box and the rear windows occasionally right?

[@BlackPawGaming]

IKR. this guy give every thing of the car 4 stars while the interface is 2 star and come come it becomes 2.5 starts is beyond me.... like that interface has more factors that the rest. very Bias review.

[@TheCrumbleOne]

It's a little "old man yells at cloud"

[@icecreamforever]

The reason there's no handle for the glove box is that a year down the line you'll be able to buy a monthly subscription to unlock the glove box via the screen!

[@markbartoszek8585]

Just use your voice to open the glovebox! In fact, you can use your voice for virtually every function you mentioned, except the mirrors, but who adjusts their mirrors while driving? Honestly, it seems like you were just nitpicking. Tesla owners seem to be doing fine with the lack of physical buttons. There's also a favorite button on the steering wheel that you can set, but I didn't hear you mention it.

[@bw1376]

I know dozens of people who can't use voice controls because it doesn't work with their accent.

[@davycampbell4625]

A family car will very often have multiple drivers with different seat/mirror positions, temperature preferences, etc. It’s common that people start driving and then make minor adjustments. Clearly not everyone likes voice control or even knows the terms to use. “Turn the thingy up” “Increase the blower” “More ventilation on my feet” It has so many ways of failing, leaving the screen as the only option. Not safe for everyone, which means not sate enough.

[@blcjck8121]

So do you have to turn off that eye monitor BS everytime you get in the car, or can it be done permanently? Btw, all these things hidden behind multiple menu levels, could very easily be solved if Volvo would enable customizable shortcuts/widgets on the homescreen, just like any Android tablet can.

[@SDK2006b]

Honestly, just use voice control - then you don't need to take your eyes away from the front or touch the screen once. These reviewers are stuck in the 1990's ! Also, when you drive the car every day, and not just for 30 minutes, then you learn and remember where the settings are located.

[@Damo699]

Thank you! So frustrating when reviews follow this nonsense. To add to it Google's voice control actually works!!

[@brettbutler6714]

A little too much going on about the touch controls. I get it that many people don't like this by the industry is moving to this because it is cheaper. Most settings can be done prior to your drive. Would I prefer some more buttons? Probably. Would I want to pay more for buttons? Nope, never. Also, it being really fast should not be a criticism since you don't have to use all that power.

[@fredsnyman3096]

- How many times in all your years driving a car, have you needed to open the rear windows from the front? - Two button selections before getting to aircon controls, what's so bad about that? - Should you really be scratching in the glovebox while driving? - Once your mirrors are adjusted, how often do you change them while driving? I'm sorry, but you complain about stuff that - if you really think about it - you would not fiddle with or continuously change while driving, anyway. The fact that the option to do so has either been taken away completely or has been integrated into a single display, does not make it bad. I love what Volvo has done with the EX30. Spend time with it and you'll find all those things that you find "unacceptable" actually becomes 2nd nature. This is a very narrow-minded review. We are so stuck in our ways that change such as this is automatically criticised. This is the future of motoring, whether you like it or not.

[@prsimons]

I like your reviews Matt, but not so angry please. Would have like to see you use the voice controls.

[@bw1376]

Not everyone can use voice control because they just don't work with their accents. Fine for many but not for all.

[@paulrosanoski8218]

Did you try and see if any of those features could be voice controlled?

[@bw1376]

Forced to use voice controls as a result of Geely's cost cutting? No thanks.

[@StephenSalter]

It wouldn't surprise me that when you turn on the lights the touchscreen context changes to allow a one press fog light touch button

[@rob_lightbody]

Very honest review. I do disagree that it's small though, it's still bigger than a golf.

[@egilstrmme8088]

I have to disagree. Had a look at the car last month and it is definitely smaller than the Golf VII I had some years ago. Both in the back seat and the boot. The boot in a Golf is 380 liters.

[@strudl32456]

This is an SUV golf is a hatchback.

[@markhamilton7289]

@@strudl32456 would you ay the id3 is an suv? its taller than the ex30.

[@bernardrr]

It is within a few centimetres of a Golf in every dimension except height (10 cm). That's probably not a coincidence.

[@AbnormalAspirations]

The boot is really small.

