I drove the Volvo EX30

WE’RE only half way through the year and I’m struggling to keep up with everything.

Luton Town will be playing Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League next season.

The golf war is over. Schofield’s signed on the dole. They’re even putting security tags on Kenco.

Here’s another one I didn’t see coming: Volvo is making cheaper electric cars than Ford and Vauxhall.

We all know Volvo as the Scandi-cool alternative to the flashy German three — BMW, Audi and Merc.

But this baby SUV called EX30 will start from £31k — and they’ll even service it for you for free for the first three years.

That’s £2k cheaper than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric, £7k less than a Vauxhall Mokka Electric and £14k below the upcoming Ford Explorer.

I repeat, £14k. You could furnish your home top to bottom at Ikea with the money you’ll save.

Even the battery-powered Ford Puma coming next year will cost more.

That’s not to say the Swedes are cutting corners here. They just don’t do that.

You’re still getting every safety aid that’s ever been invented.

It’s got a Google brain in the middle of the dash, 5G connectivity and a 1.2-metre wide soundbar.

And it’s a Volvo. So it’s cool and understated in a way that few brands can match.

The obvious question is: How can Volvo undercut Ford and Vauxhall like this?

Firstly, because EX30 will be made in China using the same underpinnings as the new Smart #1 SUV and other models.

Secondly, the battery chemistry in the base model is lithium iron phosphate (LFP), which is less energy dense but cheaper to make than the batteries used in most other EVs.

Most others use nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).

Now let’s look at this car in a bit more detail.

EX30 is almost identical in size to a Nissan Juke. So it’ll be easy to thread around town and to park.

The 49kWh base car is 272hp, rear-wheel drive and will do 214 miles non-stop.

The 64kWh NMC version at £38k has a lot more stamina, increasing range to an impressive 298 miles. You’ll want to stop to refuel before the car does.

Then, sitting at the top of the tree, is the hilarious 428hp all-wheel drive twin-motor Performance version from £41k.

It’s the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever, catapulting from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Just remember to wear a cagoule when the kids throw up their Cheerios on the way to school.

All Volvos have a top speed limited to 112mph.

While I remember, the front end of this car was supposedly inspired by the Mandalorian helmet from Star Wars.

The headlights are like Thor’s hammer.

You can have upcycled denim on the doors and dash. Lit.

There’s a beefy Cross Country version in the oven too, with the obligatory raised ride height, body cladding and a roof rack.

I had a natter with Volvo boss Jim Rowan at yesterday’s launch and he told me: “This small and beautiful car is an espresso shot of Volvo.

“It distills everything we love about our cars in a smaller package.

“There’s no compromise on safety, quality or customer experience and it’s the price of an equivalent combustion-engined car.”

And way cheaper than a Ford.

Order now for delivery in early 2024.

IN other news, Volvo has axed the XC40 plug-in hybrid but will continue to sell the popular XC40 petrol at £36k and the electric XC40 Recharge from £46k.

The S90 and V60 Cross Country and V90 Cross Country are also being withdrawn in the UK.