Volvo has opened orders for the EX30 – its smallest-ever SUV and a “cornerstone” in its plans to go fully electric from 2030.

Starting deliveries from the first quarter of 2024, Volvo’s baby SUV is priced from £33,795 and comes with an official range of up to 298 miles.

“A small car with big potential”, the EX30 will be built in high volumes and sold across the globe, providing an expected best seller and a key model in the brand’s electrification strategy and growth ambitions.

It will sit under the existing XC40 Recharge, taking Volvo into a new and fast-growing segment that includes rivals such as the Hyundai Kona and Mini Countryman.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “The EX30 has huge potential for expanding the reach and performance of our brand in the UK. It brings together our established strengths in electrification, safety and design without compromise in a convenient, compact package. With an authentic approach to improving sustainability and lowering carbon emissions, it will have strong appeal to urban consumers looking for an efficient electric car that’s easy to live with.”

It’s based on the modular Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by parent firm Geely and also used for new models such as the recently revealed Smart #1 and Polestar 4.

Three electric powertrains are up for grabs: a Single Motor with 272hp and a 51kWh battery with up to 214 miles of WLTP range, the Single Motor Extended Range with 272hp, a 69kWh battery and up to 298 miles, and the Twin Motor Performance with 428hp, a 69kWh battery and up to 286 miles.

The latter is expected to be capable of 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo car ever. It’s also expected to provide the basis for the more rugged Cross Country variant that Volvo has said will arrive next year too.

Consumption is 4.0 miles/kWh and recharging from 10-80% can be completed in 26 minutes.

Two equipment grades – Plus and Ultra – are available at launch while a third, lower-priced Core entry-level grade will arrive later.

The Plus versions come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with built-in Google functions and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay, two-zone climate control, Harman Kardon premium sound system with dashboard soundbar, front and rear parking sensors and rear camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, a heat pump and an 11kW on-board charger.

Additional features on Ultra grade include a 360-degree camera with virtual 3D view, fixed panoramic sunroof, Park Pilot Assist self-parking system, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats and a more powerful 22kW on-board charger

Despite its diminutive size, the EX30 has been designed to offer plenty of smart storage space along with high levels of safety. New features include Safe Space Technology which targets specific urban driving accident risks and equips the car with front and rear Cross Traffic Alert with brake support and a Door Opening Alert, giving visual and audible warnings to help guard against a door being opened into the path of a cyclist or other road user approaching from the rear.

Sales will be via outright purchase, lease and the Care by Volvo subscription packages, as part of the brand’s growing online offer. Alongside going fully electric by 2030, Volvo is shifting to an online-only sales process and the UK will be the first market to switch to a fully integrated online/physical, direct-to-consumer model this year.

Prices start from £33,795 for the Single Motor versions, £38,545 for Single Motor Extended Range cars, and £40,995 for the Twin Motor Performance models.

Orders have also opened across Europe and other selected markets. In the United States, customers can place pre-orders, while order books will open in other markets at a later stage.