Anthony Hibbs took a test drive of the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor 69kWh
Anthony was contacted by Volvo Shrewsbury within 1 hour of making his initial enquiry and took his test drive on 22nd May 2025.
Please provide an OVERALL RATING for the electric car
Rate the electric car on its exterior
What did you like/dislike like about the exterior?
The EX30 appealed to me as it resembles a Polestar SUV, particularly the rear with its distinctive light bar and ‘Thor’s Hammer’ trademark headlights. Apart from the rather featureless front end, I like the styling. Build quality is excellent. Good panel gaps, nice depth of paint, proper door handles. Doors close with solidity, as do the bonnet and hatch.
Rate the electric car on its interior
What did you like/dislike like about the interior and boot?
Boot space is disappointing, even with the removable floor panel lowered or even taken out. The ‘froot’ is even more disappointing, barely big enough for a standard length type 2 cable. Under the bonnet was surprisingly dusty on my test car suggesting a poor seal.
The interior is quite minimal, much is controlled from the large central screen, even the glove box which is in the middle, oddly. This is quite small. Generally, the storage space in this car is limited. However, the seats are a different story: well-designed, nicely textured and very, very comfortable. Rear space, despite the advantage of a flat floor, is again limited. I’m 6’2” and a passenger behind me would have very little legroom. Interior quality is good, lots of plastic but it’s clearly robust and scratch and scuff resistant. The car had ambient lighting and I would like to have driven it in the dark to get the full effect.
On the whole I found the interior underwhelming.
Rate the electric car for its tech features
What did you like/dislike about the tech features?
Everything seems to be controlled from the central screen. Even the speedometer is there and I found it disconcerting to keep glancing left to check it in this very nippy car. The EX30 has the usual EU safety features – lane assist which is very good and proximity warnings which although a little sensitive are very useful in my opinion.
One pedal driving is far too harsh, I personally could not drive with this, much better when it’s off but of course you then have to brake and lose the advantage of regen. Window switches are in the centre console, again something which would take some getting used to. The menus are quite intuitive. Unfortunately, my short test drive didn’t allow much time for tinkering.
Rate the electric car for how it drives
What did you like/dislike like about how it drove?
This car is quick…. very quick. For me too quick. It’s off the mark, like it’s in Sport Mode, but it’s not. I suppose I would get used to it in time but this isn’t how I like to drive. Road holding however is exceptional, like it’s on rails. Suspension is also very good indeed. The car isn’t noisy as such but my test car had a constant background hum, maybe tyre noise? I suspect those who enjoy a spirited style will enjoy driving this car but it’s not for me. The steering wheel is also too thin.
Rate the dealership for their knowledge
Rate the dealership for their professionalism
Did you purchase the make & model you test drove or another electric car?
No
Outline key details of the offer
Volvo were offering £6,000 deposit allowance and 0% finance over three years. A good deal apparently just for May 2025. Part-exchange value however was poor, more than negating the great finance offer.
See other Test Drive Reviews HERE
