Volvo EX30. A checkmate move from the Swedes. The choice to build a B-SUV and indeed with an electric “heart” seems to read the public’s demand correctly, while the icing on the cake is the price that starts at almost 27,000 euros together with the subsidy from the “Move Electric 3” program .

The Volvo EX30 is 4.2 meters long and follows a simple design, clearly conveying the characteristics of the Swedish brand. “Closed” mask in the front part, while the attention is drawn by the lighting bodies. The rear looks even prettier with rounded surfaces and the brand name visible along the 5th door.

To get inside, you need a magnetic card that acts as a key, which you place on the middle pillar of the model. It can also be controlled via the smartphone app. The design of the cockpit does not aim to impress, but to be practical and with as few physical buttons as possible. The latter can be found both on the steering wheel and the switches behind it and on the armrest for opening/closing the windows.

The ergonomic seats are interesting, as well as the sound bar that occupies a significant part of the dashboard. The quality of the materials and assembly is excellent with the only black point being the feel of the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. Also, the “intelligent” armrest… expands to reveal two cup holders, while if they are not needed, then there is the possibility to “hide it completely or leave only one cup holder to save space. The central and unique screen of the car is 12.3 inches that brings Google services, since Volvo remains faithful to this partnership.

Spatially, 4 and if necessary 5 adults can be transported safely. The luggage space is 318 liters (with an additional hidden space of 61 lt.), while under the front hood there are still 7 lt. for… the cables.

The Volvo EX30 is activated by inserting the magnetic card at the bottom of the center console (in the pockets of the wireless charging for smartphones) and the 272 hp and 343 Nm of torque motor is ready to give power to the rear wheels. Our “own” Volvo EX30 is equipped with a 69 kWh (Extended Range) battery, which ensures 400 actual kilometers. According to the company, it reaches 660 kilometers when driven within an urban background. Charging the battery (10-80%) on a charger up to 175 kW takes approximately 27 minutes per hour, while on a household charger (three-phase current with 16A fuse), a full charge takes 8 hours.

Driving, the acceleration feels great, as it gives the performance of a hothatch. Despite its 1,850 kg Volvo EX30 can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds. It’s really fast, it’s solid and it gives the driver a sense of security. In any case, it is a small SUV and if the limits are crossed, the safety systems restore order discreetly. The suspension dampens quite well, despite the presence of 19-inch rims (dimensions 245/45 R19), the ride quality is a given, as is the stability of the car even at speeds close to its final (180 km/h).

The Volvo EX30 is a compact SUV with a ground clearance of 18 cm and follows the Scandinavian philosophy, an element that attracts many prospective owners. It is easy to drive and flexible, ideal for the city especially in the version with the smallest battery. On the other hand, in the test version the price climbs to almost 43,000 euros, which with the government subsidy reaches 34,000 euros, but there are still more kilometers available for … rides and getaways.