9. Volvo EX30
Our choice: Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Plus
It’s a small SUV, but Volvo is hoping for big things from its all electric EX30. Cleverly designed to keep purchase costs down, the Swedish machine certainly looks the part while the cool Scandi minimalism of its interior is not without appeal.
It’s quick too, with even the basic version packing a 268bhp punch. Move-up to the 422bhp Twin Motor model and you’re treated to a supercar-slaying 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds. Not bad for a whisker over £40,000. Of course, the rest of the car can’t manage sports car dynamism, but the handling is accurate and the ride is controlled if a little lumpy.
Then there’s the fact that they all fall into a low 2% BiK banding, meaning company car users pay peanuts in tax. It’s also well-equipped and reasonably refined, even if it isn’t the most practical or spacious small SUV choice. However, the biggest gripe is reserved for the infotainment system, which is tricky to use and houses far too many commonly used functions.
Still, if you can get past this (quite large) quirk, then the Volvo offers quite a lot of dash – in all senses of the word – for not a lot of cash.
