When Volvo brought in the EX30, it added competition to electric cars sold under RM 200,000 as demand from buyers showed no shortage. With the exception of road tax, brands such as BYD, Tesla, Smart, MG can now be seen on all roads around Malaysia, especially in urban areas.
And even more interesting for Volvo, the EX30 is the first Volvo vehicle to be sold below RM 200,000, thus increasing the opportunity for local users to own it. This is Volvo's third all-electric model, after the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, and what's more, it's also the model with the least carbon footprint on the world, making it the ideal vehicle for those of you who want an EV, with a sustainability agenda in mind. .
Inseparable Design With Scandinavian Elements
From the front of the Volvo EX 30, there are daytime running lights (Day Running Lights) popularly called Thor Hammer, with a hammer-like shape. This light will also work as a flashing traffic light, without any sequential animation as is usually found on expensive cars. The front bonnet part of the frunk can be opened and has a capacity of 7 liters, enough to load an emergency kit or a tire kit according to the user's wishes. As if adding to the style, there are also designs of flora and fauna such as Pine forest and Moose adorning the cover and this gives a little difference that is not found in other brands.
One more thing about the buffer (fender) in the front, is like a recycled material. Volvo is proud of the sustainability they bring, where the EX30 model uses a lot of recycled materials, including the interior finishing fabric, aluminum and iron. So this front bumper, if examined, looks like a carbon fiber design but may have been recycled.
On the back is the part that for me is lacking an iconic element. If you look at the rear lights of the C40 or XC40 it seems to have a sofa design, but it is not present in this EX30. In terms of luggage space, it has a space of 318 litres, and there is a changeable pad where it can be lowered, to accommodate larger luggage. There is also a diagram that gives the user an idea of what can be loaded, and if the rear passenger seat is lowered, it can provide up to 910 liters of space to carry various items.
The interior is decorated with recycled fabrics and materials. Volvo also uses fabrics from materials such as wool, jeans, and other fabric blends to cover the seats, door panels, and more. Despite using recycled materials, the materials used do not feel too cheap. In fact, the way Volvo creates storage space is seen as clever in making use of every corner, like walking into an Ikea showroom with a variety of practical functions.
This is clearly experienced from the example of the bottom storage panel that has a door, the user can put a phone or other items, and close it to put a bag or other items. The middle drawer can be used for various other items, and if you want to use it to place a cup, there is another tray that can be removed above the drawer, making it more practical.
Passengers in the back can use the middle drawer, which is also decorated with flora and fauna motifs that are also found in the frunk cover, but here the absence of air conditioning channels for the rear passengers must raise questions among buyers considering the hot Malaysian weather may not be comfortable. This, coupled with the translucent roof without any padding, may make passengers feel hot.
Another thing that seems awkward for the rear passengers is the absence of storage pockets that are usually found behind the driver's and front passenger seats. This will also create storage issues for rear passengers, even if there is storage in the door panels, it may not be enough.
The Volvo EX30 only has one display in the middle, with the upper part displaying information related to the vehicle. The center will change according to the user's choice, and although this electric car is operated by Google, Apple CarPlay users can still tether their iPhone, and the CarPlay display will be available. Completing the display is a Harman Kardon audio system. Even though it's just a 'soundbar' and there aren't any speakers in other corners, the track and sound quality can fill every corner. More than that, the user can also control and direct the sound to the rear passengers through the car's settings.
Exciting Acceleration Performance
For all three versions of the Volvo EX30 offered in Malaysia, it has the same battery capacity of 69 kWh with 11kW AC charging and 153kW DC fast charging which enables 10-80% charging in 28 minutes. The Plus and Ultra versions have an electric motor on the rear axle and can go as far as 480KM WLTP, providing 272 PS of power and 343Nm of torque providing acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
As for the Ultra Twin Performance version, it has a travel distance of 450KM WLTP because it has two electric motors on the front and rear axles, providing 428 PS and 543Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h as fast as 3.6 seconds. In fact this is the fastest figure in all the models that Volvo has offered to date. For all EX30 models, the maximum speed limit is 180 km/h.
During a brief 10-minute test, we had the opportunity to use the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance and were able to perform 0-100 km/h acceleration, slalom and emergency maneuver tests, as well as acceleration while driving. It can be said that the Volvo EX30 provides a very exciting speed, responsive and perhaps a little quiet because even when we tried it at an already unused airport, only the sound of rocks was heard, without the sound of a strong wind roaring in.
But since the test time is limited, I can't know how it will display during a longer drive. I still don't know if there are any driving mode options, like an economy mode that saves battery, or other modes. Also I'm not sure if other settings can be changed, like the level of regenerative braking. Maybe this will be known if I have a chance to use the EX30 for a long time.
The Volvo EX30 is offered in three versions, namely the Plus version for the basic option at the price of RM 188,888, the Ultra version at the price of RM 208,888 and also the Ultra Twin Performance at the price of RM 228,888. Interestingly, Volvo also offers various ownership benefits, such as a 5-year warranty, 8-year battery warranty, free maintenance services that can be exchanged, and many more.
And with this offering it certainly provides competition in the local electric car market, or perhaps will compete with the class of premium brands at a cheaper price than others. If you are interested, Volvo Malaysia is exhibiting the Volvo EX30 at KL Base from 26-29 September so you can come to see and try it.