Kiwi Scott McLaughlin’s impressive run in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship opener at the Skövde airport circuit came to an abrupt finish.

Making a one-off appearance in the category, the V8 Supercars star impressed by qualifying second and holding the place through Race 1.

A hit from behind ended his run in the reverse grid second encounter, however, with the damage too great to continue.

McLaughlin had carved his way through to third when he was collected by Reuben Kressner’s out-of-control Saab 9-3.

The opening race was won by McLaughlin’s former V8 Supercars team-mate Robert Dahlgren.

Fellow Polestar driver Richard Göransson scored victory in the second, leading home Dahlgren.

McLaughlin said he was proud of his speed aboard a very different Volvo S60 from his usual V8 Supercar mount.

”I was hit from behind in the second race, nothing I could do about it,” he explained.

“While that was disappointing, I am pleased with my pace in qualifying and to claim a podium finish.

“My goal was to break into the top three and that is what I have done.”

McLaughlin’s efforts also impressed Head of Motorsport at Polestar, Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin.

“It was a shame that McLaughlin was eliminated in the second race, but he has delivered way beyond expectations and we are more than pleased with his effort,” he said.

McLaughlin now returns to Australia for this weekend’s Perth Super Sprint at Barbagallo.

VIDEO: McLaughlin taken out from behind