Automobile designer Caspar Kessels has shared a video of Autocar UK’s editor-in-chief struggling to find how to turn on the fog lights on a Volvo EX30 – screenshot
Automotive journalist and Autocar UK editor-in-chief Matt Prior spots an unfortunate omission in the Volvo EX30. Although he appreciated the compact electric SUV, he felt uncomfortable as the car was not suitable for driving in places or foggy days.
The unique climate of the UK, where Pryor lives, makes it one of the markets with the highest demand and frequency of fog lights. Therefore, every car that wants to sell well here must generally meet the requirements: good fog lights and must be turned on as quickly as possible.
However, with the Volvo EX30, Matt Pryor had to perform several operations on the entertainment screen to turn on the fog lights.
When used for the first time, users will be very confused to understand how to turn on the light. Even with familiarity, activating the fog lights will require the driver to navigate through two submenus before reaching the correct page.
Turning on the fog lights can be quite stressful as you go through several steps – Video: Autocar/Caspar Kessels/X
In situations where fog lights are required, visibility is often limited. If the driver is forced to take his eyes off the road to tap the touch screen a few times, that’s not very safe.
The reason for this inconvenience is said to be the minimalist tendency. Automakers are starting to incorporate more functions into touchscreens, including on-off switches for some commonly used features. When integrating multiple features into one screen, it is inevitable that you will have to access multiple submenus.
The Volvo EX30 is not the only car model that has this problem. For example, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.
Ignoring the inconvenience of touching the screen too much, the Volvo EX30 is still a remarkable car model with a typical Volvo design, combining safety with convenience and aesthetics. The interior uses sustainable materials such as recycled denim and linen, while the dashboard features a 12.3-inch central display and Harman Kardon sound system that spans the width of the dashboard.
Barring the unnecessary complexity of turning on the fog lights, the EX30 is still worthy of being a Volvo car – a brand renowned for safety. Notable features include a warning system to prevent accidents when opening a car door – Photo: Volvo
Due to the use of batteries, Volvo paid special attention to the use of battery containers made of high-strength steel, which reduces the possibility of the batteries being damaged in the event of a collision. The A, C and roof columns also use steel reinforcement to optimize structural integrity. The airbag for the second row of seats is located under the driver’s seat, reducing head and chest injuries in the event of a side collision.
ADAS includes a door open warning system that uses radar to detect moving objects from behind, emitting a warning sound if someone in the car is about to open the door to prevent accidents. In addition, the car also integrates sensors behind the steering wheel to monitor eye and facial movements, detecting loss of concentration or drowsiness.
Volvo EX30 has been launched in the Southeast Asian market. If it comes to Vietnam and has the same price in Thailand, this car will fall in the same price range as the VinFast VF8 – Photo: Volvo
The updated version of Volvo’s Parking Pilot Assist shows that the system is capable of handling a variety of parking situations, whether paired horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
This car model was launched in the Southeast Asian market with 3 versions at an event in Thailand in September 2023. The car will be delivered in 2024 with an expected conversion price of 1.08 to 1.3 billion VND, which is comparable to the VinFast VF 8 even though its size is similar to the VinFast VF 6.
