The Volvo EX30’s local launch event was a show-and-tell instead of a drive-and-describe affair, but it still allowed us to soak up some of the clever design features of this hot new EV.
With a surprisingly affordable starting price and possibly the strongest performance at its price point, the Volvo EX30 should be fun to drive. Our driving impressions will have to wait until we get one for review, but we did get ample opportunity to play with the new small electric crossover at a standstill during the local reveal (watch the reveal event video here). Doing so revealed a myriad of clever and interesting details.
Related: Get more in-depth info about these clever details in this report on ALL THINGS MOTORING.
The audio system is inspired by your home theater
Instead of the usual speaker placement in the door panels, Volvo decided to install a soundbar at the base of the front windscreen. Fitted with two mid-range drivers and a tweeter at each end, and augmented by a woofer mounted under the dashboard, using a soundbar leaves the doors free to offer large storage bins, and reduced the amount of wiring needed for the audio system.
The entry-level “Core” trim uses this basic setup and has an output of 100 W, while the mid-spec “Plus” and top-end “Ultra” trims add rear door-mounted speakers and two more front mid-range drivers as part of its 1050 W Harman Kardon premium audio upgrade.
Brilliant seat adjuster controls
Another element in the simplification of the cabin and reduction of wiring harness weight is the seat control system. While conventional electric seat adjusters usually use at least two switches, one of which is likely to have complex multi-directional operation, the new Volvo system cuts that down to a single rounded knob mounted on the seat base. It’s fiendishly simple in concept, and just as intuitive to use.
Press this knob forwards or backwards to move the seat base in the same directions, lift it or push it down to raise or lower the seat, and twist the knob to change the backrest angle. Want to change the lumbar support or side bolster width? No problem - just press the button recessed in the middle of the knob to switch between adjuster functions, and the centre screen will illustrate what you’re adjusting from the same controller.
Multi-purpose floor console
The Volvo EX30 has a centre armrest and floor console, just like you’d find in any conventional car. Its execution is rather different, though, because the armrest is fixed in place. At its front edge, you’ll find only two window control switches, along with a capacitive pad to switch between front- and rear window controls and control the door locks.
Instead of a loose lid which lifts up for access to the centre bin, the bin slides out from the front of the armrest assembly in response to a nudge against its mechanical latch. This bin has a separate sliding bottle holder, which can be configured to hold your phone or up to two bottles, or any combination thereof.
Underneath, there is a large storage tray with a false floor which runs all the way to the firewall. At its front edge is the wireless charging pad, which has clever rubber “fingers” to securely locate the phone. At the back of the console is a removable drawer, which can serve as rear compartment storage or as a rubbish bin - and all these bins are lined with easy-to-clean plastic, meaning that a coffee spill won’t create a never-ending sticky mess.
Related: Read more about the Volvo EX30’s prices, specifications and performance in this report.
The tailgate comes with instructions
Etched into the rear windscreen surround is a pictogram with illustrations regarding the cargo area’s dimensions and tailgate aperture size. To ensure that the user knows what this info means, it even says “Will if fit?”, along with depictions of a baby stroller, lamp, luggage, and a golf bag.
As far as the cargo hold dimensions go, the Volvo EX30 can accommodate objects up to 1.76 meters long, or offer a length of 0.71 meter with the rear seats in position. The hatch aperture measures 0.84 meter wide by 0.58 meter wide, in case you were wondering.
Related: Find the practical new or used Volvo SUV of your dreams in this beautiful selection on CHANGECARS.
One screen to rule them all
As part of the mission to drive down production costs, Volvo has designed a dashboard which is identical between left- and right-hand drive models. It’s absolutely symmetrical, right down to the centrally-mounted glove box. To facilitate this, they also got rid of the instrument cluster and physical switch panels, using a large touchscreen above the glove box for all these traditional functions.
The display is split into three distinct segments, with the upper band displaying driving info (speed, drive mode, battery charge and driving range), the lower band containing secondary car functions (tailgate- and glove box opening icons, ventilation and seat controls, and car setup menus), and the configurable centre section dedicated to communication, navigation, and audio displays.
While we have reservations about the decision to move all secondary controls to a single multi-functional screen, the user interface is at least thoughtful and fairly intuitive. There was also no discernable lag in the system, but it’s still too early to say how user-friendly this setup will be on the move.
Martin Pretorius
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Find a new or used Volvo EX30 for sale in this excellent selection on CHANGECARS.
