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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

AWD, Electric/hybrid, Volvo

Hybrid a good option despite move to EV

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Volvo XC60

By Bill McCarthy

Volvo has confirmed it will be an electric-only car manufacturer by 2030 and will roll out several additional electric models in the coming years.

The plan seems to be working. Volvo Cars reported sales of 78,970 cars in March, an increase of 25 per cent compared with the same month last year, and an all-time high for global sales during a single month. Volvo Cars’ new fully electric small SUV, the EX30, contributed to the sales growth, as well as a strong sales performance in Europe and the US. 

Still, full EVs are not for everyone and the plug in hybrid (PHEV) remains a stylish and still economical option.

This particular model has a nominal mpg of between 100 and 113mpg, something which is unlikely to be achieved in the real world. But it can run on battery only for around 50 miles. So keep topping up the battery and excellent mpg is achievable  – even for a four wheel drive vehicle.

There  is no mistaking it’s a Volvo – with its smart light clusters to front and rear and a choice of striking alloy wheels. The latest models have a sleeker look and the front lights feature the now familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ design. It also features a discrete rear spoiler.

It has a real high-end feel with powered and heated leather style seats, soft touch finish and a minimalist approach to buttons and dials. The seats are firm, but comfortable with good leg and headroom and the cabin benefits from a large glass area.

The interior is real premium quality and dominated by the nine-inch tablet-style touchscreen and a 12-inch TFT driver info display behind the smart multi-function steering wheel.

The central screen controls smartphone connectivity, navigation and 10-speaker sound system and also adds Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, access to apps via the Google Play Store and four years’ data allowance

The  Volvo Cars app – available for your smartphone, smartwatch or tablet, this enables you to control various car functions remotely.

It is an engaging drive, Even at high speed, engine and road noise is muted, with just a hint of wind noise on the large, folding door mirrors,

Excellent soundproofing means with NVH (noise, harness, vibration) is all but eliminated and the interior cossets occupants, particularly on motorways where the vehicle just whispers along.

It is a rapid motor, the combined 340bhp engine and motor combo powering it to 60mph in just under six seconds.

It clearly is not a sports model, but there is negligible body roll, (the centrally placed battery giving more stability) while the firmish suspension means tight, twisty lanes are comfortably navigated.

The on-demand all-wheel drive is perfect for rougher terrain or inclement weather conditions.  The ride can be a little bumpy around town, especially with the larger wheels. But the premium quality shines through

Despite being an SUV, it feels stable, cornering well and good feedback from the well weighted steering.

Boot space accessed via the powered tailgate is good  with 468 litres, while the 60/40 split folding rear seats open up to 1,395 litres. The boot can also be accessed via a kick action. Stowage is supplemented by various storage bins and cubbyholes.

Safety kit is comprehensive, with City Safety which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking, including at junctions.

There is also a host of other technologies, like autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian, animal and cyclist detection and front collision warning are included on this model.

Also standard are a full set of airbags and lane mitigation, which steers you back into the correct lane if drifting.

Factile

Volvo XC60 Recharge Plus, T6 AWD plug-in hybrid

Price: £54,975

Mechanical: Combined 340bhp, via 1969 petrol engine and electric motor driving all wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 5.6 seconds

MPG : 100-113 miles

CO2 emissions: 55-64g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles