Volvo’s appropriately-named ‘Pilot Assist’ accurately portrays the system functionality. The promotional material and the handbook correctly indicate the limitations of the system capabilities. System status information is clearly displayed but is not in the driver’s direct line of sight. The sensing of the driver’s hands on the steering wheel was judged not to be robust, and the EX30 does not ‘lockout’ the assistance system if there are repeated warnings. The car’s driver monitoring system detects fatigue and several types of distraction. The system balances driver steering input with lane guidance, promoting co-operative driving.

The EX30 combines map-based speed limit information with real time camera inputs to manage fixed, variable and temporary speed limit signs but does not react to road features such as curves and junctions. The car responds to avoid or mitigate a collision in most of the test scenarios for automatic cruise control. The driver is supported through the S-Bend, staying within the lane at all but the highest test speed. The Volvo has a lane change assist feature. In the case of an unresponsive driver, the car comes to a controlled stop within its driving lane. If the radar or camera is blocked, the EX30 provides a timely warning and prevents system activation.

‘Pilot Assist’, as fitted to the Volvo EX30, offers a reasonable balance between Driver Engagement and Vehicle Assistance, the former scoring more poorly and dictating the score for ‘Assistance Competence’. Combined with a good level of Safety Back-Up, the system, overall, offers Moderate highway assistance.