New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: is Audi’s new baby EV worth waiting for? 

The new Audi A2 e-tron left a good first impression when I went to see it in late August, but it’s going up against some stiff competition. You could also consider the Cupra Born, the Skoda Elroq or, Carwow’s Car of the Year for 2024, the Volvo EX30.

The Audi isn’t available until early next year, whereas the Volvo is available right now. The question is, should you wait for the Audi, or buy the Volvo?

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New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: prices and equipment

The Audi gets off to a good start, because it’s slightly cheaper than the Volvo. The new A2 e-tron starts from £32,200, whereas the EX30 costs £33,060.

Full UK specs haven’t been confirmed yet, but all versions of the Audi will get a 12.8-inch touchscreen, an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. That’s about the same level of kit as you get in the Volvo, only that car doesn’t have a digital driver’s display.

New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: design

I reckon both of these cars are good-looking, but for very different reasons.

The A2 e-tron looks very similar to the original A2 from the late 1990s. The stubby nose and sloping rear end are throwbacks to that car, as is the spoiler across the rear window. I love the rear lights on this car, and the diamond-cut alloy wheels look smart as well.

The Volvo isn’t a throwback to anything, and as a result it does look a bit more modern than the Audi. It’s just effortlessly cool, and there’s something about it which makes you want one. It might be the chunky proportions or the Thor’s Hammer LED lights, either way, I think it’s a bit more stylish than the Audi.

New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: interior and technology

I was really impressed with the A2 e-tron’s interior, because it seems like a real return to form for Audi’s build quality. Everything feels really plush and solid, and I like the multi-layered dashboard design.

The only thing I’m not so sure about is the screens. They have a massive, curved bezel which just looks odd, but at least the infotainment system is pretty easy to use.

That said, it’s not a patch on the EX30’s system. It uses Google-based software, so apps like Spotify and Google Maps are built-in. It’s also just as easy to use as your smartphone, but you might find reading the speed on the central screen takes some getting used to.

It feels just as solid inside as the Audi, but some of the materials aren’t quite as posh. You get more scratchy plastics, although some of them do look cool – such as the hessian-like weave you can have across the dashboard and doors.

It’s a tough call, and while I slightly prefer the Volvo’s design, I think the Audi has the better overall cabin. It just feels a bit posher.

New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: space and practicality

I can keep this bit pretty short, because the Audi is by far the most practical of these two cars. The rear seats are way more spacious than the rather claustrophobic Volvo, offering plenty of legroom and decent headroom, and fitting a child seat is easier as well because the doors open wider.

The Audi has 396 litres of boot space, whereas the EX30 has 318 litres. It’s an open and shut case here really – if you have a growing family, the Audi A2 e-tron is the better option.

New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: batteries and range

You can get the Volvo EX30 with three different battery and motor combinations. The entry-level car has a 51kWh battery and 209 miles of range, while the Long Range model has a 69kWh battery and will do 309 miles on a charge.

Both these cars have 272hp, then there’s the bonkers 428hp P8 version, which sacrifices around 20 miles compared to the Long Range, but adds supercar-baiting performance.

If it’s a neck-snapping turn of speed you’re after, the Volvo is the car to buy. The Audi A2 e-tron is available with 170hp, 190hp, 231hp or 326hp, so it can’t match the Volvo on pace, but it thrashes it on range.

You can choose between 52-, 61-, and 84kWh battery packs, the latter of which gives you up to 401 miles of range. Even the basic car can do 262 miles on a charge, beating the Volvo by over 50 miles.

New Audi A2 e-tron vs Volvo EX30: Mat’s final verdict

The Volvo EX30 is still a cracking small electric car, and it’s the one to buy if you value style over anything else. It’s also lovely to drive, but overall I think the Audi A2 e-tron could be the better buy.

I’ll be driving it soon to find out for sure, but based on first impressions alone it’s more practical, feels posher inside and has better range than the EX30. I think it’s well worth waiting for.

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