[@androo4519]

Been waiting for this review and it still seems this is a significant new car. It will put the wind up Stellantis who may have to rethink their pricing. As others say, the voice control is the likely answer to the interface problems. Especially for people who are now incredibly used to using voice assistants. I might even say that for those people, having to use knobs and buttons, however nice they are, may seem old hat. If it's foggy just say, 'Hey car, it's foggy' and your fog lights are on. That would be fine. But it has to be flawless, the voice stuff, and maybe it can get better with updates. Having said all that, electric operation of gloveboxes is just dumb in all cars and surely doesn't fit with reducing complexity to keep the price low.

[@mad4tar77]

I have an EV6 and I like technology. What I don't like is having to interrupt something I'm listening to in order to issue commands to the car. Thankfully the EV6 has buttons meaning it is both a user friendly and modern EV. Remember that the removal of buttons for commonly required features is not for your convenience, it's to save the manufacturer money.

[@johnmansfield3317]

You can use voice commands to set the temp, no need to use the screen unless stationary.

[@tamasszabo8824]

I have never seen Matt that angry. The EX30's ergonomics is infuriating indeed.

[@SR-ng3cm]

100% agree with your safety comments. One additional safety comment. I REALLY don't know why car manufacturers locate the charging port on the driver's side. The majority of cars will be sold in Europe or other parts of the right side driving world. This means that cables are hanging outside the car on the roadside. Street chargers in Europe are in every village, town and city, and having the charging port on the driver's side makes no sense whatsoever.

[@assarstromblad3280]

I would guess it is for convenience and being close to the driver so you dont have to run around the car to unplug/plug it in.

[@jkdubb]

Future car has future screen. I love it. I’m sure they will add some Boomer modes to put giant AC buttons front and center for those that need it. ;) I’ll prob use voice.

[@AlanTov]

It is a dated screen that doesn’t work practically for people.

[@allenhill4578]

Hilarious. Well said. I just sneak into boomer age but I suspect even I will be able to use voice control.

[@nicholasrigg8999]

Is there voice control for adjusting for example the temperature? That seems to be how you can get round similar shortcomings with Tesla

[@bw1376]

Voice controls are rubbish for people with regional accents.

[@allenhill4578]

@@bw1376 I look forward to the Scottish review haha

[@KennethWilkins]

Can we get a review of the speech commands for doing some of the actions while driving instead of the touchscreen? Can you put it into AWD from speech? Can you open the glove box from speech?

[@FarEastGolfer]

7 minutes in and I am feeling your pain and frustration.

[@KID01011988]

a very reasonable criticism about safety and ergonomics flaws, which don't correspond with Volvo's fundamental safety concepts

[@RobertGammie]

Good review. I’m assuming a software update could easily include an easy swipe-down menu where “driving mode” icons (large) could be easily and safely accessed. Mirrors, climate, fog lamps etc, and maybe some chosen favorites to add. The rear drive only thing is great unless you live in snow and ice. I’d have preferred they powered a single axle in the front and added the rear for traction. Sure it will mess with steering a bit but it’s a family car.

[@jamesfoster2850]

I agree with the lack of buttons, especially for the rear view mirrors (which can't be voice commanded). I have had voice control in many cars and it is not failsafe by any means, especially if you have a regional accent. Once you know where switches are it is actually much less effort for most people than talking a command to your car.

[@davidjack3]

How do you switch the lights on to see the road ? Is it automatically on when its dark

[@techpappee]

You can simply *push the voice command button* and say "turn on my heated seat's" or "change the fan speed". You can also just say "hey goggle" then the command. You don't 'have to' go into the screen for the majority of functions. Fog lights as well, no need to go through 3 screens with *equipped* google assistant. /facepalm I would think most drivers set their side mirrors before driving not while driving.

[@michaelenglund]

I agree with the temperature settings as a safetyissue but come on. You cant be moving do much in you seat after some time driving that you need to move the side mirrors. I have never needed that in 25 years of driving.

[@dgood911]

well done for an honest review!

[@ianmcwilliams6453]

What is soooo wrong with tactile buttons? Guess what Volvo - they are safer!!!

[@dougmanck4149]

Question: How often do you open your glove box?

[@omerdivan]

Every drive for sunglasses? Where else do you keep em? I guess I really cannot be in a hurry somewhere waiting for a laggy screen to open up a box.

