Volvo EX30 first look in the UK - So good I've ordered one !

At last a sensible sized cross over, similar to the original Hyundai Kona. Some will moan about boot space or rear passenger space but the important bit, the front space is incredibly good.
I didn't mention on camera but the screen interface can be avoided using voice commands so those concerned about using a screen can rest easy. To be honest I found it no more distracting than the buttons in my Golf and Mini.
The EX30 hits a sweet spot . At sub £40k there's nothing this good out there and nothing to this quality . Hyundai and Kia have options but their quality just doesn't match the little Volvo.
Efficiency is the concern I have. it won't match the Kona or Niro as the Koreans have something special in their drive train but will it reach the WLTP numbers or are they unachievable? First test drives aren't food but they are mostly with the Ultra with wider taller tyres and AWD in many.
I'll find out more in a few months though as I ordered one back in June!!
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[@Stebs_Paintings]

We've just ordered the new Mini, roll on May, great video, Nigel.

[@EVPuzzle]

Congratulations 👏

[@sergigorchs7329]

Wow ! Congrats ! Whatt a Choice. I can't wait for your reviews. Hurry !!

[@Yorkie-UK]

Excellent video, the EX30 is going to be very popular, its the same platform as the new smart car but 100x better! Its a contender for when my Polestar is up for replacement. I look forward to your review when you get it. Good choice sir!

[@richarddixon6354]

Great review of this car, something I am seriously considering. The only concerns I have with the central screen was highlighted in the car wow review when he needed to adjust his wing mirrors after setting off, I know you should do before of pull over. The problem was you do it on the main screen going through various sub menus but that that loses Google Maps while you are fiddling about. At least you get an indicator stalk! When I am ready I will definitely test drive this car.

[@metriclondon]

I mean if you think you are going to adjust your mirrors alot when driving then this is a fair concern. I can't remember the last time I adjusted my mirrors let alone whilst driving.

[@richarddixon6354]

@@metriclondon You are right, but the odd time I have been parked in a public car park and my side mirror has been knocked out of position and I haven’t noticed I would normally adjust on the fly. There could be other reasons to go into the menu but it would be only a matter of time getting used to the menu system. Also it will be interesting to see what can be done using voice commands. As with any car a full play with system is required

[@timoliver8940]

My problem with this car is there is no driver info in your line of sight, and not even the option of any form of head up display to compensate. Many mock the Mini;s cheapo HDU but it works really well and gives you the most basic info that you need as well as the Mini having a proper info ‘dash’ that is attached to the steering column and adjusts with it. Sorry but no driver info screen, no door speaker or window switches on the doors just scream cost saving to me.

[@EVPuzzle]

Being honest I'd prefer a Hud in it but given how you glance at Satnav screens etc it's no big deal. I'm betting it bongs if you go over the limits anyway . I'll be more concerned about the other data being visible at the same time

[@robsmith1a]

Have you decided which car to trade in? Used prices have fallen a lot this year and some dealers are offering big discounts on current EV models.

[@sandyfordd1843]

It’s a lovely car 🚗 Nigel, best of look with it.

[@xyredmax]

Ah Nigel, you have come under the spell of the EX30! I did this at launch and ordered an Ultimate twin the day after, the 8th June. It was made in October and god knows where it is now. I saw this static car last month and I'm having second thoughts. If you like practicality, go and see the Smart #1, a much better put together car. It has the same platform - batteries and motors etc, but Mercedes have waved a magic wand over the interior. You can also drive one so can experience the platform, it is very good

[@EVPuzzle]

Might try one but interior and exterior aren't for me

[@xyredmax]

Of course it all comes down to personal taste, we have to live with it after all. I would never buy a Tesla all the time they have their crappy door handles! Something to get your head ruling over your heart, or at least what I thought. Did you think in our lifetime that a Volvo would have all of its physical buttons deleted? Well, the EX30 isn't a Volvo and neither is the Smart smart - of course they are not identical Chinese clones, which doesn't have to be a bad thing. But what I did see is that the Smart has adjustable regen, driving modes, roof blind, really comfortable seats, lots of rear leg room, rear seats that slide to give either boot or more leg room, the list was extensive. I'm not saying go buy the Smart, just have a drive of the platform and compare notes, its also cheaper for more Merc designed and spec'd items. I'm totally confused now, but I'm not cancelling the EX30 order, just waiting to drive one I think in December. Oh yes, our 64kw premium Kona is still going strong after 5 years, the Smart is almost the same body size and I was surprised as I didn't like the photos etc

[@EVPuzzle]

@@xyredmax sliding seat should be standard

[@JCorleone75]

Hi there! I also ordered mine on June/2023. How did you get the information that your car was made in October? Thanks.

