Volvo EX30 makes a dazzling debut as The Sun’s Car of the Year

Posted October 5th, 2023

The all-new Volvo EX30 has been honoured with its first major awards, even before the earliest cars have reached UK roads.

In a perfect prelude to the fully electric small SUV’s arrival in early 2024, it has been crowned Car of the Year by The Sun and Small SUV/Crossover of the Year in the News UK Motor Awards.

Announced at a presentation ceremony in London today, the accolades highlight the qualities that make the EX30 the benchmark model in its class: a choice of pure electric powertrains, cutting-edge technology and Volvo quality, safety and design, all at an accessible price.

Rob Gill, The Sun Motors Editor, said: “The EX30 is everything you expect a modern Volvo to be – safe, Scandi cool and sustainable – at a price you’d never expect.

“The EX30 is going to be a huge hit. We’re utterly convinced of it. Not only does it take home our Small SUV/Crossover of the Year crown, it is the stand-out winner as The Sun Car of the Year.”

The News UK Small SUV/Crossover award represents a consensus of support for the EX30 across a number of the organisation’s national media platforms, including The Sunday Times, whose Motoring Editor, Nick Rufford, commented: “Savvy buyers have been holding out for an electric SUV that’s smart looking, has vim and zest, and doesn’t break the bank. This mini-Volvo’s sub-£34,000 starting price undercuts not only its electric rivals, but plenty of petrol SUVs, too.”

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “We could not hope for a better response to our newest model. These awards confirm our belief that the Volvo EX30 will help us reshape people’s perceptions of pure electric motoring with a car that suits their lifestyles, their driving needs and, importantly, their budgets.

“Its success will be pivotal to the growth of our brand, taking our leadership in electrified motoring to a higher level.”

The EX30 is the smallest SUV ever launched by Volvo and is built on a purpose-designed electric vehicle platform. In addition to battery electric power that produces zero tailpipe emissions, it has been developed with a focus on keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum, across the complete vehicle lifecycle.

Consumers have a choice of three electric powertrains: a Single Motor version with 272hp and a 51kWh battery; a Single Motor Extended Range with battery capacity increased to 69kWh; and a Twin Motor Performance model with 428hp and a 69kWh battery. Its driving range is up to 296 miles and its battery can be recharged from 10 to 80% capacity in less than half an hour.

The EX30, available to order since the summer, is offered in two equipment grades: Plus and Ultra. The specifications cater for contemporary consumer priorities for seamless connectivity, digital integration and smart functionality, together with high levels of safety, comfort and convenience.

On-the-road prices are from £33,795 for the Single Motor versions and from £40,995 for the Twin Motor Performance models. The purchase price includes a peace-of-mind care package covering the first three years/60,000 miles, including scheduled servicing and wear-and-tear items.