Volvo’s small electric SUV, the EX30, will launch locally early net year and the first cars are already on their way to South Africa.
The EX30 will be one of the more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, with the five-strong line-up having a starting price of R775 900 – with 150 pre-orders already placed.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, says the fact South Africa will be among the first countries in the world to receive its initial allocation clearly illustrates this new model’s broader importance to the local market, as well as robust early demand from consumers.
“Typically, South Africa is not in the first wave of a new model’s global launch. But that’s changed with the EX30, as our initial allocation is already inbound.
"This means we’ll see the first examples on local roads at the same time as they arrive in major markets in Europe, North America and Asia,” says Maruszewski, adding he expects the EX30 to be one of the best sellers in South Africa’s burgeoning EV segment next year.
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It has been shortlisted as one of seven contenders in the running for the 2024 iteration of the prestigious European Car of the Year Award, a title won by the XC40 back in 2018. This comes after the XC40 Recharge triumphed in the New Energy Vehicle category at the 2023 SA Guild of Mobility Journalists South African Car of the Year competition.
In 315 kW Twin Motor Performance guise, the newcomer is the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 3,6 seconds, while the extended-range version of the Single Motor (rear-wheel drive) powertrain is capable of covering up to 480 km on the WLTP cycle.
Colin Windell
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