[@EVPuzzle]

@@JCorleone75 logged into the app and it shows order status . My dealer set the app access up on the day I ordered

[@Milhouse77BS]

4:15 the Plus has speakers in back doors and subwoofer

[@Richardincancale]

The Chinese have really nailed EVs! More than a year into the MG5 estate - everything just works 👍

[@benjaminsmith2287]

This isn't a Chinese car. This is a proper Volvo engineered and designed by Volvo. It uses a Geely platform and Volvo is owned by a Chinese company but this is a Swedish car. Chinese don't design cars like this.

[@RichardNelson-h4b]

So it is a Chinese car.

[@pmbpmb5416]

I have a Xc90 and it has a screen in a similarish position and I have to say it is a distraction from driving when using , it has speech control but that is not very good .

[@ipb1966]

It’s unfortunate there is no speed display in front of of the driver. They’ve gone full Tesla - after owning two, this is not necessarily a good thing.

[@simonpaine2347]

Call me old-school, but I'd much prefer some physical controls for basics such as heating etc. The last thing I want to do in a sudden change in temperature or weather conditions, is to start looking for demist or recirculate when it's something that is so rarely used. Give me buttons and or knobs please.

[@grahamharrison1323]

Just use voice control, no need to press stuff anymore

[@simonpaine2347]

@@grahamharrison1323 Yeah, because voice control is so perfect and easy to use! Maybe in a few more years I would agree, but right now it sucks. And what happens when I loan the vehicle to someone? Or someone who has no clue about voice control needs to drive a car in an emergency, maybe to get the owner of the car to hospital? It's a cheap, corner cutting, novelty that Tesla started and is dangerous IMO.

[@xyredmax]

I forgot to ask, which trim, colour and configuration did you order?

[@EVPuzzle]

Patience although it's not the entry model 😉

[@Enniomorry]

Thanks for this video. I was booked to go to this event in Norwich last week but had to cancel. I own a Volvo C40 at present which I love, so if this is as good as it looks, and is anything like my car, it'll be great. Surprised about the need to use P mode at the lights as the C40 will hold you. Maybe the sales person got it wrong? Once again many thanks.

[@EVPuzzle]

That's good news and typical of salesmen. Same guy told me you have to run in electric cars for about 500 miles, software thing calibrating batteries. Total horse shit. Then he doubled down saying mercedes are the same 🤭🤦

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Surely one pedal driving implies you don't have to put your foot on the brake after you've come to a halt, because it's not one pedal otherwise ! I'd doubt the sales guy. I nearly ordered one of these just after launch (the twin motor) but in the end decided the restricted rear legroom and boot space weren't as good as my Soul, so I'd be spending a big wad of money just to be able to burn beemers off at the lights better. So for now sticking with the Soul (which I love, just looking for a change)

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Dont need a sunroof here in South Australia, as its too burning. Also see the Premium KONA has a UV front screen 😊

[@robc7563]

What is the color on that vehicle! Great review. Thank you.

[@jcflippen1552]

I have this car in mind and will have to find a place to see it. For me the only two things that I question are the fact that the Speedo is not in direct line of driving sight just like a model 3 and others and as to whether the bonnet can be seen as I don’t like the idea of driving just a windscreen. I like to see a bit of car to keep geography when doing parking manoeuvre etc.

[@steve91149]

I love volvos, I had a V40 for 6 years. I only changed it due to a back injury and couldn't get out of it! A really premium carmaker. Its the premium price that holds me back. Any thoughts on the new citroen EC3 that is coming out at a more affordable £22k?

[@EVPuzzle]

Sorry not been interested to even look . That group of makers are churning out ok stuff but nothing special

[@lesliecoaley8999]

For anyone who as ordered an ex30, which interior did you order ?

[@EVPuzzle]

Indigo

[@Milhouse77BS]

Thanks for dwelling on controls do I could see all the buttons on steering wheel and stalks.

[@SuperDiagnostic]

Just don't get how you can buy anything other than a Tesla Nigel? Just the hassle factor of not having SuperCharger network available when on a trip! .. I'm just back from yet another 5k mile adventure throughout Europe where charging is not given a thought.

