Volvo’s compact EX30 electric SUV offers strong performance, decent driving range, up-to-the-minute tech and distinctive Scandinavian styling inside and out.

It’s a car that makes a strong pitch for space-poor urban buyers lured by the promise of electric motoring and seeing the appeal of its city-friendly dimensions.

There are three variants of the Chinese-made small SUV to choose from starting at $59,990 (MRLP) for the entry-level Plus which features a single electric motor and extended range battery capable of travelling 462km.

Stepping up to the Ultra grade gets you the same motor, battery and range but more kit for $64,990 (MRLP).

The Ultra can be further enhanced with the addition of twin electric motors delivering brisker 0–100km/h acceleration of 3.6-seconds (versus 5.3-seconds for the single-motor), but slightly lower 445km range for $69,990 (MRLP).

All prices quoted are before any on-road costs and any applicable government rebates.

Underpinning the EX30 is a battery electric powertrain based on 400V architecture.

The single-motor variants send their 200kW/343Nm outputs to the rear wheels, while the twin-motor performance model offers all-wheel drive (AWD) traction and punches out a heartier 315kW/543Nm.

All three variants use the same 69kWh lithium-ion NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with DC fast charging speeds up to 153kW, and the ability to charge from 10–80% in about 30 minutes.

At 4.2m long and 1.8m wide the little Volvo is smaller than the best-selling Tesla Model Y and more a rival for the likes of the Hyundai Kona EV, which can be had in top-spec Extended Range N-Line trim for $62,000 (MRLP), or $68,000 (MRLP), for the Kona Premium Extended Range.

Despite being comparably priced and having similar maximum range of between 444km and 505km depending on wheel size, the Kona’s 150kW power output can’t match the Volvo’s outputs, and it offers no all-wheel drive option.

Based on this alone, the case could be made that the EX30 is priced quite keenly, particularly given Volvo’s more premium brand positioning.

Sitting inside the EX30 Ultra is a calming, pleasant experience with a fixed panoramic glass roof providing a spacious and airy feel.

There’s no sunshade as standard, however, so Queenslanders will need to tick the box for the $250 optional screen.

The minimalistic dash style broadly emulates that of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, although Volvo prefers to describe it as ‘Scandinavian living room’.

The main interior feature is a 12.3-inch portrait-oriented tablet screen at the centre of the dash.

There are no instruments ahead of the driver and no head-up display either, with most of the switches and knobs you might expect to find in a contemporary car interior eradicated.

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It's as if Volvo has taken Tesla’s minimalist approach and doubled down on it, with even the door lock knobs removed.

There’s also no external mirror adjustment knob, no electric park brake switch, no stop/start button, nor even a lock or unlock buttons on the key fob.

The EX30 interior is not without personality however with cabin materials, including recycled and renewable flax, wool and denim, all presented in a range of different colours and textures. It’s claimed to be the most sustainable Volvo to date.

The crisply rendered 12.3-inch tablet display includes Google apps and services, plus Wireless Apple CarPlay which gives access to smartphone apps, navigation, and music streaming, plus calls and messages.

Over-the-air software ensure the operating systems are automatically updated.

The Ultra’s front seats are heated and electrically adjusted, with 12-way adjustment including four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver, and eight-way for the passenger.

It also scores a heated steering wheel which isn’t offered on the entry-level Plus, nor the electric seats and seat heating.

Rear privacy glass and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels are other standard features of the Ultra.

The electric window switches are in the centre console rather than on the doors, with the front speakers relocated from their usual door-mount location and replaced by a Harmon Kardon sound bar – incorporating tweeters, mid-range speakers and a woofer – sitting across the top of the dash.

The small glovebox is centrally mounted which seems a bit weird and electrically operated via the touchscreen, with additional storage in the door pockets and lower console space.

Other convenience features include cup holders hidden in the front of the centre console armrest, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, front and rear park sensors, welcome/farewell lighting, ambient cabin lighting and an auto-dim rear-view mirror.

While front-seat passengers are well accommodated, rear-seat occupants will find legroom is at a premium, especially if an adult is seated behind a tall driver.

Having said this, the EX30 is a small SUV, so buyers will obviously not be expecting vast interior dimensions.

Boot space is a reasonable 319 litres with the second-row seats in use, or 904-litres with the 60/40 split rear seat folded.

Safety, as you would expect from a Volvo, is a key feature.

Systems include lane keep assist; oncoming lane mitigation; run-off-road mitigation; blind-spot monitoring with steer-assist; reverse camera (360-degree on Ultra); intersection auto brake; collision avoidance with braking and steering; vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection; rear collision warning and mitigation; rear cross-traffic alert with braking; road sign information, intelligent speed-assist; adaptive cruise control; pilot assist; lane-change assist, and more.

The EX30 can be accessed via its proximity key, tapping a smart card on the B-pillar, or via digital key functionality using NFC (Near Field Communication).

The latter gives access to the vehicle via a smartphone, meaning you can access, start and drive without having a physical key on your person, provided you have a smartphone on you.

Approaching the vehicle elicits illumination of the ‘Thor Hammer’ LED daytime running lights, which is a nice touch.

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On the road, the EX30 Dual Motor Performance is an exhilarating drive.

Acceleration from 0–100km/h in just 3.6-seconds was once the preserve of million-dollar supercars, but is now available in this compact SUV costing less than $70,000.

Indeed, Volvo claims the EX30 dual-motor is the fast production Volvo to date.

Even the single motor variants with their claimed 5.3-second 0–100 km/h sprint time will give the fastest ICE-powered hot hatches a hurry up.

The 2.65m wheelbase combined with McPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension, plus the extra traction afforded by the dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, provides sharp and agile cornering.

There is oodles of grip available from the 20-inch wheel and tyre package with the EX30 proving a precise, predictable, even enthusiastic drive on twisty roads.

The steering wheel features an unusual squared-off design and the weighting of the electric power steering can be adjusted to light, medium or firm settings, depending on driver preferences.

There’s no option to adjust the regenerative braking setting, however.

In summary, there’s much to like about Volvo’s new EX30 electric SUV.

It’s well-built, well-equipped and fun to drive, with pricing that’s on the high side compared with ICE rivals but comparable with the Kona EV.

My main criticism is a preference for a proper driver’s display and just a few more buttons to control the basics, such as air-conditioning.

It’s all well and good to have a stylish, clean vehicle interior, but when that comes with a requirement for the operator to dig into screen menus to perform basic functions, it may well be a victory of

form over function.

The need to turn your head slightly to see essential information, including vehicle speed, on the central screen is another gripe and will feel unnatural to most drivers.

Key info

• PRICE: $59,990–$69,990 (MSRP)
• POWERTRAIN: Single electric motor 200kW/343Nm, Dual electric motor 315kW/543Nm
• BATTERY: 69kWh lithium-ion
• RANGE: 460km–480km (WLTP)
• ENERGY CONSUMPTION: 17.5kWh/100km (Claimed)
• WARRANTY: Five-years, unlimited kilometre (Vehicle); Eight-years 160,000km (lithium-ion NMC battery)
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not tested.
• FOR: Exhilarating drive with fantastic dynamics; good safety features, reasonable driving range, intriguing design.
• AGAINST: Minimalistic design requires some effort to become familiar with and won’t appeal to everyone; no spare tyre (tyre repair kit).