@@robgreen13 possibly but I don't really understand why some people (a lot it seems) order a new car, receive it then only hold onto it for such a short period of time.
@@S0me0ne_S0meWhere_SaysHidealers for volume; rental companies and wealthy people and some TH-camrs perhaps. Maybe some people get new and then can’t afford the payments … or for rare cars flip for profit. But I don’t think that many normal people swap too often - the depreciation makes it very expensive and I certainly can’t afford that. And lots of new cars are company cars - the accountants won’t want sell them quickly because of the depreciation.
I've done over a 1000 miles in our Single Motor Ultra. It's our first EV and consider it the best all round car I've driven and being 74, I've driven a few! I had no problem adapting to the centre display and have yet to set off the 'lack or attention' alarm. There's been no major issues with the software and let's face it, the fixes are a lot easier than major recalls. It's personal taste but I think most of the competition just look pug ugly and try too hard to look different, compared with the EX30. It's an ideal size for two or a couple with small children and it's a lot of fun when the mood takes. I love it!
My daughter has this Volvo and has had nothing but trouble. Up until a couple of months ago you couldn’t just plug it in at home and charge, you had to mess about with charge setting, which would reset the next day. It resets a lot of things and nags you for yawning, singing and for me, wearing glasses. It claims I’m not concentrating on the road. After an update it wouldn’t update the location so no navigation for a week until it fixed itself. You cant access the glove box if the screen fails, or do anything else really. It moves off the line very quickly but having to use a screen to do anything and the lack of a dashboard, or a HUD instead mean a no from me. Buy a Kona. However if they added some buttons, sorted the software issues, gave us a head up display, made the smart cruise buttons a little more responsive,I’d consider it.😊
Excellent review. I’ve been considering ordering the EX30 to replace my e-tron but the lack of buttons was putting me off. Your clear and honest review of its short comings is a great help. I don’t think the lack of buttons would be that much of an issue for me. Time to get one ordered.
I really enjoyed watching your video. Good points! Volvo Cars employee here and will have my EX30 SMER MY2025 service car delivered in about 7 weeks. Can´t wait to see how the car will perform. Thanks for sharing the video!
You’re 100% right on the controllability. Twin motor is blisteringly fast but never feels dangerous or out of control. It combines this with being very easy and relaxing to travel distances in. With 1.4 software (installed without any drama) almost all the issues have been ironed out and I switch the attention monitor and speed warnings off as soon as I start the car. Only real bugbear are the steering wheel controls and I have figured out that you need to lay your finger on the control THEN push the button. The stereo is ridiculously loud too. Over all I am really enjoying it .
I've owned the car(Twin Performance) for over 2 months now, driven over 7000km in that time and overall love it. I've never once wished it had an HUD to be honest, the speed is pretty much in my line of sight. The only thing I dislike are the minor annoyances, most notably the pilot assist telling me to hold the steering when I already am (without moving it), and I'd probably like the option of a stronger OPD like most people too.
Sad they haven't found a way for a decent PA yet. My XC40 also requires me to pull the wheel slightly to let the car know I'm holding it. Why don't they just use a capacitive steering wheel like other manufacturers do, it's so much better. The entire idea of PA is to make the drive more relaxing, having to pull the steering wheel every 10 seconds is the exact opposite of that.
I've driven a 2008 Prius, which had the speed display smack dab in the middle of the dashboard instead of in front of you. There have been a lot of other cars over the decades as well that had the speed indicator in the middle of the dashboard, like some Renaults if I recall correctly. So apparently it's not even that big of a problem. But if that's most of what people complain about, the rest must be excellent, right? :)
Love this car! This was very close to being my next EV but the boot was an issue with 2 dogs so went for the XC40 recharge twin ultra instead. Great video as always.
I find it interesting that everyone complains about the central screen being the only screen in the car, but they fail to consider how excellent the voice command systems are in the Volvo and Tesla, the latter of which makes the best selling car of 2023 so people clearly get on with it! Also let's not forget Mini have been doing centre Speedo's since the 60's. As an owner of an ex30 I can also say that you can see the speed easily in your peripheral vision so it's really not an issue.
We love our EX30. Centre screen took no more than a couple minutes to adjust. For our house hold the small back seat area and right size for us boot works a treat. The recycled materials and made with 100% green electricity meets our ethos. Awesome quick DC charge, spritely road performance keeps us very happy 🎉
Great review, so thoroughly done. I also stayed for the accent:) I am still undecided about this car or one up in Volvo's range but will be taking plunge with of the two shortly as our first EV. Love the size and minimalism - less controls will just require a little reprogramming on our part, I think. Perfect airport run car with enough clearance for a bit of laning to the house. Greetings from Spain. Subscribed!
@@AutoEV Could you please review NIO cars as well? I would be interested in a level headed review of them as they are supposed to be premium vehicles in the price range of Polestar 4 for example.
I think this will be the replacement for our model 3 soon. The touchscreen is fine by me as I never touch it anyway as I set up for me how I wanted it so never has to be fiddled with - the open feeling of the dash is exactly what I like, I hate the confining ‘cockpit’ so many cars have.
I just ordered an SM ER Ultra, currently I have a Suzuki vitara which is pretty much the same length, yet my seat won't go back far enough which is a big issue on a longer journey and the legroom behind my seat is about the same. The boot is maybe slightly smaller on the ex30. I thought the screen worked well, and voice control was better than in most cars I've driven. The drive was better than the other EVs I tried, all on the same route. The driving pilot works well also and can change lanes sometimes for you. Parking pilot worked OK too. But it was the level of comfort that sold the car to me, especially the 4 way lumbar support. No cars perfect but wow I cannot wait to get in it, hopefully at the beginning of December.
I have driven a C30 and a V40 in the past (and in the longer distant past, a 460 and a "classic" V40). I currently drive a Model 3. Hence... I'm used to the small Volvos and I'm used to the minimalist no-buttons interior. Yup, my next car will be an EX30.
A good review, not through Volvo rose tinted glasses and I agree with almost all of your comments. I’ve had my twin motor performance for one week and have driven it about 550kms on a mix of motorways, country roads and in town. Dynamically it’s great, good handling, steering and suspension and of course the performance is just about unbeatable. The central screen doesn’t bother me at all, a quick glance to the side to check the speed is not different to a glance down. Apart from the complicated procedure to turn on the fog lights all other driving parameters are set while stationary and being buried in layers of screens isn’t an issue, but generally the software is glitchy and unpredictable. Sometimes the car will unlock when I approach with the fob, sometimes I also have to tug on the handle before the door will open. The radio has poor reception and often, but not always, cuts out when the brakes are applied. The alarm has also gone off for no apparent reason but worse off all the brakes have been applied quite violently for no reason at all. The driver aids that are meant to improve safety can be downright dangerous.
We have had seatbelts tighten and brakes applied to stop the car dead for no reason also, I would be interested on your thoughts on this, has it happened since, we have had ours for about a week.
@@symosys The steering wheel shakes fairly often driving on country roads and the brakes have been applied on a couple of occasions. The steering has also pulled quite violently to the side for no obvious reason and I have to drive with a firmer grip than I usually would, ready to counteract any steering input the car makes. It’s potentially dangerous and an otherwise superb car is spoilt by a multitude of software issues that are supposed to enhance safety and I understand why many testers and owners disable the various so-called driver aids. Another less serious problem is that the speed limit warning is hopelessly inaccurate, but apparently that is a Google maps problem.