[@dougmanck4149]

@@omerdivan I keep them on my face where they belong since I use my sunglasses when I'm outdoors and not just in my vehicle

[@peakproofuk]

The point’s already been made by others, but… surely voice control negates some of the screen prodding issues? Seems odd to not mention it if that’s how the whole system is designed.

[@ianthomas7863]

My tesla model 3, is so easy to operate. Now volvo has a centre screen as well. FANTASTIC!!! ❤❤. Will certainly look into this. Just BRILLIANT!!!❤❤. thankyou VOLVO.

[@bw1376]

If you're from Europe, your Model 3 was also thrown together in China like this Volvo will be too.

[@ianthomas7863]

@@bw1376 that's correct 👌 👍

[@bw1376]

@@ianthomas7863 Always funny to see people getting excited about that sort of thing. Xi Jinping, and his murderous regime, will be pleased of your support.

[@patbarr1351]

I appreciate Matt's viewpoint here & agree that physical controls are desirable. There are important *howevers* for me-- I have several friends & co-workers driving either Tesla Y or Model 3 who adapted quickly to the single touch tablet control. Also, Volvo's lane keeping & adaptive cruise control allow the driver to look away from the road for a bit longer compared to earlier, simpler car systems. Other commenters have pointed out the usefulness of voice commands. I'm slowly losing my fear of this design approach, but I wouldn't say it's preferable.

[@Mew-ip3iy]

This car is not suitable for mute people but otherwise why dont you use the VOICE CONTROL?

[@bw1376]

I know many people with local and regional accents here in the UK where voice controls do not work for them.

[@spl1011]

Loved this review and reviewer. Honest. NO BS. Much appreciated.

[@K22MDL]

I agree with everything you've said but have you driven a Tesla recently??? They started this nonsense and yet the Y is the best selling car here and the EU. What can I say???

[@murraymclean1428]

He did drive and review the new Tesla that has no instrument stalks / gear selector but it got 4.5 stars.

[@K22MDL]

@murraymclean1428 odd that? Usually Matt is on the ball. Maybe he had a ruck with his Mrs before going to work that day.

[@rizalm4341]

Funny that Autocar's EX30 rating is punished with 2.5 stars because of this yet Teslas with similar screen setup managed to get 4 stars or more

[@paramediccpo]

what colour is this one ???

[@dimitrismina4201]

This is a well thought out, very refined and quality made car. It has descent range, great handling and competitive price. Check Doug de Muro for a more informed and contemporary review of the EX30

[@mikey7326]

A real honest sensible review. Thanks.

[@fmcarona]

Avenger boot is declared 355 lt but indeed Quattroruote labs misured it and it resulted 280 lt only!

[@bossadave]

Muscle memory will always trump touch screens.

[@chismonchismon]

Hard to ignore some of the hypocrisy in this video, which is unusual for an Autocar review. To spend all that time ranting about the features being buried in the touchscreen, compromising safety on the road, to then immediately spending almost a minute showing people how to turn off one of the safety features, is absolutely wild. Either safety is important or it isnt? An odd stance to take. (To be clear, I agree that certain features shouldn't be in the screen. But to suggest people actively turn off a safety feature is unacceptable.)

[@petewatson9866]

Driving should be a pleasure, not to dread every time you think about having to drive

[@jaker3151]

Fewer buttons and putting everything onto the touchscreen means less cost for the manufacturer. I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturers in the future made buttons a paid option/upgrade.

[@bruintoo]

You can use Google Voice Commands to change most of the settings like HVAC, seat heaters etc. I do that with my C40 now.

[@bernardrr]

Surely it has climate control? I set my temp once in the spring and once in autumn. Doesn't seem like a show-stopper to press a shortcut to do that. What about everything owners actually care about like ride harshness? I wanted to find out about that, not about stuff that you figure out within a few minutes.

[@bw1376]

In Northern Europe, I'm forever altering the temperature and fan speed because our weather fluctuates on a daily basis.

[@rod2625]

I expect future software updates will address some of your concerns.

[@hadtobe4502]

That glass roof may well stop UV light, but it definitely does not stop the heat. Hotter climate areas WILL be noticed inside the cabin.

[@SamSzulman]

Does the car have voice control? Perhaps that could make the poor ergonomics a tiny bit more acceptable?

[@danielwoodward5256]

Well said on the touch screen controls Matt. This idiocy has to stop! Develop some flipping buttons!!

