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Question of the Day: Which is the most hair-raising South African mountain pass you've driven?
2024 Volvo EX30
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Paywall:
Volvo here to stay with 4 new cars, including the one everyone wants - EX30 Cross Country
Volvo here to stay with 4 new cars, including the one everyone wants - EX30 Cross Country
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Review: 2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Verdict
The latest model in Volvo’s EX30 lineup is a neat little thing, with the Cross Country package adding some adventure-focused appeal to what is an already admirable emissions-free crossover. It is quite niche, however, and whether local buyers will actually venture off-road (albeit only to a mild extent) remains to be seen. But from our experience, if you were to do so, this Volvo is, indeed, a capable soft-roader.
Though, if you’re in the market for an EX30 and not planning on traversing mild gravel roads, we’d maintain the Single Motor Extended Range model in (R968 400) Plus grade, which we evaluated for a road test in May 2025, remains the variant of choice in the local EX30 lineup.
2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country specifications
Price: R1 165 000
Powertrain: dual electric motors
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 315 kW
Torque: 543 N.m
0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Energy consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km (claimed)
Electric range: 427 km (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
www.carmag.co.za
Verdict
The latest model in Volvo’s EX30 lineup is a neat little thing, with the Cross Country package adding some adventure-focused appeal to what is an already admirable emissions-free crossover. It is quite niche, however, and whether local buyers will actually venture off-road (albeit only to a mild extent) remains to be seen. But from our experience, if you were to do so, this Volvo is, indeed, a capable soft-roader.
Though, if you’re in the market for an EX30 and not planning on traversing mild gravel roads, we’d maintain the Single Motor Extended Range model in (R968 400) Plus grade, which we evaluated for a road test in May 2025, remains the variant of choice in the local EX30 lineup.
2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country specifications
Price: R1 165 000
Powertrain: dual electric motors
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 315 kW
Torque: 543 N.m
0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Energy consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km (claimed)
Electric range: 427 km (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Review: 2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country
We flew, ahem, cross-country to sample Volvo’s adventure-focused EX30 in Johannesburg. First impressions on the EX30 Cross Country here...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CNET review of the EX30
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volvo SA Unveils One-Off EX30 Cross Country
Volvo has unveiled a one-off version of the EX30 Cross Country, which celebrates South African heritage and sustainability.
Following the local debut of the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, which we sampled in Gauteng, the Swedish marque’s South African arm has created a one-off version that pays homage to South Africa’s passion for the outdoors, countryside, and sustainable exploration.
The bespoke EX30 Cross Country features a satin gloss wrap in bright burnt sienna and ochre with linework graphics inspired by South Africa’s landscape, cultural heritage, and musical rhythms. On the side, a quote from South African singer Dodo Nyoka, who was chosen to endorse this special EX30 Cross Country, reads, “I never fit in the world, then I realised I was made to create a place where everyone can fit in.”
Purpose-built accessories have also been fitted, adding extra functionality to the EX30 Cross Country. A Volvo roof rack and a soft textile Volvo bag, replete with embroidered details, are present, while a Thule fishing rod and potjie pot holder continue the South African-inspired theme. A set of four Hella spotlights is fitted to the roof for increased visibility, and Falken all-terrain tyres and Volvo mudflaps add to the car’s adventure-ready provisos.
www.carmag.co.za
Volvo has unveiled a one-off version of the EX30 Cross Country, which celebrates South African heritage and sustainability.
Following the local debut of the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, which we sampled in Gauteng, the Swedish marque’s South African arm has created a one-off version that pays homage to South Africa’s passion for the outdoors, countryside, and sustainable exploration.
The bespoke EX30 Cross Country features a satin gloss wrap in bright burnt sienna and ochre with linework graphics inspired by South Africa’s landscape, cultural heritage, and musical rhythms. On the side, a quote from South African singer Dodo Nyoka, who was chosen to endorse this special EX30 Cross Country, reads, “I never fit in the world, then I realised I was made to create a place where everyone can fit in.”
Purpose-built accessories have also been fitted, adding extra functionality to the EX30 Cross Country. A Volvo roof rack and a soft textile Volvo bag, replete with embroidered details, are present, while a Thule fishing rod and potjie pot holder continue the South African-inspired theme. A set of four Hella spotlights is fitted to the roof for increased visibility, and Falken all-terrain tyres and Volvo mudflaps add to the car’s adventure-ready provisos.
Volvo SA Unveils One-Off EX30 Cross Country
Celebrating South Africa's love for the outdoors, Volvo SA has unveiled a one-of-a-kind EX30 Cross Country...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Battle of the electric crossovers: Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30
Two funky but mainstream TopGear.com Electric Awards winners go head to head - where should you put your money?
Still, we like the eco friendly Volvo a lot here at TG, so there’ll be no stripping of previously won titles here. It’s a handsome little car with its ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights, chunky door handles and two tone roof. With pleasing colour combinations and plush but sustainable materials, it feels pretty smart inside too despite its rather bare appearance. And yet, if we were to pick one of these dinky crossovers to live with on a daily basis, it would absolutely have to be the EV3. Its design is perhaps slightly Marmite, and it doesn’t quite have the same ‘small but premium’ feel as the Swede, but the Kia is simply far more practical, generally easier to operate and (crucially) hugely efficient.
Two funky but mainstream TopGear.com Electric Awards winners go head to head - where should you put your money?
Still, we like the eco friendly Volvo a lot here at TG, so there’ll be no stripping of previously won titles here. It’s a handsome little car with its ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights, chunky door handles and two tone roof. With pleasing colour combinations and plush but sustainable materials, it feels pretty smart inside too despite its rather bare appearance. And yet, if we were to pick one of these dinky crossovers to live with on a daily basis, it would absolutely have to be the EV3. Its design is perhaps slightly Marmite, and it doesn’t quite have the same ‘small but premium’ feel as the Swede, but the Kia is simply far more practical, generally easier to operate and (crucially) hugely efficient.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT launch review of the EX30 Cross Country
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Auto Social UK review of the EX30 Cross Country
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Living With It: 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance [Update]
www.carmag.co.za
Living With It: 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance [Update]
The arrival of the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance in our long-term fleet brings with it an injection of electrified pace...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
EX30 helps Volvo to best September sales figures on record
Firm attributes success to EX30 model and direct sales; pledges to learn from EX90 tech issues
Volvo had its best September yet for car sales in the UK last month, a success attributed to the introduction of its EX30 model and an improved retail sales model, according to managing director Nicole Melillo Shaw.
The Swedish brand sold 11,569 cars last month, up 23% on last year and accounting for 3.7% overall market share. Year-to-date, it has increased 5%, from 49,177 to 51,388 units.
Talking about September's sales, Melillo Shaw told Autocar: “What it really comes down to is that we’ve moved to the direct-to-consumer model, we’ve launched the EX30 and we’ve really got to grips with our retail journey.
www.autocar.co.uk
Firm attributes success to EX30 model and direct sales; pledges to learn from EX90 tech issues
Volvo had its best September yet for car sales in the UK last month, a success attributed to the introduction of its EX30 model and an improved retail sales model, according to managing director Nicole Melillo Shaw.
The Swedish brand sold 11,569 cars last month, up 23% on last year and accounting for 3.7% overall market share. Year-to-date, it has increased 5%, from 49,177 to 51,388 units.
Talking about September's sales, Melillo Shaw told Autocar: “What it really comes down to is that we’ve moved to the direct-to-consumer model, we’ve launched the EX30 and we’ve really got to grips with our retail journey.
Who needs estate cars, anyway...? Volvo just had its best September in the UK so far | Autocar
Firm attributes success to EX30 model and direct sales; pledges to learn from EX90 tech issues
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Paywall:
REVIEW | The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is strikingly elegant with potent performance
REVIEW | The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is strikingly elegant with potent performance
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volvo EX30 Cross Country Becomes First EV to Conquer Sani Pass
A milestone moment for Volvo, the EX30 Cross Country has become the first all-electric car to successfully ascend Sani Pass.
Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) has announced the EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle (EV) to successfully ascend Sani Pass – a feat the Swedish firm’s local arm says proves that sustainable mobility can thrive in even the most extreme conditions.
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”
“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity. The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”
In addition, the EX30 Cross Country achieved this milestone through running on solar-sourced power alone, with CHARGE installing a solar-powered EV charging station for the Gothenburg carmaker at Premium Resort Sani Pass, located below Sani Pass at 1 566 metres – making it the highest solar-powered EV charger in South Africa.
www.carmag.co.za
A milestone moment for Volvo, the EX30 Cross Country has become the first all-electric car to successfully ascend Sani Pass.
Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) has announced the EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle (EV) to successfully ascend Sani Pass – a feat the Swedish firm’s local arm says proves that sustainable mobility can thrive in even the most extreme conditions.
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”
“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity. The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”
In addition, the EX30 Cross Country achieved this milestone through running on solar-sourced power alone, with CHARGE installing a solar-powered EV charging station for the Gothenburg carmaker at Premium Resort Sani Pass, located below Sani Pass at 1 566 metres – making it the highest solar-powered EV charger in South Africa.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country Becomes First EV to Conquer Sani Pass - CAR Magazine
A milestone moment for Volvo, the EX30 Cross Country has become the first all-electric car to successfully ascend Sani Pass
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volvo's EX30 Cross Country breaks records: first EV to tackle the treacherous Sani Pass
Volvo has become the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to drive up the historic Sani Pass into Lesotho in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Closing South African Transport Month, the EX30 Cross Country ticked a box in the record books, proving that sustainable mobility can also thrive in some of the harshest conditions 56 years after the first Volvo climbed the pass in 1969.
Exploration and innovation
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, managing director of VCSA.
“It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”
Locke added that the historic journey also marks a moment to reflect on the evolution of exploration and innovation.
“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity.
"The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”
During the ascent, the EX30 Cross Country navigated steep gradients, hairpin bends, and rocky terrain with precision and composure, demonstrating that EVs can confidently tackle landscapes once considered exclusive to combustion engines.
Volvo has become the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to drive up the historic Sani Pass into Lesotho in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Closing South African Transport Month, the EX30 Cross Country ticked a box in the record books, proving that sustainable mobility can also thrive in some of the harshest conditions 56 years after the first Volvo climbed the pass in 1969.
Exploration and innovation
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, managing director of VCSA.
“It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”
Locke added that the historic journey also marks a moment to reflect on the evolution of exploration and innovation.
“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity.
"The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”
During the ascent, the EX30 Cross Country navigated steep gradients, hairpin bends, and rocky terrain with precision and composure, demonstrating that EVs can confidently tackle landscapes once considered exclusive to combustion engines.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volvo EX30 Cross Country (2025) Review
FAST FACTS
Model: Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Price: R1 165 000 (October 2025)
Engine: Two electric motors
Transmission: Automatic transmission
Power/Torque: 315 kW/543 Nm
0-100 kph: 3.7 sec (claimed)
Claimed consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km
Luggage capacity: 400-1 000 litres + 7-litre “frunk”
Volvo EX30 Cross Country Price and after-sales support
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance costs R1 165 000 (November 2025), which includes 2 years of complimentary public charging, a Gridcars charger installed at your home, and 10 GB of Vodacom data every month for 3 years. The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 3-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Cynics will say the notion of taking an electric car on off-tar adventures is silly, because range anxiety will rear its ugly head once you venture away from urban centres in an EV. Also, a raised ride height and extra body cladding may not be sufficient reasons to purchase the Cross Country version over the already competent EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance, given how infrequently the range-topping variant will be put to full use. Sure, but when has logic ever played a dominant role in the car-buying decision process?
Cars don’t exist only to transport us; they’re extensions of ourselves and should make us smile. For that reason, we love the Cross Country’s “silliness” and image. Few cars are as niche and interesting as this EX30 variant. We don’t know why it exists, but we’re glad it does. If you buy one, you’re in for a fun time.
FAST FACTS
Model: Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Price: R1 165 000 (October 2025)
Engine: Two electric motors
Transmission: Automatic transmission
Power/Torque: 315 kW/543 Nm
0-100 kph: 3.7 sec (claimed)
Claimed consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km
Luggage capacity: 400-1 000 litres + 7-litre “frunk”
Volvo EX30 Cross Country Price and after-sales support
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance costs R1 165 000 (November 2025), which includes 2 years of complimentary public charging, a Gridcars charger installed at your home, and 10 GB of Vodacom data every month for 3 years. The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 3-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Cynics will say the notion of taking an electric car on off-tar adventures is silly, because range anxiety will rear its ugly head once you venture away from urban centres in an EV. Also, a raised ride height and extra body cladding may not be sufficient reasons to purchase the Cross Country version over the already competent EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance, given how infrequently the range-topping variant will be put to full use. Sure, but when has logic ever played a dominant role in the car-buying decision process?
Cars don’t exist only to transport us; they’re extensions of ourselves and should make us smile. For that reason, we love the Cross Country’s “silliness” and image. Few cars are as niche and interesting as this EX30 variant. We don’t know why it exists, but we’re glad it does. If you buy one, you’re in for a fun time.