[@EVPuzzle]

Because I dont want to charge publicly thus superchargers are irrelevant. Public charging is an exception even in the low range mini

[@carlfe4891]

Other reviews have mentioned in 1-pedal mode it will come to a complete stop and hold (like other Volvo EVs.)

[@metriclondon]

Yep from Volvo "EX30 features an automatic hold function which keeps the parking brake engaged after you have braked the car to standstill. The parking brake releases automatically as you move off."

[@EVPuzzle]

Yep just tested the xc40 and it does hold at lights. Really unpleasant lack of creating when manuvouring in a car park though. All off or all on, hope the ex30 is better

[@TrevorHa]

Brake issue. As its a volvo double tap the brake peddle should should hold the car. Don't have to let your foot fully off, quick double tap. With the screen (you will know but will say for others) the car has an eye on the road checker. EU law from 2024. So using that central screen the car will beep at you to look at the road not the centre screen. The mist interior is the one I would pick, it is around £1000 extra on other volvo models but available free with the EX30. Boot, i forgot to check if you can wave your foot under the O to open it without touching. What about taking the Smart 1 out for a drive? Same chassis, the ex30 will do slightly worse due to its extra weight but that might give you a good idea of efficiency. I still want to love the EX30, the XC40 was amazingly nice but expensive vs its petrol cousin.

[@ipb1966]

I will be amazed if it doesn’t have auto hold when it comes to a stop, despite what you’ve been told.

[@EVPuzzle]

Hoping so . Our Mini doesn't though but Golf does

[@ians3328]

Yes so would I as my XC40 stops on hills at lights fine with one pedal driving. Some really steep hills you need the "handbrake" but all you do is press and hold foot brake and it comes on. No button presses needed.

[@phil9361]

Calling out for a Head Up Display, i think this will be my next car, just need to test drive......

[@craigvaux619]

Nice looking car but I don't like not having a speedometer right in front of the driver given how many roads are now having lower speed limits e.g. 20 mph.

[@David-bl1bt]

Nothing new...there have been centre speedometer for decades by various manufacturers. Remember the original issigonis Mini back on the 1960's? Not only did you have to look to the side but also down as it was low down on the centre. As with many things in an evolving world, you adapt to change until it becomes second nature.

[@craigvaux619]

​@@David-bl1btYou may get used to it but I would not buy a car with that layout unless there was no other option. I never enjoyed driving the original Mini. Choosing a car is very much a personal thing and I wouldn't buy a car without a test drive before ordering one or buying it if secondhand.

[@David-bl1bt]

​@@craigvaux619 indeed, each to their own andxz matter of personal preference. there are plenty of other EV's currently, and coming soon that may tickle your fancy. I hope that you find one suitable for your needs and taste.

[@EVPuzzle]

I suspect it's not an issue but I'll find out in a couple of months

[@davidknollman4222]

Cars have had central Speedo's for years - Mini of old for example. No one worried then!

[@mikej4532]

You said exactly the right comment! With the Volvo once set up you will hardly ever need to change anything and have voice activation does the rest. I’ve had a Tesla for 3 years and only touch the screen for sat nav.

[@matyaszabo]

could you please help which volvo dealership is this one?

[@EVPuzzle]

Norwich Holden's

[@matyaszabo]

@@EVPuzzle thanks!

[@matyaszabo]

@@EVPuzzle do you know if it’s also shown in London?

[@EVPuzzle]

@@matyaszabo at some point this car is going across the country

[@stianreppe6278]

Mine to i s starting production 21 of november, but delivery in easter time, so quite som time longer than yours her in Norway

[@EverydayLife621]

... com'on on nigel, here is the man who gives away 0.5Mw / month of electricity, has a £1/month bill, and then worries about efficiency! :- Are you going for LFP?, does it have V2L? (if so it would be great for you in those winter months), is there an instrument cluster (eg speedo) in front of you. Agree lovely car.

[@EVPuzzle]

No to lfp and no to v2lI'd never run a cable from the car indoors in winter . It's messing with your head , switching off lights saving 10w or buying a low energy fridge , then wasting masses on an inefficient car . I care about my energy use and want to be conscious of each thing I buy . I know I should buy an ioniq 38kwh for 7 miles per kWh but there's only so far I'll compromise otherwise might as well but an ipace. Where to draw the line

[@Milhouse77BS]

9:45 the boot shelf can go down to use that extra space for luggage

[@MrKlawUK]

Manufacturers seem obsessed with having a flat load floor in the boot, leaving tons of ussable space difficult to get to under the floor. Some have a decent way to lower the floor but I can’t say I’ve ever really cared that much for a flat lip that I’d willingly give up tens of litres of usable space

[@keithhodgenia2056]

Horses for courses Mr K. Those of us with a bad back think a flat load area is very helpful.

