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electric, Volvo

Small and mighty good for compact EV

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Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra

Volvo EX30 Ultra

By Bill McCarthy

SMALL yet mighty is how Volvo’s UK boss has described that eye-catching compact SUV. It features sleek, couple-like styling, rounded off with large, aerodynamic 20-inch alloy wheels.

Although Volvo describes it as a small SUV that prioritises safety, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, despite its long wheelbase, it looks like a compact family hatchback to me.

The brand is going full on electric, aiming for 50 per cent EV production by this year and fully electrified by 2030. That is reflected with Volvos appearing to have a more ’ EV’ look about them.

However, familiarity remains with the iconic Volvo badge and the ever more familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ style headlights.The interior is minimalist, with virtually everything  controlled by the vertical tablet and Volvo’s Google-powered infotainment system, which uses Google Assistant to integrate a car’s functions with apps and services.

The screen hosts navigation, infotainment and connectivity and a host of secondary controls. There’s not doubt it cuts the clutter, but is not the most intuitive to use and it took me ages to figure to the heating control on a very cold day.

There is no binnacle giving real time info, and oddly, the electric windows are operated by switches on the centre console. But the cabin exudes quality, with a choice of ambient lighting themes.Each is inspired by a different Scandinavian landscape and featuring recycled materials throughout feeling solid in typical Volvo style.

The lack of dials and switchgear means there is plenty of storage space throughout the  Included a console box, cup and bottle holders and door bins.The huge panoramic glass roof on this model and the minimalist style means the whole cabin feels light and airy.

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Both front seats are electrically operated and feel comfortable and supportive, while the coupe-like styling means rear seats have less headroom and feel more cramped for any more than two adults. We squeezed three younger children in reasonably comfortably, however.

Prices start from just over £33k, with three specifications, Core, Plus and Ultra – tested here – and three  battery option. 

It offers three electric powertrains:

  • Single Motor, 272 hp, 51 kWh battery

  • Single Motor Extended Range, 272 hp, 69 kWh battery

  • Twin Motor Performance, 428 hp, 69 kWh battery

This model featured the long range battery, driving the rear wheels and producing rapid acceleration.

It is also a delight to drive, with sharp steering and excellent handling, even if the ride is a shade on the firm sidePerformance is quick in all models with the entry level with a single rear motor hitting  60 mph in around 5.7 seconds and a claimed range of 210 miles.

The longer-range battery delivers similar performance. The claimed range of 295 miles was not achieved on this test, with cold, wet weather and driving in the dark eating up the range. A still respectable approximate 230-240 miles seemed nearer the mark.

The Plus trim includes 11 kW AC charging, 19-inch alloy wheels, and manual seat adjustment. This Ultra trim upgrades to 22 kW three-phase charging, 20-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, and electric seat adjustment. It is hatchback practical and oot space is acceptable for the size of vehicle with a capacity of 318 litres, which can expand with the rear seats folded. 

Extra space is available in the so-called ‘frunk’ various cubbies and pockets in the cabin and there is cable storage under the rear floor. As is the tradition, Volvos are safe vehicles and this is no exception with a comprehensive list of features including a with a special feature designed to help prevent ‘dooring’ accidents.

This feature alerts you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter rider, or runner.Small and mighty could be a bit over the top, but there is no doubting the quality of this compact family vehicle and the price is competitive.

Factfile

Volvo EX30 Ultra

Price: £42,350

Mechanical: 272bhp electric motor and 69kWh battery powering rear wheels via single speed auo transmission

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 5.6 seconds

Range: 295 miles

Insurance group: 39

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

BiK rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Family hatchback, Motoring, Saloon, Skoda

Skoda Superb: Comfort meets innovation

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  • The latest Superb stands out in the large saloon/hatchback market with its spacious and comfortable interior, now 43mm longer. 
  • It offers excellent fuel efficiency, including hybrid options with a 75-mile electric-only range. Featuring a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit and a 13-inch touchscreen, it starts at over £38k. 
  • The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivers great economy and refinement.
  • There is excellent luggage space provides 645 litres (expandable to 1,795 litres) and advanced safety features.

