[Star Test Drive] An Unexpected Electric Vehicle Made by Volvo, the EX30

*This content was translated by AI.

Star One-Line Review

The popular electric hatchback interpreted by Volvo seems to need a bit more time

GOOD

- Affordable price and outstanding power, plus the Volvo brand

- Usable infotainment and an interior that is shockingly quiet

BAD

- Doubts about the CATL battery turned into anxiety

- The rear seat is almost useless

Competing Models

- Tesla Model Y: Directly identified by Volvo Korea as a competing model

- Kia EV5: Larger and flashier, but a car consumers do not know well

In the electric vehicle era, Volvo launched the electric hatchback EX30 in October last year, leveraging its popular premium status. With a length of 4,235mm and a height of 1,555mm, it belongs to the compact SUV class. It boasts an overwhelming 272 horsepower and can travel up to 351km on a single charge, earning it attention as a city-focused electric vehicle.

The front design features a dedicated electric vehicle layout with Thor's Hammer DRLs, creating a clean and stylish appearance by thoughtfully placing sensory design elements throughout. Volvo has expanded its LINE lineup by introducing the EX30CC, a derivative model of its signature Cross Country variant. The roof and body colors are arranged in a contrasting two-tone scheme, appealing to the spending habits of younger generations. In March this year, the price was even lowered to the 30th million won range (Core trim at 39.91 million won), putting it on a collision course with the Model Y. Of course, as the saying goes, there is no business in discounts, and the cars sold out quickly.

Along with the two-tone color scheme, the rear also looks quite different from Volvo's previous designs. The rear lamps extend continuously from left to right, and the pillars on both sides of the trunk hatch are filled with LED lamps. This maintains Volvo's existing design identity while adding a touch of electrified design. However, the lower bumper area is blunt and covered with black plastic, far from the premium image. The 'EX30' lettering provides a reversed effect that adds visual interest, and shadows are placed throughout the layered horizontal design to reduce monotony.

The interior is the EX30's highlight. The seats, made of recycled plastic materials and fresh, fine-grained leather, feature excellent color coordination and design harmony. The door panel configuration is also innovative, with a novel door handle, and both the pocket and armrest are made as a single component, leaving no room for criticism from a UX perspective. However, the steering wheel is fundamentally unattractive, and because sensors are placed inside the wheel, the upper grip area has become too wide, resulting in an overall awkward appearance. The center panel is packed with Volvo's renowned infotainment services, including Tmap, AI Nugu, third-party apps, and OTA technology. This certainly has appeal for the target demographic of this vehicle class.

The problem lies in the rear seat. It is too narrow. Both legroom and knee space are cramped. The roof is a glass roof without a cover. Even though the test drive period was at the beginning of summer, the scorching sunlight was unbearable. There was a strong desire to take some measure, even through the aftermarket.

The standard convenience equipment is outstanding. It includes forward collision warning and emergency braking support, lane-keeping assist, distance warning, and a system that constantly checks for driver drowsiness and provides an alarm. Driver assistance features are also comprehensive, including steering assist and rear-end collision warning. At least, the specifications available in this vehicle class are fully equipped. Of course, this is true if one does not expect Tesla's FSD.

The Volvo EX30's battery is 66 kWh, delivering a maximum output of 200 kW, which is equivalent to about 270 horsepower for an internal combustion engine. However, considering the immediate response of electric vehicles, the perceived feeling is even more intense. Above all, quietness is the EX30's greatest strength. Its noise reduction capability is excellent even for an electric vehicle, and the effect of the dedicated tires is so precise that it is impressive. The ability to manage road irregularities is also fully up to par. Moreover, because the curb weight is held at 1,810 kg, handling the car is very easy. Of course, it cannot be compared to compact hatchbacks or SUVs using internal combustion engines in the same class, but as an electric vehicle, it moves easily with little burden.

After driving several hundred kilometers over a few days, the Volvo EX30 felt so versatile that while it might be a stretch to call it a family SUV, it proved highly usable. The responsiveness of acceleration and deceleration was extremely agile with little stress, and the body movement did not become erratic or show sluggish reactions at specific speeds. When getting into the car, the battery placed under the floor gave a slightly bouncy feeling, but it was easy to draw an ideal driving line even when pushing the car deep into a corner during a turn. This means the low center of gravity allows for easier exit from turning sections. Additionally, the view is wide open, making driving refreshing, and visibility to the left and right is well secured.

While it may not offer the same driving fun as an internal combustion engine at any speed, the Volvo EX30 can be rated as a perfect electric vehicle for daily use in urban areas where stopping and starting are repeated, or when navigating narrow alleyways.

The steering wheel is generally on the lighter side. The visibility is high, making it easy to check front and rear. It is not large or heavy, and with its stylish interior and exterior design, it has all the elements that make it easy for female drivers to handle and enjoy driving.

The problem is the battery. The CATL battery from China still carries high skepticism, and recently, fires have occurred overseas, including in Thailand, putting the company in a crisis of litigation. Although battery recalls have been conducted in Korea, the response has been deemed insufficient to be considered a clear solution. Concerns have even spread about adjusting charging levels and avoiding indoor parking in some cases. The battery has been discontinued in the United States, and in Korea, it is gradually moving away from sales channels. In the past, Volvo's 30-series models, such as the C30, received high praise for their efficient and stylish design. This is why projecting the C30's image onto the EX30 in the electrification era is not a stretch. However, the EX30 has become a sore spot for Volvo.

Volvo plans to release a new electric vehicle to replace the EX30 soon. This is because the EX30 is the core vehicle class for entry-level electric vehicles. If Volvo maintains the driving performance, efficiency, and interior/exterior design configuration shown by the EX30 while improving the battery, it seems that significant expectations can be placed on electric vehicles following the EX30.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.