[@EVPuzzle]

Essential with dog owners 🐕 and practical I find hiding stuff out of the way

[@simonlloyd100]

Great car, but the boot is much smaller than my id3...if not for that, i would buy this

[@69Thylacine]

The new Kona has a lot more space than the old Kona & the EX30 :)

[@EVPuzzle]

I've never been obsessed with space The Niro has more, the Ariya even more or a model Y or an EV9 but I'll never buy those .. For me it's a compromise of best options that please and appear good value to me. My Mini is big enough for 4 able people

[@69Thylacine]

@@EVPuzzle I only mentioned it because u compared the old Kona to the EX30, and as the EX30 is a new car, so is the new Kona. Apples to Apples. :)

[@paulcolu]

I would never buy a car without test driving it first especially a FWD EV. The ride for me is all important. I would be put off by not having a heads up display and the room in the back looks cramped to me compared with my MG4. Will be good to hear your views once you have driven it for a while.

[@davidpearn5925]

Isn’t it RWD with 4WD as the option ?.

[@paulcolu]

@@davidpearn5925 yes you are right it is RWD. Sorry for the mistake I thought I had read it was RWD. Thanks for the correction

[@davidpearn5925]

I’d like to replace my Tesla Model 3 (for various reasons) and would love a RWD preferably LFP version. I’m back to see how you go with it. Excellent choice Nigel !. ✅ Hahaha I’m an efficiency nut also (118wh/km after 73k) …..I’ve heard that the updated 40 is much better than before, so here’s hoping.

[@RobertDodge]

its tiddly inside as its a B Segment SUV not a D Segment like the model 3. - just so you know.

[@davidpearn5925]

@@RobertDodge it’s exactly the package size for the ageing boomers. Tesla’s in-house ability is excellent but with no ultimate authority to council against silly ideas. The genius in charge is dragging the product down with his intolerance of opinion that isn’t what he wants to hear. Quality is Volvo and maintenance of profit margin is Tesla’s priority. Showroom traffic by late ‘24 will decide.

[@sjcsystems]

I don’t think about miles per kWh, like the majority don’t think about their mpg. What about the range, charging speed? Will it work with octopus intelligent?

[@EVPuzzle]

Whereas mpg and mike's per kWh are important to me and charging speed isn't . Range depends on its efficiency. Yes octopus intelligent works with the ex30, in using a zappi so all EVs work on intelligent

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

It is a lovely looking car from the outside and better at the front than the KONA, but my wife and i want a display dehind the steering wheel, so we will wait for the KONA release....

[@ChrisM-gs6xu]

I'm disappointed in the size and position of the charging flap. In todays tight parking places these side mounted flags really get in the way when you're charging and trying to access the doors.

[@David-bl1bt]

.... precariously placed with a high potential to get snapped off or badly damaged.

[@js-hl5hv]

At city speeds, your economy is almost completely based on weight. The rolling resistance (how hart a car is to push) is proportional to weight. You will lose a bit with drivetrain efficiency ( very high in almost all EVs) and accessories (air con/heater/radio etc). The MINI is 1365kg without the driver. If you have a car that is 2000kg, it will be about 50% worse in economy. 6m/kWh => 4m/kWh.

[@EVPuzzle]

Kona and Golf are different weights yet get similar efficiency. There appears to be other factors . Honda e was terrible and that's lighter

[@js-hl5hv]

@@EVPuzzle it takes a special kind of bad design to make an inefficient EV. Honda managed it. We also have a c40, and the efficiency is pretty much proportional to weight. Rolling resistance is the minimum possible energy used for a given distance. The rest is hotel load (accessories) and inefficiencies. The component you can't change is proportional to weight.