Fair review. I would say that central screen control is a question of adaptation. The head movement from down and looking up to the road feels the same as looking left and back to the road. Our EX30 is a joy. Some people are making too much noise about something being a safety concern when it is really a question of how adaptable you are as a driver.🎉
First of I thought this was one of the best car reviews I have watched . My son has just purchased the EX 30 and absolutely loves the car , he is of course young and up to speed with flat screen T car technology . I too am thinking about an EV purchase and this EX 30 captured my attention for its looks and interior design. However like you I worry about eye distraction and of course rear space and boot space . The cheaper Plus version with smaller battery and mileage of approx 200 Mike’s concerns me too. Looks aren’t everything . So I am still undecided and uncertain as to what to buy ! I want to keep below £40K to avoid the expensive cat tax tariff too.
First of all, thank you for such a kind comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the review, and we appreciate you taking the time to watch it and comment. There are a lot of good cars coming along that slip under the £40k price bracket that offer great space, refined drive and good efficiency and range. I think the EX30 is a brilliant car, but you should also take a look at our review of the Kia EV3 and the new Škoda Elroq. These two give the EX30 a run for its money and warrant your attention. Both reviews are on the channel now. Thank you one again for your support.
Thanks for the review Bryan, been waiting for this. I had a go in one a couple of weeks ago as starting to look at replacing my company EV, SM extended range version. Loved the exterior design of it and performance even in the SM version is extremely rapid, but not so keen on the touchscreen. The biggest drawback though is the amount of space you get for the price, it really is tiny in the back and only really suitable for 2. Boot tiny too. Lease rates on my company scheme are high too. I’ll be trying a Tesla Model 3 on the weekend and a Megane E-Tech later in the week. Both are cheaper than the EX30 on my scheme and offer far more room so will be interesting to compare them. Right now can’t see myself going for one - love the style but there’s not enough substance for the price.
Had my Ex30 ultra twin for a month so still learning. Great car and although simple to drive it does have some complex tech for assistance driving which are poorly explained in the user manual, I’m still waiting for answers from Volvo UK which my retailer are unable to answer.
Yes it takes me a lot to go and actually see a Car in the flesh, seen this when it was doing it’s rounds at dealers before it was out. Don’t think about the 42k plus for the twin motor performance as your seeing them down to £35k with under 1k miles. Must emit the colour palette is poor with like six colours. I was thinking about this Car then Renault showed me that Retro 5 😂 and thought I can wait and see. The long range single motor seems to be the sweet spot. I’d wait for the refresh model all the same and I’d want a HUD.
I tested the EX30 but I didn't buy one-I bought an EC40 instead. The Ex30 drives well and looks neat and I didn't bother too much about the lack of instruments as voice control works pretty well. What I did not like was in a reasonably sized car at 4.25 Metres the packaging is worse than an ICE car! I am only 5 ft 10" and I could not fit behind my drivers seat. It's closer to a 2+2 than a four seater. The EC40 was more money but is in a different league of interior space. I have the twin motor and it has better range (WLTP of 347miles) goes like stink but is really good off road and can tow almost two tons! Its a very good package!
Personally, I do think the frequent concerns expressed about the speed display being on a screen to the side rather than a dash in front are a bit overstated. I have yet to drive a vehicle with a speed dial in front of me that has not required me to take my eyes off the road (I am not including HUDs in this). I am also left wondering how people who cannot entertain having the speed readout to the side cope with using the rear-view mirror (by necessity, located up and to the side). If I am driving a car with a "traditional" layout, my safety rhythm is look ahead, look down for speed, look up and left for rear-view. If I am driving a car with a "to the side" speed display, my rhythm is look ahead, then up and left to rear-view mirror, then straight down to the speed. The time spent with eyes off the road is the same.
Totally agree. It's a question of adaptability. Some aren't and as such report how unsafe or otherwise poor the design is. For us after a couple of minutes in the car there is no problem 🎉
You have my respect, I have lovely pre-facelift C30 in Passion Red… and I am just trying to make my mind up between the single motor extended range or twin motor EX30… I know I want black with the indigo interior. I need to test drive both models!
Ooh, lovely. My C30 was a pre-facelift T5 SE Lux R Design in Cosmic White and Java. Loved that car! Then I had another, again pre facelift, a 2.0D R Design in silver.
on a side note, what happens if you meet a car coming the other way? the roads you were driving on look narrow, and all the hedges have not been trimmed.
Another great video Bryan but I was surprised that you did not make a comparison with the Megane E-Tech because they are almost equal size cars - although the EX30 does look taller so perhaps it is more mini SUV rather than hatch. If it had been available last year I would have considered the EX30 before buying my Megane but nothing now makes me think I made the wrong decision. Yes, the Volvo is good looking although I think the lift up window line to the C pillars looks as bit awkward, as it does on the EX40. The Megane is just drop dead gorgeous from every angle. The starting price for the EX30 is very attractive but the single motor extended range model - probably the sweet spot in the range - is very close to £40k and more than the top model Iconic Megane with a higher level of equipment. TBH I think Volvo have over egged the performance as 200 bhp is more than enough for this size of car to give all the acceleration and speed you would require. Even being rwd doesn’t seem to give it quite the handling prowess to accompany the performance. But ….the biggest issue for me would be having to action nearly all functions through the central touch screen. Too distracting and too complicated and what’s with no CarPlay. At the very least there should be a small supplementary binnacle in front of the driver or a head up display. I haven’t seen the interior of the EX30 but I have no doubt that the Scandinavian influenced interior is nice and well finished. The biggest plus for me would be the panoramic roof - the interior of the Megane is too dark and gloomy. IMHO the best looking Volvo is the V90 Cross Country which is actually now a few years old. I saw one recently in white with light grey cladding and it looked absolutely fantastic - such clean but sophisticated lines.
I'm looking atnthis car for my next. Currently have an xc40. As you said that's been moved around, but to upgrade in that model will cost me more for less features. May as well look at the ex30 for the same features and cheaper
The issues with the software are not limited to to the EX30 - I have a Polestar 2 and the software is extremely buggy. I’ve also had the blank screen, it resetting during driving, CarPlay failing, radio just stopping, etc. I’m not alone, and I keep hoping these issues get fixed with an OTA update but sadly it seems not. I don’t know whether the issues are with Polestar (Volvo) or Google. It’s a shame, because otherwise the car is a belter and I agree on the linear acceleration- it’s so much easier to regulate and when you do stab the pedal, it takes off like a scalded cat. It’s the buggy software that is currently putting me off another Polestar and I really like the P4. Shame.
I've had a P2 since June 1 and haven't ever had the screen fail, although the FM radio sometimes stops working (I'm in So California). I have seen errors on the blind spot monitoring twice, but they've gone away after stopping and restarting the car. Of course I want it to be completely solid without *any* errors.
WLTP of 295 means 220 real world at best, which isn't quite there as a motorway long distance car, but as a second family car/ city car, perfect. Give it a few years and with advances like CATL QILIN or Quantumscape battery this will be fantastic. Had a Volvo once, great car.
@@donaldduck5731 quite usable. Been from Chichester to Glasgow , Glasgow to Manchester and Glasgow to Inverness as well as trips to Melrose, Perth, Dundee without issue since I got mine. When you stop for lunch or to use the facilities you stick it on for a quick charge. On the Chichester run it was more expensive than a diesel as you needed to use the expensive motorway gridserve stuff but for everywhere else it’s cheaper.
I have an XC40 with less range than that and been on multiple road trips without any issues. You just have to charge the car every 2-2,5 hours for a little over 30 mins, no big deal imo especially when traveling with kids. Granted, more range would be nice but not a necessity tbh. I'd be more worried about the lack of space in the vehicle when road tripping.
