The Volvo EX30 is comfy, silent and perfect for a lively city spin

In the case of this week’s review car, the Volvo EX30, it depends on what you want from the brand’s smallest crossover/SUV.

Go for the shorter-range model (up to 344km, €38,596) with a smaller (51kWh) battery in Plus spec if most of your driving is short, urban driving and save yourself around €6,000 on the price of the next version up the scale.

It is called the Extended Range model and can cover a claimed 476km between charges. It’s more suitable if longer journeys are part of your daily/weekly schedule. With a larger battery (69kWh) it starts at €44,502 (official Volvo figures).

But those same figures show my test car, which was in Ultra trim, takes the entry-level from €44,502 to €51,095.

I think the level of standard spec is high at entry-level and you don’t need the Ultra trim. It’s decent value at that. And there is a third choice: the much more powerful 4WD version that will set you back around €10,000 more than the smallest battery version.

It depends on how much performance you want from your EV (this develops a thundering 428hp; the other two come in at 272hp each) and how functional your requirements are. It sounds like a cracker but...

Pricing for the other two models is good and tight. That puts the baby ­Volvo in the mix with the popular Hyundai Kona, Renault Megane E-Tech electric, Jeep Avenger and puts it up to Volkswagen’s ID.3 and Tesla’s Model 3 as well as growing numbers of Chinese models.

With such a broad base of rivals, do cross-check before making your decision.

Some of the entry-level Chinese models would not be as lavishly bedecked with spec and tech as the Volvo’s standard trim. But if you move up the ladder they can be become quite competitive.

So why should you choose the Volvo?

For starters there is the brand’s ­cachet, something newer rivals will need time to acquire, especially with more traditional buyers who would like the idea of their Volvo being electric.

Against that there is the plain truth lower pricing by some rivals will generate its own cachet, especially among younger buyers.

What else does the EX30 have to ­offer? Let’s do a quick tour. The theme seems to be less is more. Inside and out there is a simplicity and clarity of line and form. This makes it look taller and longer than its official 4.2-metre length.

Bright indigo vegan leather seats gave a sense of cabin space but alas that was my eyes playing tricks with me. My taller rear-seat passengers found knee-room at a premium.

And boot space was a disappointing 318 litres. From a driver perspective, the virtual absence of physical controls means nearly everything is operated and viewed on a 12.3in upright touchscreen, centrally mounted.

The problem was that sometimes I had to search too much for what I wanted and it could be distracting. They have probably gone a wee bit too far in banishing the buttons, especially at a time when others are minded to restore them.

I got quite familiar with the Google-based system but I never felt completely at ease.

I knew it had an Aladdin’s Cave trove of info and I was determined to sift as much as I could.

Being able to open the boot from the central screen was a case in point albeit one born of necessity because I couldn’t find the push-button on the boot itself (until I was shown).

The big screen in the EX30 is ­Tesla-like and, similar to the latter, the rest of the dash/cabin is left to its minimalist theme. I liked the concept. But, as I increasingly do with EVs, I tried to picture it in three years’ time. Teslas of that vintage still look well so there is every reason this EX30 will do so too.

I’m not so sure, as I’ve said, that EVs with just 344km range will hold as well because people will be using more electric cars more often.

In my test car, the driving was comfortable and silent and its compact size was ideal for city driving. It’s a well put-together, simply thought-out small Volvo EV – though it has its faults. My test car was extremely lively (272hp is not to be sneezed at) but steering was too light despite adjustment of weight.

One area of excellence was the accurate projection of battery usage and remaining energy. This is where so many EVs fall down. The EX30’s projected was nearly kilometre-by-kilometre on the nail. I worked it out, with a little help from my friends, that its claimed range was quite close to what we were on course to achieve. That’s the sort of thing that makes you feel secure.

This EX30 is quite a departure for Volvo. In the main it hits enough right notes, including value, to warrant serious consideration.

Factfile

Volvo EX30

• Single Motor Extended Range version in Ultra trim.
• 69kWh, rear-drive, 272hp, tax €120, range 476km.
• Standard spec includes 12.3in touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking assist, 360-degree camera, 22kW AC battery charging, two-zone climate control.
• Ultra spec also adds 20in alloys, panoramic sunroof, tinted windows.
• Ultra price from €44,502. Range from €38,596. Delivery, related charges not included​.