The Volvo EX30 Is An Affordable Family Car Like No Other

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive Volvo’s sustainable superstar, the all-electric EX30.

Long Term Test: Volvo EX30

Part 1: 25 July 2025

JT-P — Wow! That’s a funky shade of paint. Looks like a colour you might see on a Lamborghini.

JT — Yes, I chose it myself. Moss Yellow is a no-cost option and I rather like the look. In fact, it’s not the only thing this Volvo has in common with a Lambo.

Do confess.

Well, our test car is the Twin Motor Performance Plus. It boasts all-wheel drive and sprints from 0-62mph in a Lambo-like 3.6 seconds.

That’s quick. 

Especially for a family car costing just a shade over £42,000. Like all Volvos nowadays, the EX30 is restricted to a top speed of 112mph, but it might surprise a Porsche owner at the traffic lights.

Presumably there are less powerful, more affordable versions too?

The EX30 range starts at around £33,000 for the single motor model, which has plenty of standard equipment as well. Heated seats and steering wheel, Harman Karman sound system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen among them.

This Volvo looks refreshingly different to most small hatchbacks on the road at the moment. I really like the chunky stance, neat headlights and contrasting black roof.

This is a car that looks more expensive than it actually is. I love the door handles in particular: they are easy to use and gimmick-free.  It’s the same inside too, with lots of clever storage spaces helped by the lack of a transmission tunnel.

Best of all, the EX30 utilises lots of recycled materials, like fishing nets, waste from jeans factories and disposable plastic water bottles. Many companies suggest they are ‘doing their bit’ for sustainability, but Volvo has the stats to back it up.

There are plenty of stylish touches worthy of more expensive cars, like the interior door handles cut from metal, ‘floating’ arm rests and quality feel trim.

Yes, but overall it’s the minimalistic design in the cabin that impresses most. Totally clutter-free, with no buttons or dials. Pretty much everything is operated from the central touchscreen.

That does mean you have to spend a little time exploring the workings of the car first, but it’s not too complicated.

Perhaps the only downside of the EX30 Dual Motor is the battery range. Volvo claim 279 miles, but 220 is more realistic. If you want more, choose a different model in the line-up.

And remember, other colours are available too!

Part 2: 17 September 2025

JT — Our long-term EX30 is proving sensational value-for-money. Shame it has to be shared…

JT-P — I assume you mean ‘shared’ with me?

It’s not that you’re one of those infuriating people who leave sweet wrappers in the door bins, or a travel mug in the cupholder. Our Twin Motor Performance Plus model boasts a gorgeous interior, including wool blend seats. Unfortunately, they aren’t electrically adjustable!

And your point is?

Well, every time I sit in the driver’s seat, I need to manually adjust it to suit my body frame. Of course, that was commonplace 10 years ago but now it seems a bit old school. Especially as our EX30 has every other bit of tech on board.

Ha! Well, I am half an inch taller. Otherwise, the infotainment screen operates most functions. We’ve been driving the car for months now and know where all the controls are but you’re right, electric seats would be a welcome addition.

There are a couple of other features missing too.

You mean a speedometer and a decent key fob?

Definitely the speedo, because although Volvo is said to be the safest brand on the road, no speedometer in the driver’s line of sight seems a tad dangerous. Speed of travel is flashed onto the centre screen instead.

Yes, perhaps a head-up display that puts info onto the windscreen might have been a good idea. And what about the key fob? Looks like something from a cheap Christmas cracker, doesn’t it?

Crazy. The EX30 is so beautifully equipped, with premium materials to match the best of Mercedes. However, that square plastic fob is the sort of item you find in a bargain bucket store.

That said, I actually can’t remember a car with a better cabin at this price. Seriously, it’s really good. Cool, minimalist and chic. I used to rave about the interior of a Mini but Volvo has nailed it with the EX30.

Overall, there’s an aura of quality. Some of the hard plastic towards the bottom of the centre console is likely to show wear but otherwise I’m, literally, scratching around for any major issues. 

Hard to quantity the feelgood factor but I genuinely look forward to driving the Volvo. I find the ride very comfortable for such a small car. My only moan would be the small boot.

And possibly space around the back seats? It’s not terrible but two adults might struggle on a longer trip. No problem for kids.

We’ve driven the EX30 on the motorway, across London and in the Cotswolds. It handles all three with aplomb, especially around town where visibility is excellent and the compact dimensions make parking a doddle.

The big, comfy seats are great for motorway work. Our Performance Plus model also has masses of power for a fast overtake. It’s not a sports car but that extra boost of battery power really helps. Do you still love the colour?

I do! 

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Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.