I have absolutely no issues glancing to the screen to see my speed. And I use the adaptive pilot anyway. Regarding safety, you can press the Google button on the steering wheel and tell your command instead of fumbling around on the screen. Thats how they mitigate the safety. I think the criticism is totally off imo.
We have had our EX30 for three months. Love the car. Design. Finish. Drive etc. but very disappointed with software issues. Feels as if we have Beta version. Shame. Let’s down a great car otherwise.
Such a difficult choice! Both cars are amazing. I loved the Megane when I had it. The style, the handling, the way it felt. But this Volvo is quite something too. I’d need to spend more time with the EX30 to give a fair answer as I had 3 months with the Renault and a week with the Volvo. It’s not the performance either that makes the EX30 so good. It’s the whole package. Both use Google OS which is superb also. Yeah, tough question……
I had a test drive, nice car but don't think it's any better than the Renault Megane e-tech I have now, surprised you didn't mention that as competition, as you also said that was amazing 🤔
The iPad type central screen has no doubt stopped me looking at this ex30. Went back to ice car after owning an ipace for 38 months which let me down badly plus the insurance costs, depreciation etc. Still looking at evs though........but only came close to buying a cupra vz .
Could you explain how please? After a week I have yet to discover the procedure, and does the software remember or does it have to be set up every time the car is driven?
On watching this video, there's another problem. If you're right handed, he's having to stretch across to use the centre screen. Not the case if left hand drive.
Competition - why does the Megane not get a mention. Thought that was your favourite in this sector but didn’t get a mention. Would you have this over the Renault?
The video would be REALLY long (even longer than it is!) if I mentioned every car. The Megane is a C-Sector hatchback, this a B-Sector SUV, so slightly different cars, but that is a fair point to raise, as the cars are a similar price. Which one would I choose? Sophie's Choice!!! So hard to choose. I love the Megane, and I still miss my one. But I also love this little Volvo, despite it's flaws. This has better range and performance, but the quality glitches can't be ignored. Both cars look excellent, and comfort is brilliant in both too. The Megane is a bit more practical too. I genuinely don't know. I'd need to spend more than a week with the EX30 to decide for sure, but I am leaning towards the Volvo on the design, range and performance.
I would argue same sector - all dimensions similar but mute point. Both have shortcomings but not sure I could live with all the controls on a centre screen which for me also rules out the Born which I like. Swapping the EGolf next year and not sure where I will land, both tight for rear space compared to golf which is disappointing as bespoke architecture. I’ve high hopes for the EV3
Personally I'd rather buy a Renault Mégane e-tech. Fully assembled in France using parts and suppliers in the EU, 22kW AC as standard + mid and high spec comes with a heatpump also. Renault are really nailing electrification and have invested massively in their facilities to make it work at scale and long term to be a leader in the EV market as it matures further. Bravo Renault, bravo.
@@Fridcommandergeneric platform, yes. But the #3 has a longer wheelbase and I was at an event earlier this year which had all 3 models (and an EC40 recharge, before EX40) and the comparison the Volvo & Smart people were making was between this and the #3. I guess the #1 is more prevalent on UK roads at the moment so I now see either comparison as fair.
It's a shame you haven't compared with the Smart , for instance you forgive the lack of space and boot because it's a small car and yet the Smart has much more space in the rear and you have rear sliding seats for a bigger boot . Equipment is also standard in the Smart where in the Volvo it's extra and you also get a screen in front of you and a HUD . I cannot believe a make known for safety would give you just one screen for everything! . Love your vids but in this instance you could say ' but the Smart has it as standard ,considering they are the same and compete for teh same buyers . I think people are buying this over the Smart because of the styling and the badge ,the actual practicality as a car isn't as good .
First of all a very good & comprehensive review, just a bit boring. I’ve driven Volvo EX30, Smart #1 Brabus & Zeekr X. Which for those who don’t know are built on the same Geely SEA platform. Of the 3, the Volvo was the most underwhelming in the area that is most important to me, the interior design and materials used. It’s minimalist to the point of being boring asf. All good and well using recycled materials but exactly that, it feels like they raided my recycle bin for the materials. For a brand that has been associated with safety for so many years I don’t see the logic in plonking everything in that central tablet screen. At least offer a head up display, even their sister brand Polestar has this. Overall though, of the 3 cars I mentioned earlier I’d rank the Volvo joint 2nd place behind the Smart #1 Brabus
I will never buy a car that has the majority of the controls you use regularly in a touchscreen. It's far less convenient and also dangerous. I'd be more likely to go for the Megane E-Tech over this, for that reason, as well as I think the Megane looks better too.
Completely agree with you. It's nonsensical to have a driver nanny to tell you off for not looking ahead, then put everything in the centre of the car. I don't agree that it's about reducing costs to make the price lower. If that was the case they'd offer heads up as an option. It's purely about maximising profit margins and to hell with safety concerns.
Voice controls exist. You hardly need to touch any buttons on many modern cars if you use voice commands. I have a Megane Etech and, even with its excellent physical buttons, I control music volume, heating, sat nav etc. Using my voice. Even safer than pressing a button...hands kept on the wheel and eyes on the road.
@@Nomanspie While I'm happy talking to people, I draw the line at talking to machines.... therein madness lies! Physical controls are what I want, not bloody touchscreens, not bloody voice controls.
@24:34 No not like Tesla's Heads Up Display. They don't supply that and have been panned because they don't. Instead aftermarket companies have had to create them for Tedla owners, because that central tablet design is soooo bad.
Looking for a new car and looked at the EX30 and to be honest its great as far back as the front seats. From the back of the back seat to the rear bumper it is cramped and tiny. I would rate it as a 2+2 not a 4/5 seater car.
I booked a BEV from Avis for our holiday in France last week - "EX30 or similar". Was really looking forward to driving it. They called me the day before and said they didn't have any electric vehicles, so would I mind if they moved me up a group (for free) and gave me a hybrid? I was fine with that, and was expecting a decent car. Got there, they gave us a Nissan Juke hybrid. What an utterly horrible driving experience... 🤮
It's actually criminal car manufacturers are being allowed to get away with these unintuitive moves towards totally touchscreen. Put simply it is bad for a driver and there needs to be something done to incentivise them to move back to a combination of a screen and dials
I don't understand why compact cars get the rear 'limited leg room' critical analysis. Why would you choose a a car that's too compact in the first place ?. The fact that it delivers what you expect isn't news.
It isn't so much that we expect small cars to be Tardis-like, but its how it uses the space. The new Kia EV3 makes much better use of teh space in a similar size of car, and that is what you would expect of a car built on a dedicated platform. But Volvo don't seem to have done that. They have designed the car to be like a regular ICE car when they really could have tried something different and maximised interior space.
You're right on the info display. Main reason I didn't buy a m3. My Born has a small cockpit. That's how I think works best. All those dual motor faf is just marketing for the coffee table braggers. No-one needs it.
Also Volvo fully owns their factory in China. And are preparing productionnof the EX30 in Belgium as we speak. It shares plattform with Geely, but hey - You want it to not be too pricy right?
So if you have the bigger battery such a small car becomes liable for the Governments Luxury car Tax next year in 2025 when BEV's are no longer exempt? Surely this will put people off?
I test drove this a while ago, unimpressed with the interior which felt cheap and train compartmentish. Hated that pretty much everything was through the screen.
