VOLVO EC40

Electric SUV is a winner in our man's eyes

- Darren Wilson [e-mail]

I RECENTLY completed my annual pilgrimage to the Auto Express New Car Awards photoshoot and used the opportunity to grab a quick picture of our long-term EC40 test car beside Volvo's award-winning EX30. The EX30 scooped the award for Best Small Premium SUV, and although it may be newer in terms of looks and tech, I’m still smitten with our older, bigger electric crossover.

In fact, I enjoy its simplicity, comfort and practicality so much that I chose to drive the EC40 back and forth to the photoshoot rather than swap into any one of our award-winning cars. I've never done that before; I'd usually pick something else, so it’s high praise in itself.

I found the Volvo a comforting joy to drive both first thing in the morning and last thing at night (after very long days). Excellent and familiar navigation directions helped me, as did the easy one-touch controls on the steering wheel and touchscreen.

After stints running previous New Car Award winners, including the latest MINI Countryman and our 2023 Car of the Year, the Hyundai Kona, I'd pick the Volvo EC40 as my own personal favourite long-term electric test car. I’m not suggesting it’s a better package than any our judging panel has selected over recent years, but it does fit me just about perfectly. That is something that has really come to light over the past six months and exactly what these reports are all about.