Has a Volvo ever won the Bathurst 1000?
Stopped rolling on the floor yet? The answer isn't quite as ridiculous as it sounds.
The Swedish premium brand has never greeted the chequered flag in Australia's Great Race, but a Volvo has won the Australian Touring Car Championships – almost 40 years ago.
That was when Kiwi driver Robbie Francevic, driving a frumpy and boxy Volvo sedan that was par for the course those days, made his stunning run all the way to the top of Aussie motorsport.
That car, a turbocharged Volvo 240 sedan, didn't look all that pretty, hold a candle to the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon for pure appeal and V8 engine note, but it went like a scalded cat when pointed in the right direction.
And it completely changed the way people viewed Volvo - the innovative but much-derided marque previously known mostly for its safety, rather than speed.
Volvo has been viewed as safe and sensible cars (with safe and sensible drivers including old men in hats). But for most of that time it has included a secret supply of sportiness, hidden beneath that squared-off design.
But Francevic was not the end of the Volvo performance tale.
Another Kiwi, Scott McLaughlin, made his mark in V8 Supercars driving a Volvo 60 Polestar which narrowly missed matching Francevic's record almost a decade ago.
And now there is this surprising little car.
It's called the EX30 and it's effectively Volvo's calling card for its entry into the electric vehicle stakes (founded in 1927, Volvo plans to be a fully-electric carmaker by 2030 and a climate-neutral company by 2040).
If this is any indication of what to expect, bring it on.
What looks like an innocent little Bambi of a machine is actually quicker than just about every thing tested this year.
No turbocharger, no internal combustion engine. Just the silent, stunning and slightly insane hiss of electricity doing its work.
Volvo calls the EX30 its smallst-ever SUV but mostly overlooks the fact it's the most powerful and fastest SUV as well.
With its twin-motor setup (one on the front axle, one on the rear) and its go-kart design and enviable road manners, the EX is a joy to drive, as well as to look at.
We shouldn't underestimate the Swedes - even if Volvo is now owned by an Indian parent company.
The Swedes still build Scania trucks; all manner of electronics (including Electrolux and Asko) and not to mention being home of music platform Spotify.
And perhaps best-known of all is the very-Swedish furniture designer Ikea - whose influence is still evident on the styling of many Volvo vehicles.
Perhaps that's why the Volvo's funky interior design is known as Scandinavian "living room".
Tested is the twin engine, extended range, all-wheel-drive flagship of the EX range, boasting a thumping 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.
The single-motor enjoys range of 380km and 0-100kmh sprint time of five seconds. The extra motor will cost 20km in range and $5000 at the checkout, but at $69,990 it's one of the best electric vehicles on the market.
Oh, and the twin-motor model can make its way to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds - about the same speed as many V8 Supercars in days gone by.
Of course it's not just about that staggering acceleration.
Even without it, the EX30 is an absolute joy to drive, with its balance, brilliant braking and road manners and pulverising acceleration. No wonder it seems like such a firecracker to drive.
The EX is not exactly roomy and it's probably happier with four occupants rather than five.
But it must also make it into the voting for the smallest, most practical SUV on the market. And there's absolutely no doubt that it is one of the coolest.
Aesthetically the little Swede is a real heart-breaker - beautifully proportioned with tight lines and a crouched, athletic stance.
Inside Volvo uses all manner of cool materials, including recyclable and renewal materials such as flax, wool and denim, with the entire dash built of recycled plastics.
The key fob is just that - no buttons or the like to open the car up. The Volvo senses you approaching and unlocks the doors or rear hatch and the engine is ready to go as soon as you settle down in those comfy seats.
The interior is brilliant, highlighted by the Harmon Kardon audio which features a Sound Bar that runs across the top of the dash from window to window. It sounds divine.
A central 12.3-inch iPod-style screen brings access to a long list of electronic features and apps.
No buttons or switches - other than a couple of knobs on the chunky little squared-off steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof invites in the sunshine, although that may require some moderation in Australia.
It has a handful of clever, secure and useful range of storage.
Of course, Volvo has never lost its sense of safety.
Driver assistance includes lane warning and keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist; collision avoidance as well as pedestrian, cycle and scooter steering avoidance.
At $59,990, plus on-road costs, it is probably the most affordable European EV aound.
But of course the Swedes never need to make fuss about their cars. Unless they finally win the Bathurst 1000, of course.
VOLVO EX30 TWIN MOTOR PERFORMANCE ULTRA
HOW BIG?
It's a compact five-seater but it is more comfortable if it only has four on board.
HOW FAST?
Only the very quickest cars on our roads can match its 3.6 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint
HOW THIRSTY?
It's electric, silly.
HOW MUCH?
The entry-level is just over $50,000 which is excellent for a quality, European build. But why not go the whole hog with the dual motor beastie for $59,990?