As described in the review it's a brilliant car totally let down by the software issues that currently exist. In the review you missed the point which is that most features can be controlled by voice commands through Google, which simply means you don't have to touch the screen, so you're not taking yours eyes off the road. Brilliant, but unfortunately whilst Google recognises exactly what you've said it won't always complete the action! Very frustrating. The response from Volvo has been very poor so far. Over the air updates have improved things but too many issues remain, like for example the sound system goes off when you touch the brakes , and the screen can go blank when it feels like it, not the safest situation when you've lost you speedo and Satnav. The EX30 was clearly released too soon effectively making new buyers Guinea pigs!
I just can't get that with a tiny boot and barely any room for passengers in the back and a very average range, this is being so hyped. It's probably great for those who never travel and don't have friends or family haha!
Colour is Moss Yellow and Interior is Mist. Best EV? - Erm no ... close but no cigar as they say. I've never found "the perfect car" and this is a good looking car, especially if considered as a 2+2 ... I was a big fan until I drove it and really would like more basics on switches (such as mirror adjustment) ... BUT ... Volvo has launched with too many software problems. These are gradually being resolved but they really went wrong with the Digital Key and many other aspects. I was going to replace my excellent XC40 Twin EV with one but pulled short as there is too much cost saving. Instead I took delivery this week of the Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range ... and have driven it for 2 days ... and that comes close to being the perfect EV.
Nobody talks about charging, insurance, charging on the road. Its is way more expensive than you think! Nice cars but… unless charging and insurance will be like diesel cars, the. No chance regular people will ever afford it. Not talking about finance, you do not own it, you rent it, might aswell use uber
Two words: VOICE CONTROLS. I can only imagine the frustration of Volvo’s IT team that developed one of the best voice control systems available at any price only to keep on listening to/reading the now common place rant of ‘OMG, no buttons’ …; like reading a Mini coupe doesn’t have enough space in the back seats for two 6+ft adults… Priceless!
I have its sister car the Smart #1 Brabus. And yes it’s a far better car for the money, here’s why. I get a drivers display and a heads up display, 22kW AC onboard charger is standard not an extra, it has an electric roof blind a must with that glass roof, matrix LED headlights, frameless door windows, electric flush door handles, more room in the back seats and with a central armrest and ski hatch. The software works perfectly and has Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. There’s also a third isofix point on the front passenger seat. Both have the same 428 hp. I’m 6,300 miles in and I will never sell this car ever.❤ oh did I mention the puddle lights and multiple ambient lighting & 13 speaker beats stereo with subwoofer?
Never sure why you'd pick the EX30 over the sister car the Smart #1, better equipped, more rear room, HUD (Premium & Brabus), driver display, CarPlay...
@@stephenshannon3706 We also own a #1, there are a few funnies occasionally but wouldn't say it was horribly buggy or any major flaws. Fatigue warning is a bit random but easy enough to turn off. Version 1.4 is being rolled out now, so should hit UK cars over the coming weeks.
@@OldCodeMonkey Hope you are correct about the imminent update. Speed sign recognition is wrong at least 40% of the time. Also, speed limit is not even consistent between the HUD and the main screen - quite surprising that the two are not in synch. Have also experienced the Sat Nav completely freezing whilst on a journey. The only way to clear the bug was to stop and re-boot. Sat Nav intermittently confuses left with right. Nevertheless if they update the software the car is very good, quiet, comfortable and extremely well equipped. Love the panoramic sunroof and electric blind. Also like the 360 degree camera, the excellent audio system and the rear passenger room with the option to slide the rear seats forward to increase boot space. Very versatile. 😊
I don’t want or need 270+hp. It makes no sense for a small family car. Give me 150hp and improved efficiency and range and a lower price and I might be interested. The other issue of course is the total lack of real switches/knobs.
No. It is far from best. This car is pretty tight. Having same wheelbase as ICE cars of C class (Like Focus 2), it has less rear legroom than those ICE cars. It has good dynamics but its steering wheel is numb. It is supposed to be safe, but with its centralized info source it forces a driver to be distracted from the road and then it distracts a driver again with stupid notifications to watch the road. Its buggy software is still being tested but on real users. It has a very average range. It has stupid solutions like big panorama supplied with uncomfortable shade. And its price is quite high. Despite all of this this car is not bad, but it is far far far far far from the best EVs.
I have no problem with the accelerator pedal of the Y. Feels natural. Never heard that a non direct response to the pedal was advantageous to a direct response, till now. If you don't trust your right foot, put the Tesla on chill mode 😅
Incongruence reigns supreme re: instruments. It's a Volvo but failed to provide sensible speed and navigation in front of you. It's Chinese but failed to overdeliver on screens and tech that you'd expect from a Geely Chinese origin car. Instead, some daft designer decided to save money and copy the worst interface in the history of instrumentation, Tesla Model 3. Fail, fail, fail.
Owned our Volvo EX30 twin motor performance ultra for a couple of months - best car I’ve ever driven
Curious however. Why only a couple of months 🤔😊
@@S0me0ne_S0meWhere_SaysHidelivered new in May perhaps?
@@robgreen13 possibly but I don't really understand why some people (a lot it seems) order a new car, receive it then only hold onto it for such a short period of time.
@@S0me0ne_S0meWhere_SaysHidealers for volume; rental companies and wealthy people and some TH-camrs perhaps. Maybe some people get new and then can’t afford the payments … or for rare cars flip for profit. But I don’t think that many normal people swap too often - the depreciation makes it very expensive and I certainly can’t afford that. And lots of new cars are company cars - the accountants won’t want sell them quickly because of the depreciation.
@@S0me0ne_S0meWhere_SaysHiI think you are misinterpreting what they are saying. They have had the car for 2 months not that they have got rid of it
I've done over a 1000 miles in our Single Motor Ultra. It's our first EV and consider it the best all round car I've driven and being 74, I've driven a few! I had no problem adapting to the centre display and have yet to set off the 'lack or attention' alarm. There's been no major issues with the software and let's face it, the fixes are a lot easier than major recalls. It's personal taste but I think most of the competition just look pug ugly and try too hard to look different, compared with the EX30. It's an ideal size for two or a couple with small children and it's a lot of fun when the mood takes. I love it!
Agree. I’ve had mine since 17th June and today realised I’ve done over 3000miles already
Agree, same for me. I have mine since the end of April 2024 and have driven 3800 km.
My daughter has this Volvo and has had nothing but trouble. Up until a couple of months ago you couldn’t just plug it in at home and charge, you had to mess about with charge setting, which would reset the next day. It resets a lot of things and nags you for yawning, singing and for me, wearing glasses. It claims I’m not concentrating on the road. After an update it wouldn’t update the location so no navigation for a week until it fixed itself. You cant access the glove box if the screen fails, or do anything else really. It moves off the line very quickly but having to use a screen to do anything and the lack of a dashboard, or a HUD instead mean a no from me. Buy a Kona. However if they added some buttons, sorted the software issues, gave us a head up display, made the smart cruise buttons a little more responsive,I’d consider it.😊
Excellent review. I’ve been considering ordering the EX30 to replace my e-tron but the lack of buttons was putting me off.
Your clear and honest review of its short comings is a great help. I don’t think the lack of buttons would be that much of an issue for me.
Time to get one ordered.
IMO, the Zeekr X built on the same platform is a much better solution with its separate drivers display and HUD. It arrives in the UK next year 👍
Just done a quick Google. Also seems to be more expensive 😏🙂.
The whole video with your fly open. Amazing.
Got to get those views in somehow.....
