GULLTRÄSK, Sweden — The irony of testing the new 2025 Volvo EX30 on a frozen lake mere miles south of the Arctic Circle is about as strong as the nonstop snow whipping my face upon exiting the sumptuously warm haven that is this little crossover’s colorful interior. Chances are, very few EX30 buyers in the United States will find themselves in such extreme conditions that studded winter tires become a non-negotiable item.
Unlike most winter-stricken American states, Sweden doesn’t use salt to help clear snow and ice from its roads. Instead, gravel is used in abundance, but frankly, it’s not much help when snow consistently covers it right back up. What you’re left with is hard-packed snow on all the roads, making studded tires – that you hear everywhere while walking around town – compulsory and something you don’t want to argue about.
I flick the new column shifter that also doubles as a cruise control activation switch – no Orrefors crystal here – down into “Drive,” and off I go in the quick-but-not-alarmingly-so RWD version. Despite the studded tires, the EX30 is quiet and refined enough inside to earn the Volvo badge. The snowy, forested roads twist and meander, presenting occasional dips that challenge this little car’s suspension.
Björnträsk Ice Track – with ice measuring about 3 feet thick at this time of year – consists of 75 turns with nary a break in between any of them. The best way to attack it is with a firm and confident grace. Trust the studs in the Michelin X-Ice North4 tires Volvo has fitted to all its EX30s, and don’t overdrive the car.
The EX30’s squircle of a steering wheel has a very small diameter with a soft wrapping and a rim of medium thickness – in other words, it’s damn-near perfect for this sort of driving. Steering effort itself is light even in the “Firm” mode, and it’s essentially effortless in “Light” – I preferred to keep it in Firm to offer up the most resistance and artificial “feel” to control the drifts.
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