[@philipjames3526]

And the irony is..all these manufacturers are in such a rush to copy Tesla, they are stopping doing things they have always done. Like....have buttons! Like, surely after 50years in manufacturing cars, surely they have developed efficient buttons. Why stop. And if you turn into a Tesla copy. Surely you then just buy a Tesla because of the supercharger network. Lost opportunity by Volvo.

[@khurram4589]

The way to end inflation is to end the counterfeiting. Money creation without product creation is inflation. Make investments to survive.

[@spainter1985]

Some of these ergonomics are infurating considering Volvo have been so good at it historically

[@LeoNidasPlayForFun]

Historically, Volvo wasn't a chinese company.

[@eajohnson]

I just don't understand why a car that presumably is built to mainly be voice controlled, is being evaluated with the presumption that users will choose to interact with the touchscreen instead. Were the voice controls broken or reviewers not allowed to use it?

[@bw1376]

I know dozens of people who can't use voice controls because it doesn't work with their accent.

[@NicolaLarosa]

Great video. You do need to normalize audio though, the sound level changes too much among the various segments of the video.

[@richardsalsomano]

Thanks for the informative review. The video angle in the cabin is so wide that it is quite challenging to focus on what the presenter is saying. Maybe, I am not the only who feels this.

[@llaughridge]

I’m tired of the anti-screen histrionics. I’ve used the EX30 screen at a local demo event, and I’m 100% fine with it. Once you’ve firmly closed your mind and decided that it’s difficult and frustrating, you are always going to be frustrated. The interface is fine, this is a ‘you’ problem.

[@bw1376]

Some people will be fine with these sorts of cars that have been thrown together as cheaply as possible in China but not everyone will.

[@Josealdojunior248]

It's beautiful Car, bad it's Chinese.

[@androo4519]

Do you say that about your phone?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's Swedish. Very much so. Now it is manufactured in China and Volvo announced they'll make it in Belgium from 2025 on. It won't be Belgian when it is made in Belgium and it isn't Chinese because it is made in China now.

[@Josealdojunior248]

@@benjaminsmith2287 Yes, it’s Swedish brain but it’s owned by Chinese organisation,manufactured in china, what do you say how much Swedish you feel it is. I feel more Chinese

[@dennissamui]

I have reading glasses which I need to use my phone computer. So I have to put on my reading glasses to use the touch screen, NOW i can see the road properly. Hope Volvo supplies bi-focals with every car.

[@miless2111sutube]

Excellent review, great to hear some negatives as well as the obvious positives. How do you feel about Tesla 3 / y who pionered and continue to go all in on the less buttons is better approach with the removal of the stalks?

[@markhamilton7289]

why are you fannying about with mirrors and settings while driving? this is what some folk are not realising. while moving you only need the indicators, stereo volume and the ability to change the heat/cold and airflow.

[@markshakespeare5146]

dont see why you need to change heat settings either, its called climate control. Who sits at home and constantly fiddles with the heat settings

[@markhamilton7289]

@@markshakespeare5146 well you might feel a wee bit warm or cold. It’s all I can think od

[@Header616]

I think the declared 0-100 km/h in 3,6 seconds from Volvo isn't true. I saw few videos on KZbin with several tries and no one was under 4 seconds, most of them was between 4,20 - 4,50 seconds, same as you. Matt Watson was only person who took it under 4 seconds. So probably it is very hard to reach it under 4 seconds in standard conditions, so for me a bit dissapointing.

[@TheKorndodo]

Why u don t use voice command.

[@peribe438]

Just so incredibly stupid to replace simple buttons with a touch-screen. I totally agree.

[@Lot76CARS]

Having seen a few other reviews now, it seems that Matt has been one of the few to actually point out many of the annoying aspects of an otherwise accomplished car. For sure, many of these issues have been engineering by EU legislation, but others have not, and could have been avoided. The proliferation of tech that actually reduces safety rather improves it is especially poor. For somebody like Volvo who invented the seatbelt and have always been head and shoulders above competitors in terms of safety this is not progress!

[@strudl32456]

It's sad to see how many other reviewers failed to emphasize how bad the ergonomics are on this car.

[@VYM]

No gauge cluster, no speed projection, but they put eyes direction control sensor on the steering wheel when you are forced to look at dumb tablet in the center all the time 😂😂😂 Genius...