😂😂😂😂😂
I really enjoyed watching your video. Good points! Volvo Cars employee here and will have my EX30 SMER MY2025 service car delivered in about 7 weeks. Can´t wait to see how the car will perform. Thanks for sharing the video!
Got to say 1 of the best reviews I've seen on the Ex30 🎉I've ordered mine its comes 7th November 🎉Single motor extended range plus 🎉#cantwait 🎉
You’re 100% right on the controllability. Twin motor is blisteringly fast but never feels dangerous or out of control. It combines this with being very easy and relaxing to travel distances in. With 1.4 software (installed without any drama) almost all the issues have been ironed out and I switch the attention monitor and speed warnings off as soon as I start the car. Only real bugbear are the steering wheel controls and I have figured out that you need to lay your finger on the control THEN push the button. The stereo is ridiculously loud too. Over all I am really enjoying it .
I've owned the car(Twin Performance) for over 2 months now, driven over 7000km in that time and overall love it. I've never once wished it had an HUD to be honest, the speed is pretty much in my line of sight. The only thing I dislike are the minor annoyances, most notably the pilot assist telling me to hold the steering when I already am (without moving it), and I'd probably like the option of a stronger OPD like most people too.
Sad they haven't found a way for a decent PA yet. My XC40 also requires me to pull the wheel slightly to let the car know I'm holding it. Why don't they just use a capacitive steering wheel like other manufacturers do, it's so much better. The entire idea of PA is to make the drive more relaxing, having to pull the steering wheel every 10 seconds is the exact opposite of that.
I've driven a 2008 Prius, which had the speed display smack dab in the middle of the dashboard instead of in front of you. There have been a lot of other cars over the decades as well that had the speed indicator in the middle of the dashboard, like some Renaults if I recall correctly. So apparently it's not even that big of a problem. But if that's most of what people complain about, the rest must be excellent, right? :)
Love this car! This was very close to being my next EV but the boot was an issue with 2 dogs so went for the XC40 recharge twin ultra instead. Great video as always.
I find it interesting that everyone complains about the central screen being the only screen in the car, but they fail to consider how excellent the voice command systems are in the Volvo and Tesla, the latter of which makes the best selling car of 2023 so people clearly get on with it! Also let's not forget Mini have been doing centre Speedo's since the 60's.
As an owner of an ex30 I can also say that you can see the speed easily in your peripheral vision so it's really not an issue.
Ordered plus extended range. Excited to have it soon 🎉
Great review. Very thorough. Cheers
Much appreciated!
We love our EX30. Centre screen took no more than a couple minutes to adjust. For our house hold the small back seat area and right size for us boot works a treat. The recycled materials and made with 100% green electricity meets our ethos. Awesome quick DC charge, spritely road performance keeps us very happy 🎉
Great review, so thoroughly done. I also stayed for the accent:) I am still undecided about this car or one up in Volvo's range but will be taking plunge with of the two shortly as our first EV. Love the size and minimalism - less controls will just require a little reprogramming on our part, I think. Perfect airport run car with enough clearance for a bit of laning to the house. Greetings from Spain. Subscribed!
another gem of a video. well done
Glad you enjoyed it
@@AutoEV Could you please review NIO cars as well? I would be interested in a level headed review of them as they are supposed to be premium vehicles in the price range of Polestar 4 for example.
I would if I could get hold of them.
I think this will be the replacement for our model 3 soon. The touchscreen is fine by me as I never touch it anyway as I set up for me how I wanted it so never has to be fiddled with - the open feeling of the dash is exactly what I like, I hate the confining ‘cockpit’ so many cars have.
I just ordered an SM ER Ultra, currently I have a Suzuki vitara which is pretty much the same length, yet my seat won't go back far enough which is a big issue on a longer journey and the legroom behind my seat is about the same. The boot is maybe slightly smaller on the ex30. I thought the screen worked well, and voice control was better than in most cars I've driven. The drive was better than the other EVs I tried, all on the same route. The driving pilot works well also and can change lanes sometimes for you. Parking pilot worked OK too. But it was the level of comfort that sold the car to me, especially the 4 way lumbar support. No cars perfect but wow I cannot wait to get in it, hopefully at the beginning of December.
I have driven a C30 and a V40 in the past (and in the longer distant past, a 460 and a "classic" V40). I currently drive a Model 3. Hence... I'm used to the small Volvos and I'm used to the minimalist no-buttons interior. Yup, my next car will be an EX30.
A good review, not through Volvo rose tinted glasses and I agree with almost all of your comments.
I’ve had my twin motor performance for one week and have driven it about 550kms on a mix of motorways, country roads and in town. Dynamically it’s great, good handling, steering and suspension and of course the performance is just about unbeatable. The central screen doesn’t bother me at all, a quick glance to the side to check the speed is not different to a glance down. Apart from the complicated procedure to turn on the fog lights all other driving parameters are set while stationary and being buried in layers of screens isn’t an issue, but generally the software is glitchy and unpredictable. Sometimes the car will unlock when I approach with the fob, sometimes I also have to tug on the handle before the door will open. The radio has poor reception and often, but not always, cuts out when the brakes are applied. The alarm has also gone off for no apparent reason but worse off all the brakes have been applied quite violently for no reason at all. The driver aids that are meant to improve safety can be downright dangerous.
We have had seatbelts tighten and brakes applied to stop the car dead for no reason also, I would be interested on your thoughts on this, has it happened since, we have had ours for about a week.
@@symosys The steering wheel shakes fairly often driving on country roads and the brakes have been applied on a couple of occasions. The steering has also pulled quite violently to the side for no obvious reason and I have to drive with a firmer grip than I usually would, ready to counteract any steering input the car makes.
It’s potentially dangerous and an otherwise superb car is spoilt by a multitude of software issues that are supposed to enhance safety and I understand why many testers and owners disable the various so-called driver aids.
Another less serious problem is that the speed limit warning is hopelessly inaccurate, but apparently that is a Google maps problem.
Fair review. I would say that central screen control is a question of adaptation. The head movement from down and looking up to the road feels the same as looking left and back to the road. Our EX30 is a joy. Some people are making too much noise about something being a safety concern when it is really a question of how adaptable you are as a driver.🎉
First of I thought this was one of the best car reviews I have watched .
My son has just purchased the EX 30 and absolutely loves the car , he is of course young and up to speed with flat screen T car technology .
I too am thinking about an EV purchase and this EX 30 captured my attention for its looks and interior design. However like you I worry about eye distraction and of course rear space and boot space . The cheaper Plus version with smaller battery and mileage of approx 200 Mike’s concerns me too. Looks aren’t everything .
So I am still undecided and uncertain as to what to buy !
I want to keep below £40K to avoid the expensive cat tax tariff too.
First of all, thank you for such a kind comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the review, and we appreciate you taking the time to watch it and comment. There are a lot of good cars coming along that slip under the £40k price bracket that offer great space, refined drive and good efficiency and range. I think the EX30 is a brilliant car, but you should also take a look at our review of the Kia EV3 and the new Škoda Elroq. These two give the EX30 a run for its money and warrant your attention. Both reviews are on the channel now.
Thank you one again for your support.
Can’t wait to see the XC90 review.
You should do your trousers fly up,when you’re watching on the big screen it shows.
Yes, thank you. Hadn’t realised!
Bought our EX30 after owning a 2022 C40 for over happy two years. All electric in this household now.
Thanks for the review Bryan, been waiting for this. I had a go in one a couple of weeks ago as starting to look at replacing my company EV, SM extended range version.
