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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

Motoring, SUV/4X4

A 7-seat SUV with off-road excellence

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KGM Rexton K50

By Bill McCarthy

It’s all change for a brand that has been around for nearly 70 years and is an SUV and four-wheel drive specialist, known for its rugged durability and off-road prowess.

For Korean brand SsangYong, yes SsangYong, now read KGM, a much more user friendly name – like BMW or BYD.

It has recently launched the mid-sized SUV Actyon, a first under the new KGM name, but others like the huge Rexton have been rebranded.

It looks the part, a huge seven-seat road presence. At more than two tonnes, it is not going to be the sharpest handler on the road, more of a well-specified workhorse with its seating capacity, off-road capability and the ability to tow a huge 3.5 tonnes.

It offers excellent value, starting at £39,500. For that price, you get a comprehensive package, with even this top-of-the-line model being highly competitive compared to its rivals. It offers a decent, if not class leading, interior with powered leather-style seats, illuminated scuff plates and ambient lighting.

The vehicle has a smart grille sporting the KGM logo, sleek LED headlights, and eye-catching alloy wheels with integrated roof bars. Trim levels start with the base model K20 featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital console, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch smartphone-compatible touchscreen.

The K40 adds TomTom navigation, a power tailgate, privacy glass, a smart key system, and selectable four-wheel drive. This K50 includes mood lighting, stainless steel finishes, a 3D surround view camera, and premium Nappa leather. It also has 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, driver seat memory, a wireless charger, roll-up sunshades, and air conditioning for all three rows. 

It is a practical seven-seater vehicle, though the last two seats are best for children or short trips. Folding them down creates a van-like space with ample storage.

With both rear rows folded down, there is 1,806 litres of boot space available, 872 litres with the second row upright, and 240 litres with all seats occupied. The double-folding second-row seats also make it easy to access the third row.

 It has a commanding driving position from an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and while the layout might not look cutting edge, all controls are intuitive and handily placed. Dominant on this model is the 12 inch central screen, part of the new floating infotainment system which operates major functions and delivers important real-time information, including safety warnings

A 2.2-litre 202 PS turbo diesel engine provides ample power for various driving conditions. Although there is a noticeable clatter at startup, this sound fades once the vehicle is in motion.

For such a large vehicle, acceleration is decent, with the eight-speed automatic transmission allowing the vehicle to reach 60 mph in just under 11 seconds.

It primarily operates in two-wheel-drive mode, but if off-road conditions arise, the driver can easily switch to either high or low gear four-wheel drive. In this mode, the engine’s torque is evenly distributed to both the front and rear wheels.

Handling is wallowy on corners and the suspension can feel unsettled on poor roads, but otherwise, it is comfortable for passengers and is a decent motorway cruiser.

 Economy is so-so for the type of vehicle at around 33mpg, but this is a heavy seven-seater with four-wheel drive, ideal for the school run, taxi, or running a small business with a vehicle that needs stowage capacity.

Safety features are comprehensive and include nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking, safety distance warning, lane departure warning and trailer sway control.

With a starting price of  £40k-ish, against its competitors, it offers value for money and proven technology. It also looks good. Just remember the name.

Factfile

KMG Rexton K50

Price: £46,370 

Mechanical: 163ps, 2157cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine with eight-speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 114mph

0-62mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 33

Insurance group: 39

C02 emissions: 227g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles