Volvo has once again proven why it’s synonymous with automotive safety. Its newest fully electric compact SUV, the Volvo EX30, has scored the coveted five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests. The achievement showcases Volvo’s commitment to protecting not just its drivers and passengers, but also other road users, even in the chaotic settings of urban streets.
Euro NCAP, Europe’s trusted independent car safety testing programme, evaluates vehicles on their ability to keep occupants safe during crashes and mitigate risks before they occur. Volvo’s EX30, though the company’s smallest SUV to date, holds its own with a suite of innovative safety features that set it apart.
City safety redefined
The EX30’s safety credentials draw on Volvo’s extensive research into real-world accidents spanning more than 50 years. Its robust structural design and advanced restraint systems go beyond meeting official testing requirements. Volvo’s internal safety standards, often stricter than regulatory benchmarks, ensure that its cars are prepared for real-life situations, which can be more unpredictable than controlled crash tests.
One standout feature is the EX30’s intersection auto brake. Designed for urban driving, this system can prevent or reduce the impact of collisions at intersections by automatically stopping the vehicle if another car crosses unexpectedly. Another innovation, the door opening alert, warns occupants if opening a door might endanger a cyclist or other road users, potentially reducing “dooring” incidents—a common cause of cycling accidents.
A watchful guardian
Volvo’s dedication to proactive safety is exemplified by the EX30’s advanced driver-alert system. Standard in the model, it monitors the driver’s behaviour and provides warnings or interventions if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected.
The combination of these features underscores the EX30’s role as a trailblazer in compact SUV safety. Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo’s Safety Centre, highlighted this achievement: “With the EX30, we have taken city safety to the next level, creating a small SUV that looks after you as well as other traffic participants on busy city streets.”
More than safety: a step towards sustainability
Beyond its cutting-edge safety features, the EX30 reflects Volvo’s broader ambition to create a more sustainable future. The company is steadily transitioning to an all-electric line-up and aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Volvo’s record-breaking sales and financial performance in 2023 further demonstrate its ability to innovate and lead. With vehicles like the EX30, Volvo not only solidifies its reputation as a safety pioneer but also as a brand dedicated to sustainability and forward-thinking mobility solutions.
As the automotive industry evolves, the EX30 serves as a shining example of how compact electric SUVs can combine safety, sustainability, and performance in one attractive package. For city dwellers seeking a safe and eco-friendly vehicle, the EX30 could well be the perfect fit.