Loved the exterior design of it and performance even in the SM version is extremely rapid, but not so keen on the touchscreen. The biggest drawback though is the amount of space you get for the price, it really is tiny in the back and only really suitable for 2. Boot tiny too. Lease rates on my company scheme are high too.
I’ll be trying a Tesla Model 3 on the weekend and a Megane E-Tech later in the week. Both are cheaper than the EX30 on my scheme and offer far more room so will be interesting to compare them.
Right now can’t see myself going for one - love the style but there’s not enough substance for the price.
Had my Ex30 ultra twin for a month so still learning. Great car and although simple to drive it does have some complex tech for assistance driving which are poorly explained in the user manual, I’m still waiting for answers from Volvo UK which my retailer are unable to answer.
Yes it takes me a lot to go and actually see a Car in the flesh, seen this when it was doing it’s rounds at dealers before it was out. Don’t think about the 42k plus for the twin motor performance as your seeing them down to £35k with under 1k miles. Must emit the colour palette is poor with like six colours. I was thinking about this Car then Renault showed me that Retro 5 😂 and thought I can wait and see. The long range single motor seems to be the sweet spot. I’d wait for the refresh model all the same and I’d want a HUD.
I tested the EX30 but I didn't buy one-I bought an EC40 instead. The Ex30 drives well and looks neat and I didn't bother too much about the lack of instruments as voice control works pretty well. What I did not like was in a reasonably sized car at 4.25 Metres the packaging is worse than an ICE car! I am only 5 ft 10" and I could not fit behind my drivers seat. It's closer to a 2+2 than a four seater. The EC40 was more money but is in a different league of interior space. I have the twin motor and it has better range (WLTP of 347miles) goes like stink but is really good off road and can tow almost two tons! Its a very good package!
Personally, I do think the frequent concerns expressed about the speed display being on a screen to the side rather than a dash in front are a bit overstated. I have yet to drive a vehicle with a speed dial in front of me that has not required me to take my eyes off the road (I am not including HUDs in this). I am also left wondering how people who cannot entertain having the speed readout to the side cope with using the rear-view mirror (by necessity, located up and to the side).
If I am driving a car with a "traditional" layout, my safety rhythm is look ahead, look down for speed, look up and left for rear-view. If I am driving a car with a "to the side" speed display, my rhythm is look ahead, then up and left to rear-view mirror, then straight down to the speed. The time spent with eyes off the road is the same.
That is a very good point well made.
Totally agree. It's a question of adaptability. Some aren't and as such report how unsafe or otherwise poor the design is. For us after a couple of minutes in the car there is no problem 🎉
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
You have my respect, I have lovely pre-facelift C30 in Passion Red… and I am just trying to make my mind up between the single motor extended range or twin motor EX30… I know I want black with the indigo interior. I need to test drive both models!
Ooh, lovely. My C30 was a pre-facelift T5 SE Lux R Design in Cosmic White and Java. Loved that car! Then I had another, again pre facelift, a 2.0D R Design in silver.
on a side note, what happens if you meet a car coming the other way? the roads you were driving on look narrow, and all the hedges have not been trimmed.
The visibility is very good down there as the road is quite straight, and there are a few passing places.
Another great video Bryan but I was surprised that you did not make a comparison with the Megane E-Tech because they are almost equal size cars - although the EX30 does look taller so perhaps it is more mini SUV rather than hatch. If it had been available last year I would have considered the EX30 before buying my Megane but nothing now makes me think I made the wrong decision. Yes, the Volvo is good looking although I think the lift up window line to the C pillars looks as bit awkward, as it does on the EX40. The Megane is just drop dead gorgeous from every angle. The starting price for the EX30 is very attractive but the single motor extended range model - probably the sweet spot in the range - is very close to £40k and more than the top model Iconic Megane with a higher level of equipment. TBH I think Volvo have over egged the performance as 200 bhp is more than enough for this size of car to give all the acceleration and speed you would require. Even being rwd doesn’t seem to give it quite the handling prowess to accompany the performance. But ….the biggest issue for me would be having to action nearly all functions through the central touch screen. Too distracting and too complicated and what’s with no CarPlay. At the very least there should be a small supplementary binnacle in front of the driver or a head up display. I haven’t seen the interior of the EX30 but I have no doubt that the Scandinavian influenced interior is nice and well finished. The biggest plus for me would be the panoramic roof - the interior of the Megane is too dark and gloomy.
IMHO the best looking Volvo is the V90 Cross Country which is actually now a few years old. I saw one recently in white with light grey cladding and it looked absolutely fantastic - such clean but sophisticated lines.
I'm looking atnthis car for my next. Currently have an xc40. As you said that's been moved around, but to upgrade in that model will cost me more for less features. May as well look at the ex30 for the same features and cheaper
Local Volvo dealer said the Might..have a the EX30 in their showroom in June or July of 2025. Live in Oregon.
The issues with the software are not limited to to the EX30 - I have a Polestar 2 and the software is extremely buggy. I’ve also had the blank screen, it resetting during driving, CarPlay failing, radio just stopping, etc. I’m not alone, and I keep hoping these issues get fixed with an OTA update but sadly it seems not. I don’t know whether the issues are with Polestar (Volvo) or Google. It’s a shame, because otherwise the car is a belter and I agree on the linear acceleration- it’s so much easier to regulate and when you do stab the pedal, it takes off like a scalded cat. It’s the buggy software that is currently putting me off another Polestar and I really like the P4. Shame.
I've had a P2 since June 1 and haven't ever had the screen fail, although the FM radio sometimes stops working (I'm in So California). I have seen errors on the blind spot monitoring twice, but they've gone away after stopping and restarting the car. Of course I want it to be completely solid without *any* errors.
I got the EX30 and it’s absolutely great for Mexican roads
WLTP of 295 means 220 real world at best, which isn't quite there as a motorway long distance car, but as a second family car/ city car, perfect. Give it a few years and with advances like CATL QILIN or Quantumscape battery this will be fantastic. Had a Volvo once, great car.
@@donaldduck5731 quite usable. Been from Chichester to Glasgow , Glasgow to Manchester and Glasgow to Inverness as well as trips to Melrose, Perth, Dundee without issue since I got mine. When you stop for lunch or to use the facilities you stick it on for a quick charge. On the Chichester run it was more expensive than a diesel as you needed to use the expensive motorway gridserve stuff but for everywhere else it’s cheaper.
I have an XC40 with less range than that and been on multiple road trips without any issues. You just have to charge the car every 2-2,5 hours for a little over 30 mins, no big deal imo especially when traveling with kids. Granted, more range would be nice but not a necessity tbh. I'd be more worried about the lack of space in the vehicle when road tripping.
I have absolutely no issues glancing to the screen to see my speed. And I use the adaptive pilot anyway. Regarding safety, you can press the Google button on the steering wheel and tell your command instead of fumbling around on the screen. Thats how they mitigate the safety. I think the criticism is totally off imo.
We have had our EX30 for three months. Love the car. Design. Finish. Drive etc. but very disappointed with software issues. Feels as if we have Beta version. Shame. Let’s down a great car otherwise.
Between the Renault Megane E-Tech and the Volvo Ex30 which one is your personal favourite and why please?
Such a difficult choice! Both cars are amazing. I loved the Megane when I had it. The style, the handling, the way it felt. But this Volvo is quite something too. I’d need to spend more time with the EX30 to give a fair answer as I had 3 months with the Renault and a week with the Volvo. It’s not the performance either that makes the EX30 so good. It’s the whole package. Both use Google OS which is superb also.