Superb Hatch e-TEC

By Bill McCarthy

It’s a tribute to the quality of Skoda products that they are still producing a large saloon/hatchback in a market dominated by the SUV/Crossover.

Škoda currently has one of the newest model line-ups with 80 per cent of the range recently updated.

And although the name is ambitious, the latest, bigger, Superb is an excellent car. Huge, now 43mm longer, comfortable and for the size of the vehicle offering fantastic economy.

It has a range of engine options with the premiere last year of mild-hybrid technology and plug-in hybrid with an electric only range of around 75 miles. These are in addition to two 2.0 TSI petrol engines and two 2.0 TDI diesels.

The sleek silhouette offers better aerodynamics, while inside it even roomier and uses sustainable material.

In addition the infotainment is linked AI-based ChatGPT via the the voice assistant Laura.

The mild hybrid e-Tec driven here delivered just short of 60mpg from the mild hybrid power unit. Well up on the official WLTP figure of around 51mpg.

The range on a full tank was showing in excess of 700 miles. A bit of electrification, but no range anxiety whatsoever.

It is a smart, sleek handsome car with 18-inch alloy wheels on this model, neat decorative door sills, slim LED headlights with cornering function and refashioned rear light clusters, rear privacy glass and clever puddle lights projecting the Skoda brand. 

The dark chrome styling includes front grille surrounds and roof rails and door handles with ambient lighting.

The interior is premium, with  high-end materials and solid fixtures and fittings more often seen in executive class. Bags of head and legroom, with perforated leather fully adjustable electrically operated seats

The cabin itself is light, airy with three seated in relative comfort in the rear with the armrest folded. Another classy touch is the ambient lighting throughout offering a relaxing environment.

Centrepiece is the 10.25 inch virtual cockpit familiar on VW brands mated with a 13 inch touchscreen. which controls major functions like navigation, infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

In typical Skoda style, it is packed with standard kit, including the usual array of electric goodies and creature comforts like multi-function steering wheel, dual zone climate control, heated and powered door mirrors, powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensor, headlight washers and privacy glass, plus a host of other goodies.

At just over  £38k for the tested model you are acquiring a premium vehicle that would cost substantially more if it carried a different badge on the boot or grille.

The 1.5 litre turbo petrol unit is combined with a small electric motor which aids fuel economy, but can also boost power.

Mated to a seven-speed DSG auto box, it delivers excellent performance, hitting 60  in 9.2 seconds and when switched to sport mode and using the steering column paddles, is extremely lively.

There are three driving modes, electric, hybrid and sport. 

 The motorway is where the car feels particularly at home, cruising with ease while the cabin is well protected from road and engine noise. Handling is good for such a big car and the standard stability control ensures the ride is comfortable and smooth.

In practical terms, the boot is huge at 645 litres and up 30 litres on its predecessor and rising to 1,795 with the rear seats down.

 For safety most of the boxes are ticked with a comprehensive lift of active and passive features including front, side and curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag, driver fatigue sensor and electronic stability and traction control systems, plus lane departure, blind spot and cross traffic alerts.

Always innovative, Skoda Simply Clever features add value and offers an umbrella in the door frame, LED torch and a compact screen cleaner. It works with cleaning fluid and microfibre cloth ensure that any dirt or annoying fingerprints are completely removed from the infotainment screen.

Skoda has been going from strength to strength – it’s obvious why. But now it is literally on a charge.

Factfile

  •  Superb Hatch SE L 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG
  • Price: £ 38,320 – (with options £41,010)
  • Mechanical: 1498cc, 150PS, four-cylinder  mild hybrid petrol engine driving front wheels via six-speed DSG auto transmission
  • Maximum speed: 139mph
  • Acceleration: 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds
  • Economy: 51-52 mpg
  • Insurance group: 27
  • CO2 emissions: 124-126g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles