What's the difference?
The EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in Volvo’s small electric SUV line-up.
This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up, all-wheel drive, raised suspension, more ground clearance than a regular EX30 and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations.
But just how much potential does this Cross Country have as an all-wheel drive adventure machine?
Being a mid-size SUV means the MG HS Super Hybrid is placed in one of Australia’s most competitive segments.
The flagship Essence plug-in hybrid pairs family-friendly size with an efficient powertrain, promising efficiency without asking you to fully commit to electric life.
But when you’re up against some solid all-rounders in the market… does it do enough to earn a spot on your shortlist?
There’s a lot to like about the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. It’s an impressive AWD EV. Nice to drive, comfortable and offering the extra driver confidence an AWD system brings.
It also looks good, has a decent stack of features onboard and has plenty of appeal for owners, especially in terms of servicing costs.
As an EV tourer, it has a reasonable driving range and offers enough in terms of AWD flexibility to appeal to those people who may like the idea of an all-electric adventure machine.
But it is small, has a limited scope of off-road capability and pricing is ranging upward for what it offers.
The MG HS Super Hybrid Essence gets a lot right. It’s well sized for families, comfortable on the road and easy to live with day to day.
However, it misses a few features you might expect for a flagship grade. More notably, the calibration of some of its technology and safety systems could do with further refinement.