Yeah, tough question……
I had a test drive, nice car but don't think it's any better than the Renault Megane e-tech I have now, surprised you didn't mention that as competition, as you also said that was amazing 🤔
Sophie's Choice for me!!!
13:46 Worth double checking you have your flies done up before you go on camera😉
😂, I did not see that.
thats why i watching this video
My colleague's new one died after 2 weeks, and the Volvo backup was really poor. It is a shame. It is a nice looking car.
great review. Getting mine in 2 weeks. The one you've got there is "Moss Yellow" (not mist yellow :-) )
Hope you enjoy it!
I really like the colour. I am colour blind though so it does look bright to me but I imagine it pops even more (too much?) for most people
The iPad type central screen has no doubt stopped me looking at this ex30. Went back to ice car after owning an ipace for 38 months which let me down badly plus the insurance costs, depreciation etc. Still looking at evs though........but only came close to buying a cupra vz .
I’ll be reviewing the new Born VZ in November.
You can set up the button on the steering wheel to turn off/on the driver aids
Could you explain how please? After a week I have yet to discover the procedure, and does the software remember or does it have to be set up every time the car is driven?
Go to vehicle > controls > steering wheel controls > customise. It then gets associated with the active profile and does not need redoing
On watching this video, there's another problem. If you're right handed, he's having to stretch across to use the centre screen. Not the case if left hand drive.
Who does that?? You'd use your left hand surely!
Hi there! Boot space is 318 lt including the base floor of 60lt or the total capacity is around 380lt?
Yeah im gonna go with the Kia ev3
What that car needs and this also applies to tesla is a HUD. Other than that I think it’s a good looking car.
What you need is a HUD.
Most people can live without it.
Competition - why does the Megane not get a mention. Thought that was your favourite in this sector but didn’t get a mention. Would you have this over the Renault?
The video would be REALLY long (even longer than it is!) if I mentioned every car. The Megane is a C-Sector hatchback, this a B-Sector SUV, so slightly different cars, but that is a fair point to raise, as the cars are a similar price. Which one would I choose? Sophie's Choice!!! So hard to choose. I love the Megane, and I still miss my one. But I also love this little Volvo, despite it's flaws. This has better range and performance, but the quality glitches can't be ignored. Both cars look excellent, and comfort is brilliant in both too. The Megane is a bit more practical too. I genuinely don't know. I'd need to spend more than a week with the EX30 to decide for sure, but I am leaning towards the Volvo on the design, range and performance.
I would argue same sector - all dimensions similar but mute point. Both have shortcomings but not sure I could live with all the controls on a centre screen which for me also rules out the Born which I like. Swapping the EGolf next year and not sure where I will land, both tight for rear space compared to golf which is disappointing as bespoke architecture. I’ve high hopes for the EV3
Personally I'd rather buy a Renault Mégane e-tech. Fully assembled in France using parts and suppliers in the EU, 22kW AC as standard + mid and high spec comes with a heatpump also.
Renault are really nailing electrification and have invested massively in their facilities to make it work at scale and long term to be a leader in the EV market as it matures further. Bravo Renault, bravo.
I thought the shared platform was with the newer Smart #3 rather than the #1.
#1 and #3 use the same platform. And they are both new models.
@@Fridcommandergeneric platform, yes. But the #3 has a longer wheelbase and I was at an event earlier this year which had all 3 models (and an EC40 recharge, before EX40) and the comparison the Volvo & Smart people were making was between this and the #3. I guess the #1 is more prevalent on UK roads at the moment so I now see either comparison as fair.
The EX30 is the best all round car for the money.
It's a shame you haven't compared with the Smart , for instance you forgive the lack of space and boot because it's a small car and yet the Smart has much more space in the rear and you have rear sliding seats for a bigger boot . Equipment is also standard in the Smart where in the Volvo it's extra and you also get a screen in front of you and a HUD . I cannot believe a make known for safety would give you just one screen for everything! . Love your vids but in this instance you could say ' but the Smart has it as standard ,considering they are the same and compete for teh same buyers . I think people are buying this over the Smart because of the styling and the badge ,the actual practicality as a car isn't as good .
First of all a very good & comprehensive review, just a bit boring.
I’ve driven Volvo EX30, Smart #1 Brabus & Zeekr X. Which for those who don’t know are built on the same Geely SEA platform.
Of the 3, the Volvo was the most underwhelming in the area that is most important to me, the interior design and materials used. It’s minimalist to the point of being boring asf. All good and well using recycled materials but exactly that, it feels like they raided my recycle bin for the materials.
For a brand that has been associated with safety for so many years I don’t see the logic in plonking everything in that central tablet screen. At least offer a head up display, even their sister brand Polestar has this.
Overall though, of the 3 cars I mentioned earlier I’d rank the Volvo joint 2nd place behind the Smart #1 Brabus
Just ordered one to replace my 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
I will never buy a car that has the majority of the controls you use regularly in a touchscreen. It's far less convenient and also dangerous. I'd be more likely to go for the Megane E-Tech over this, for that reason, as well as I think the Megane looks better too.
Completely agree with you. It's nonsensical to have a driver nanny to tell you off for not looking ahead, then put everything in the centre of the car.
I don't agree that it's about reducing costs to make the price lower. If that was the case they'd offer heads up as an option. It's purely about maximising profit margins and to hell with safety concerns.
Voice controls exist. You hardly need to touch any buttons on many modern cars if you use voice commands.
I have a Megane Etech and, even with its excellent physical buttons, I control music volume, heating, sat nav etc. Using my voice.
Even safer than pressing a button...hands kept on the wheel and eyes on the road.
@@Nomanspievoice control works.....most of the time...but what about someone borrowing your car, or driving it in an emergency?
@@Nomanspie While I'm happy talking to people, I draw the line at talking to machines.... therein madness lies! Physical controls are what I want, not bloody touchscreens, not bloody voice controls.
@@Nomanspie Voice controls are fine, when they actually work. But that isn't always the case though.
@24:34 No not like Tesla's Heads Up Display. They don't supply that and have been panned because they don't. Instead aftermarket companies have had to create them for Tedla owners, because that central tablet design is soooo bad.
De S and X have a HUD.
The Y and 3 don't.
I really don't miss it.
After market HUDs are available, but I wouldn't spend a dime on them.
@@BendeVette models S & X have an instrument panel. No Teslas have a HUD from the factory.
@@karlInSanDiego
You are right 👍
Looking for a new car and looked at the EX30 and to be honest its great as far back as the front seats. From the back of the back seat to the rear bumper it is cramped and tiny. I would rate it as a 2+2 not a 4/5 seater car.
I booked a BEV from Avis for our holiday in France last week - "EX30 or similar". Was really looking forward to driving it. They called me the day before and said they didn't have any electric vehicles, so would I mind if they moved me up a group (for free) and gave me a hybrid? I was fine with that, and was expecting a decent car. Got there, they gave us a Nissan Juke hybrid. What an utterly horrible driving experience... 🤮
It's actually criminal car manufacturers are being allowed to get away with these unintuitive moves towards totally touchscreen.
Put simply it is bad for a driver and there needs to be something done to incentivise them to move back to a combination of a screen and dials
Unless the front end is made of ceramic, it's going to look like hell in a few years.
I don't understand why compact cars get the rear 'limited leg room' critical analysis. Why would you choose a a car that's too compact in the first place ?. The fact that it delivers what you expect isn't news.
It isn't so much that we expect small cars to be Tardis-like, but its how it uses the space. The new Kia EV3 makes much better use of teh space in a similar size of car, and that is what you would expect of a car built on a dedicated platform. But Volvo don't seem to have done that. They have designed the car to be like a regular ICE car when they really could have tried something different and maximised interior space.
