What initially seemed like an unlikely relationship, the custodianship of Volvo Cars by Chinese automotive giant Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has over the past 14 years borne impressive fruit. A fan of the Swedish brand, founder and chairman of Geely, billionaire Eric Li Shufu, initially encouraged Volvo (using Geely funding) to continue with the kind of thinking and execution of products that historically stood out for their inherent style, sophistication and, of course, a focus on safety.
While Volvo has since successfully used its impressive current XC family of SUVs to implement a strategy of introducing hybrid and all-electric drivetrain technologies to the market (while discontinuing diesel), the EX30 represents a significant milestone in the brand's history.
Assuming the role of an entry point to Volvo's portfolio, the all electric EX30 is the first model to feature more technology from its Chinese parent company than sourced from Gothenburg.
Built on Geely's sustainable experience architecture (SEA) that in a different application underpins the Lotus Eletre featured in our April issue - this new compact crossover sits below the XC40 and C40 in Volvo's current line-up.
Complete with a single-piece front fender with no provision (nor need) for air intakes, a futuristic-looking array of LED running lights, and alloy rims with intricate mouldings that cover the wheel nuts, the test team was unanimous in its praise for the EX30's plucky, urban warrior styling.
A closer look at this Volvo's dimensions reveals a footprint similar to that of the Volkswagen T-Roc; the Swede features marginally broader hips and a longer wheelbase, the latter is frequently associated with modern EV packaging.
この記事は CAR South Africa の CAR June 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は CAR South Africa の CAR June 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
CROSSOVER COUTURE
Opel has revived the Frontera nameplate once attached to its rugged Isuzu Frontier-based SUV from the 1990s and attached it to a stylish looking crossover set to arrive here next year.
BMW E36 M3 (1992-1999) SA's first taste of M
When conversing about modern-classic sportscars, few match the pedigree and heritage of the BMW M3.
SATISFACTION TO SORROW
Like the undulations from one side of the Kyalami's Mineshaft to the other, motorsport can deliver spectacular highs and petrifying lows.
FINAL FLING
Targeting his record eighth title, Lewis Hamilton will ditch his long-time Mercedes team for a Ferrari seat from 2025 onwards.
Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Platinum 4WD
The.battle for double-cab supremacy continues, with Ford’s luxurious new Ranger Platinum appealing to the lifestyle-oriented buyer
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d Coupé 4Matic
A fresh face with the sleeker coupé roofline lifts the GLE's appeal, especially in 450d guise
Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Volvo's all-electric ambitions have been bolstered by the arrival of a new entry level model. Is the EX30 the model to change local opinion of EV motoring?
Niche knacks
They are about as deep in the crossover niche as it's possible to mine, but the Ford Puma and Volkswagen's Taigo are more closely matched than you'd think...
TOURING de FORCE
First unveiled at the 1967 Paris Motor Show as a replacement for the stunning Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, the 365 GT is about as accomplished a long distance tourer as you could wish for
Levelling up
Audi South Africa's expanded portfolio of special-edition models aims to combine the most popular specification requests into individual packages