The highly anticipated Volvo EX30 was launched in Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 February, with no less than five derivates on offer.

Volvo

The base model EX30 Core Single Motor with an output of 200kW and 343Nm of torque offers a 51kWh battery pack with 344km of range (WLTP cycle), which starts at R775 900. It can go from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

It is followed by the EX30 Single Motor Extended Range, which has a 69kWh battery with a range of 476km (WLTP cycle), available in Plus for R865 900 and Ultra for R965 900.

Both have an output of 200kW and 343Nm of torque, like the single motor, but go from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The EX30 twin motor performance also has a 69kWh battery with 460km of range (WLTP cycle), available in Plus for R935 900 and Ultra for R995 900.

Both these models have an output of 315kW and 543Nm of torque and can go from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, making them the fastest Volvo’s ever produced.

The entry-level core model has signature Thor-LED headlights, driver profiles, an 11kW on-board charger, rear sensors, rear-view mirrors, auto cruise control and 18” Alloy wheels. It features an industry-first sound bar across the width of the windscreen.

The two Plus models have a Harman Kardon soundbar, digital key support, power-operated tailgate, advanced lighting, parking ultrasonic sensors on the front, two-zone climate control, Park Pilot Assist, wireless phone charging, and 19” Alloy wheels.

Additionally, the two top-of-the-range Ultra models will have a fixed panoramic sunroof, 360° camera with side sensors, power seats with memory function, four-way lumbar support, and 20” Alloy wheels.

Volvo EX30 – best selling model?

Greg Maruszewski, managing director at Volvo Car SA says the company believes the EX30 will become one of their best-selling models.

According to Volvo, out of the 500 EX30 units allocated for South Africa this year, roughly 250 have been sold through pre-order, which opened soon after its global reveal in June 2023.

Maruszewski said: Although we have already secured a high allocation of units for 2024, there’s an increasingly strong chance we will need to boost that figure.

The company hopes to draw a younger audience with its smallest, most compact SUV. Customers can choose various powertrain options, battery types, trim levels, and colours like black, white, light blue, grey and yellow.

The EX30 is unique because of its minimalistic dashboard, featuring a 12-inch vertical touch screen that houses controls and settings for the vehicle. There are no physical buttons or switches, save for what’s on the steering wheel, which may take some getting used to.

Noticeably absent is an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and in place is an infrared sensor to monitor the driver’s eye and head movements. This will alert you if you need to take a break or look straight ahead while driving. It will how fast or slow the drive is blinking; however, this feature can be turned off.

The driver assist feature is one of the safety features offered on the EX30, alongside Pilot Assist to help change lanes, maintain a distance with the driver ahead and brake when they brake; Park Pilot Assist, including the ability to parallel park; and collision avoidance with other vehicle, cyclists, or pedestrians.

The next-generation infotainment display has Google built-in and is powered by Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms and 5G connectivity, which supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. It is responsive when compared to the XC40 and C40 Recharge models.

Google Maps, Assistant, the Play Store and additional apps, such as YouTube and Spotify require an internet connection, which is an additional cost to the driver. The vehicle supports Apple CarPlay.

At the top of the infotainment display, you will see a digital instrument cluster of sorts for things like speed, battery, range, etc; and beneath it, the rest of the car controls for driving, vehicle, settings, charging, profiles, and so forth. There’s also a shortcut “quick controls” panel.

The vehicle itself has retractable cup holders, storage on the floor and bonnet, an electronically controlled cubby, and storage pockets for passengers.

Additional tech features include four USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, 12V power in front and boot, and the ability to control certain things via the Volvo EX30 app.

The app supports scheduling OTA updates, adjusting climate settings and controlling the charging of the vehicle, viewing driver information and locating it in a parking lot by flashing the headlights or hooting.

EX30 Charging 

When it comes to charging, the app also lets you find nearby charging stations, alerts you when you need to recharge, and schedule (overnight) charging.

The EX30’s base model 51kWh battery will recharge on an 11kW AC charger from 0-100% in approximately six hours, whereas the 69kWh battery will take eight hours, according to Volvo.

It is capable of a maximum of 175kW fast DC charging, which can take the battery from 10-80% in 26 minutes. This would depend on the charger being used, but typically EVs do not charge at the maximum charging speed for the duration of the charge.

The new Volvo EX30 line-up does not include a free wallbox charger, which came with the XC40 and C40 recharge. All Volvo EVs are available to purchase exclusively online via the myvolvo.co.za portal.

Originally published here.