You're right on the info display.
Main reason I didn't buy a m3.
My Born has a small cockpit. That's how I think works best.
All those dual motor faf is just marketing for the coffee table braggers. No-one needs it.
Why does everybody still talk about Volvo, when this vehicle is produced by Geely, on the Geely SEA plattform, in a Geely factory in China?
Designed and engineered by Volvo. Therefore a Volvo.
Also Volvo fully owns their factory in China. And are preparing productionnof the EX30 in Belgium as we speak. It shares plattform with Geely, but hey - You want it to not be too pricy right?
So if you have the bigger battery such a small car becomes liable for the Governments Luxury car Tax next year in 2025 when BEV's are no longer exempt? Surely this will put people off?
I test drove this a while ago, unimpressed with the interior which felt cheap and train compartmentish. Hated that pretty much everything was through the screen.
Can’t understand that there isn’t a HUD ,not even as an option same with tesla
As described in the review it's a brilliant car totally let down by the software issues that currently exist. In the review you missed the point which is that most features can be controlled by voice commands through Google, which simply means you don't have to touch the screen, so you're not taking yours eyes off the road. Brilliant, but unfortunately whilst Google recognises exactly what you've said it won't always complete the action! Very frustrating. The response from Volvo has been very poor so far. Over the air updates have improved things but too many issues remain, like for example the sound system goes off when you touch the brakes , and the screen can go blank when it feels like it, not the safest situation when you've lost you speedo and Satnav. The EX30 was clearly released too soon effectively making new buyers Guinea pigs!
I just can't get that with a tiny boot and barely any room for passengers in the back and a very average range, this is being so hyped. It's probably great for those who never travel and don't have friends or family haha!
Good job we don’t use ours to go from Glasgow goodwood with the tent in it then. Would never have managed it.
So are you saying 4.99 stars for this car
I’ll keep my Kia Niro 2023 thanks
Colour is Moss Yellow and Interior is Mist. Best EV? - Erm no ... close but no cigar as they say. I've never found "the perfect car" and this is a good looking car, especially if considered as a 2+2 ... I was a big fan until I drove it and really would like more basics on switches (such as mirror adjustment) ... BUT ... Volvo has launched with too many software problems. These are gradually being resolved but they really went wrong with the Digital Key and many other aspects. I was going to replace my excellent XC40 Twin EV with one but pulled short as there is too much cost saving. Instead I took delivery this week of the Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range ... and have driven it for 2 days ... and that comes close to being the perfect EV.
Nobody talks about charging, insurance, charging on the road. Its is way more expensive than you think! Nice cars but… unless charging and insurance will be like diesel cars, the. No chance regular people will ever afford it. Not talking about finance, you do not own it, you rent it, might aswell use uber
nice car but at at price point too plasticky and low cost’in its apparence and rear seats too cramped. apparently manage to sell well
Two words: VOICE CONTROLS. I can only imagine the frustration of Volvo’s IT team that developed one of the best voice control systems available at any price only to keep on listening to/reading the now common place rant of ‘OMG, no buttons’ …; like reading a Mini coupe doesn’t have enough space in the back seats for two 6+ft adults… Priceless!
Everything is off the chart. Not sure which chart you are referring to. Except of course the drive ability and safety and the software. Buy an mg4
I have its sister car the Smart #1 Brabus. And yes it’s a far better car for the money, here’s why. I get a drivers display and a heads up display, 22kW AC onboard charger is standard not an extra, it has an electric roof blind a must with that glass roof, matrix LED headlights, frameless door windows, electric flush door handles, more room in the back seats and with a central armrest and ski hatch. The software works perfectly and has Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. There’s also a third isofix point on the front passenger seat. Both have the same 428 hp. I’m 6,300 miles in and I will never sell this car ever.❤ oh did I mention the puddle lights and multiple ambient lighting & 13 speaker beats stereo with subwoofer?
@@garrycroft4215 22kw onboard is standard on the ultra.
Never sure why you'd pick the EX30 over the sister car the Smart #1, better equipped, more rear room, HUD (Premium & Brabus), driver display, CarPlay...
As an owner of #1 I agree with all your points. However, the software is horribly buggy and urgently needs updating.
@@stephenshannon3706 We also own a #1, there are a few funnies occasionally but wouldn't say it was horribly buggy or any major flaws. Fatigue warning is a bit random but easy enough to turn off. Version 1.4 is being rolled out now, so should hit UK cars over the coming weeks.
@@OldCodeMonkey Hope you are correct about the imminent update. Speed sign recognition is wrong at least 40% of the time. Also, speed limit is not even consistent between the HUD and the main screen - quite surprising that the two are not in synch. Have also experienced the Sat Nav completely freezing whilst on a journey. The only way to clear the bug was to stop and re-boot. Sat Nav intermittently confuses left with right. Nevertheless if they update the software the car is very good, quiet, comfortable and extremely well equipped. Love the panoramic sunroof and electric blind. Also like the 360 degree camera, the excellent audio system and the rear passenger room with the option to slide the rear seats forward to increase boot space. Very versatile. 😊
@@OldCodeMonkey personal taste. I find the smart 1 looks not to my liking. I also found the smart a bit wallowing compared to the ex30.
I don’t want or need 270+hp. It makes no sense for a small family car. Give me 150hp and improved efficiency and range and a lower price and I might be interested. The other issue of course is the total lack of real switches/knobs.
No. It is far from best.
This car is pretty tight. Having same wheelbase as ICE cars of C class (Like Focus 2), it has less rear legroom than those ICE cars.
It has good dynamics but its steering wheel is numb.
It is supposed to be safe, but with its centralized info source it forces a driver to be distracted from the road and then it distracts a driver again with stupid notifications to watch the road.
Its buggy software is still being tested but on real users.
It has a very average range.
It has stupid solutions like big panorama supplied with uncomfortable shade.
And its price is quite high.
Despite all of this this car is not bad, but it is far far far far far from the best EVs.
Not yellow??????
Off the chart off the chart off the chart said far too much
Tesla doesn't copy anyone else..........to a fault.......a number of faults actually.
Test drove one of these - and walked away.
03:32 Not even journalists can spell correctly now?
Wow, that is yellow. Like a taxicab,
you fly is open.
Apologies. Didn’t notice.
Could this be the best electric car in the world right now??
No
« He’d be worried about his wife driving a car with that amount of power… ». Good grief!
I have no problem with the accelerator pedal of the Y. Feels natural.
Never heard that a non direct response to the pedal was advantageous to a direct response, till now.
If you don't trust your right foot, put the Tesla on chill mode 😅
Sunnies? When did Scots start using the Aussie term for cooling glasses? 😂
Incongruence reigns supreme re: instruments. It's a Volvo but failed to provide sensible speed and navigation in front of you. It's Chinese but failed to overdeliver on screens and tech that you'd expect from a Geely Chinese origin car. Instead, some daft designer decided to save money and copy the worst interface in the history of instrumentation, Tesla Model 3. Fail, fail, fail.
More or less a 2 seater, not sure who would buy one of these......
An old couple with no children?
@@milesyounghamilton ...who like beating Ferraris away from traffic lights ! But I fear that novelty will wear off very quickly.
It's a city car
@@KingLoftiVII people who don’t need the back seats except occasionally
Obviously, a "curate's egg" of a car 😂.
You non-Americans are just throwing it in our faces that we can't buy ANY decent small EV.