Volvo has, historically, been known for making quite conventionally-designed and engineered cars, with safety and longevity put at the top of the priority list.

So when Volvo announced the new EX30 electric car, it broke with a lot of its tradition in developing a brand-new car built with a heavy emphasis on 'Software Defined Features'. The result? A car with impressive performance for its price - and a very spartan, perfunctory interior.

But has Volvo managed to break its mold and move away from the blocky station wagons and SUVs of the past? Has it managed to make the affordable premium family car that others haven't yet?

Or does all the tech-first thinking get in the way for true car fans?

00:00 - Introduction (Music: Omri Smadar - Plantation) 01:52 - Montage (Music - Fryderyk HD - Spaced Out) 02:43 - Nikki's driven plenty of Volvos over the years... 03:23 - This is a software-defined car 04:05 - The centre touchscreen 05:12 - Marker 9 05:44 - Android Automotive and the touch-screen OS 06:25 - Security questions? 07:52 - Distractions over physical buttons 09:48 - Metric to Imperial converions! 10:43 - On-board safety tech 11:55 - Emergency Stop 12:31 - Interior - and Tesla vibes... everywhere 15:15 - Why the change, Volvo? 16:36 - Cabin filtration 17:32 - Frustration over mirror and seat adjustment 18:59 - Performance and specs 22:02 - Communicative driving 23:34 - The steering wheel and its shape 25:02 - You could drive this all day... 25:40 - Battery packs 27:42 - Turning circle 28:35 - Technically proficient in its drivetrain and handling 29:09 - Charging capabilities 31:35 - Connected services 31:56 - Audio 33:51 - Centre floor 'boat area' 34:31 - Exceptional to drive... but... That's where it ends 34:55 - Final Thoughts 42:52 - Thanks, and Goodbye!

Presenters: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield, Editor, Colorist: Vi Horton Art and Animation: Erin Carlie Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield Music supplied through Artlist.io (See chapter markers for relevant audio titles) © Transport Evolved LLC, 2025

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