[@runawayronnie]

Can't believe this. It's so good a car you ordered one. But how do you know it's so good a car - all you've done is sat in a mockup, a flawed mock up by the looks of it. If all you're concerned about is the looks then absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I hope you're not going to post more video's when you receive the car with faults and niggles as there's only one person to blame. The screen buttons are easy to select in every car when it's not moving! Volvo's implementation in their other cars is pretty awful - this EX30 doesn't look much different. Autolights. Never had to touch the lights in my cars for the past, well I can't actually remember! And I'm not an idiot. Lights are controlled by a sensor - they come on when the light goes below a certain level. They are also connected to the rain sensor so when the wipers come on the lights come on. You may have bought cars with a bad implimentation of auto lights, but for those of us who haven't, it's a tad offensive calling others stupid. I'd also add that looking at those door mirrors. Looks a clean design but they have no rim protection. Looks to me like the glass is vunerable to damage.

[@EVPuzzle]

If you're not checking your lights are on when needed, even low sun in afraid you're an idiot . Fig, mist and many other poor visibility times don't trigger auto lights . You should know better

[@RichardNelson-h4b]

Definition of an idiot- buying a car without test driving it and probably buying on a lease and contributing to the debt mountain

[@EVPuzzle]

Zero debt here thanks

[@chriss4949]

Yup, shows that the Chinese can build a really good car…… but I think a Smart#1 is a better buy..same car.but that is just a personal choice.👍

[@EVPuzzle]

Same platform doesn't make it the same car but if you prefer the smart that's great . It's not for me at all

[@tonyn3227]

Without nacs charging plug built in no thanks, until that happens, maybe.

[@geoffjolliffe6509]

XC40 Nigel was a great car with terible efficiency . this will be the same

[@grahamharrison1323]

Note you mention idiots who don't think you need to occasionally turn lights on, are these the same idiots who don't realise voice control can turn heated seat , wheel etc etc on and off again? All car reviewers just ignore the voice control and whine about using the screen. I have a v60 and very rarely touch the screen while driving. Maybe try doing your homework?

[@EVPuzzle]

Guess I should've read the manual , oh it's not out yet , or asked the tech on hand . I did and he couldn't confirm what was voice activated . Gotta love a know it all commenter . So I guess that's you thinking auto lights means you don't ever have to turn them on 🤦 numpty

[@grahamharrison1323]

Well it seems I know more than you 😆 Maybe you should try harder...the info is out there if you cba to look. Maybe leave the name calling out too, not very professional, as others have mentioned. If this is you're job then 😂

[@EVPuzzle]

@@grahamharrison1323 no I'm not professional at all thank goodness. A bit foolish to presume every video looking at new car is a review expected to be professional but then you didn't research this I guess, just jumped to conclusions . Try watching a journey review , it'll tick the boxes no doubt 🤦

[@andyemmpee3037]

Wtf Nigel, calling people idiots smacks of arrogance on your part and it doesn't come across at all well.

[@Winnetou17]

Found the snowflake! And what if they REALLY are idiots (well, not the medical term, but as in "woefully and willingly unaware of the consequences")

[@johnnguyen1692]

hate the interior!!

[@fredlabonte8946]

Volvo R I P Volvo today is not than Chinese junk , i have a 2022 electric Volvo with lot of problem , all the parts MADE IN CHINA , i change the battery under warranty and now the electric motor is very noisy BACK ORDER FROM CHINA , rusted underneath and water inside leak like a pool , DONT BUY VOLVO ,, you can pay half price for a similar Chinese car Reply

[@EVPuzzle]

Chinese parts supply and built reliance will bite us down the line imo , importers just aren't buying parts supply like they used to hoping for reliability .

[@Joey-Little]

Calling people idiots, lol, no

[@EVPuzzle]

What would you call driving about uninsured without your lights on ?

[@andyemmpee3037]

Oh dear. Your arrogance continues. I've watched a lot of your vids over the last few years but no longer. There is no need to call people idiots. Ego's always get in the way.

[@runawayronnie]

Uninsured? Without your lights on? Can you please expand on that.

[@EVPuzzle]

@@runawayronnie insurance companies check accident scenes . If lights not on in poor conditions bye bye cover

[@grahambrown42]

Just buy a Tesla. Original and best by far. Anf it will drive itself when you get older and need it.

[@EVPuzzle]

If they made one the right size and shape I would .. roll on model 2

[@grahambrown42]

@@EVPuzzle EX30 so different to Model Y?

[@Winnetou17]

AHAHAHA at the drive itself part. If you're lucky and it doesn't crash into a stationary vehicle. But really, it's just level 2. Stop confusing it with level 4 or 5. Currently built Teslas will never have that, the ones built in 5-10 years maybe.

[@grahambrown42]

@@Winnetou17 Wrong!