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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, Executive, Lexus, Luxury, Motoring

Sleek RZ embraces latest hi-tech

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Lexus RZ 450e

By Bill McCarthy

Lexus has taken seriously the introduction of its stylish and bespoke electric SUV. Of course you would expect this from this arm of one of the world’s leading motor producers. The company says it embraces the potential of new technologies to deliver driving pressure.

At nearly £70k for this range-topping model, you would hope so.

In the past, Lexus models often had a more staid look about them, but that has changed dramatically, with a range of state-of-the-art design.

From its striking looks to its cutting-edge technology, the RZ is a luxury high-performance model, with  a comprehensive list of equipment, a statement vehicle for those looking for a premium SU and available in three versions – Premium Pack, Premium Plus Pack and Takumi.

It is the first Lexus to include new e-Axles and Direct4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control to improve handling and responsiveness, while a 74kW lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated into the chassis beneath the cabin floor, to deliver extra stability

Not only that, it has a presence that is hard to ignore. Sitting between the MX and larger RX, it copies some of the design features, including the elegant, slippery sculpted profile, the familiar, but bolder spindle design on the front grille and trapezoidal headlamps and a heat-shielding panoramic roof.

In addition, it features a powered boot lid, rear privacy glass and 20-inch alloy wheels and to the rear split roof spoiler and the now Lexus signature LED light bar across the width of the car.

Power is delivered from the powerful battery to a 310bhp electric motor and a seamless one step transmission. It is rapid, as are most electric vehicles, hitting the benchmark 60mph in a smidge over 5 seconds. 

The high level torque provides overtaking grunt in all circumstances.


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It is a brilliant motorway cruiser and with the ever-increasing growth of charging stations, anxiety range is becoming less and less of a problem when undertaking longer journeys. Even so, the claimed range of 252 miles was nearer 220 during the test drive.

Handling is responsive and adaptive suspension provides independent damping control at each wheel, giving a more comfortable ride on uneven surfaces, higher damping force when turning, and flat ride stability.

 For tricky conditions, Direct4 drive is a system constantly and seamlessly distributes the drive torque between the front and rear axles via the driving data being collected through ECU sensors to ensure intuitive operation.

It is a fun drive, particularly on twisting country lanes, where the grip is good. It is equally at home in and around town, potholes included.

The interior is light and airy with plush upholstery, thick carpets, and a high-end soft touch finish to the dash and doors. The central 14-inch touchscreen controls navigation, infotainment, via a 

Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system and smartphone connectivity and remote services accessed via the latest Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with “always connected” services. 

This allows remote locking and unlocking of the car and can activate the air conditioning system to warm or cool the cabin prior to starting a journey. It also features multi information display relaying real time info to the driver which is customisable and a head-up display It also houses navigation and infotainment.

Legroom is good, although the almost coupe like shape restricts headroom a little to the rear. Seats and firm and comfortable and the cabin feels a comfortable place to be.

In practical terms, the battery placement doesn’t compromise the stowage area and with all seats in place, the area provides 522 litres of space. This increases to an impressive maximum (to the ceiling) of 1,451 litres, when the rear seats are down, In addition there is a further 58 litres of space beneath the deck board.

For safety there is a full range of airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensor and  systems such a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist and lane change assist

Factfile

Lexus RZ 450e – Premium Plus Pack

Price: £68,500

Mechanical: 309bhp/230kW electric motor and  driving all wheels via E-CVT automatic transmission

0-60mph: 5.3 secs

Top speed: 99mph

Range (WLTP): 252 miles

Insurance group: 44E

C02 emissions: 0g/km

Bik rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000miles