Zeekr X engine tested: lukus-Volvo EX30

Test drive: Zeker X

The automotive world is turning upside down: while we wait for the affordable Volvo EX30, a Chinese “twin” with a distinctive stamp is being launched.

Stockholm (engine): – A completely different car, interrupts Alessandro Massimino, Zeekr’s product manager, when Motor mentions the Volvo EX30 almost as a secondary item.

Because even though Volvo’s upcoming small SUV shares a platform, battery tray, engine, drivetrain and a number of other components with the Zeekr, everyone professionally involved has a firm injunction that the cars must be separated from each other as best as possible.

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That’s why Volvo representatives never talk about Polestar, and vice versa. And people at Volkswagen don’t mention Skoda or Audi – and vice versa.

Here, examples gradually became many. The rapidly increasing collaboration across legacy brand and model boundaries has erased much of the cars’ natural exclusivity. Obviously it won’t get better if you talk about it out loud.

Same battery pack

But then: It’s the big Chinese car company Geely that owns Zyker and Volvo – as well as brands like Lotus, Polestar and Lynk & Co, as well as being a part owner of Smart with Mercedes. This means that a number of models with these markings on the tailgate share key components.

For example, the Zeekr You can find exactly the same number on the Smart#1 website.

design

The Zeekr It is approximately 20cm longer than the EX30 and Smart #1, and shows just how scalable the newly developed platform for these cars is.

It looks as if the extra length has been used mainly for styling purposes. Regardless of the angle, the male has a distinctive appearance.

Basically, speaking of cars that are becoming increasingly popular: it’s becoming more important to stand out wherever you can. By design. Zeker does. The result is successful provided that one likes to stand out.

More skeptical

The door handles are also distinctive, as they fold inwards and downwards, leaving a rectangular opening for you to place your hand into.

It works well in the warm autumn sun on the outskirts of Stockholm, and we’re more skeptical of the frost and freezing rain in the northern regions.

Tesla ease of use

From the inside, the doors are released by a button, logically placed at the top of the side of the door, before the door is pushed out.

However, inside, we register another dormant element in today’s fashion picture. The two screens are identical to most other screens. Functionally, it works well after a bit of getting used to it, and is naturally inspired by Tesla’s great ease of use.

Incredibly fast

In terms of driving, the Zeekr is precise and agile, regardless of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Spinning the wheel and falling slightly with the butt in the previous version is more fun than horror. The all-wheel drive and 428 hp version is of course very quick.

Back seat space is tight for adults. The knee angle will be steep and thigh support is absent as in most small electric cars. But with 4.43 metres, the result should have been better.

Good weight for the trailer

The same applies to luggage space. The volume of 362 liters is minimal. Only the two-part rear seat back reduces the impression of practicality. A 15-litre boot helps a little, and a 1600kg trailer weight helps a lot.

Zeekr’s product is already sold in Sweden and the Netherlands. Work is also now underway to set up an organization in Norway, and according to the plan, Zeekr will be seen on Norwegian roads during 2024. X is the first to go out. Next will likely come the 001, a hatchback about five meters long.

Half a million

The price is not clear. But in the Zeekr environment there is talk of a premium car with a high level of equipment and lots of technology, which should be a step above the Volvo EX30, both in size and price. Then we quickly approach half a million for the all-wheel drive and more powerful version.