New Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design

Hot Volvos are a hot topic right now, as we’ve just driven the new 350hp V60 Polestar and come away seriously impressed. But what if you want the look but with extra-added environmental credentials? Then the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design could be the car for you.

This combines 48g/km CO2 motoring – that’s equivalent to a claimed 155.2mpg – with the added aggression of R-Design styling. Though you’ll have to be really keen, judging by the price.

On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R Design

Find out how much a used Volvo V60 costs on Auto Trader

This car’s full title is Volvo V60 D6 AWD R-Design Lux Nav, which is quite a mouthful.

Loosely translated, that means it features a diesel-electric powertrain, where the diesel engine drives the front wheels and the electric motor drives the rear – hence the all-wheel drive (AWD).

R-Design, meanwhile, gives it sporty pretensions, in the form of a new front bumper and grille, 18-inch “Ixion” alloy wheels and a rear diffuser on the outside and sports seats and sports pedals on the inside. Lux Nav confirms loads of standard equipment, including satellite navigation.

As a plug-in hybrid, the V60’s battery pack can be precharged using the mains – which goes someway towards explaining those extraordinary efficiency figures. The car has an electric only range of up to 31 miles.

In addition to its eco-conscious Hybrid and Pure (electric) driving modes, however, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid also has a Power setting. This combines 215hp from the turbodiesel and 70hp from the electric motor to deliver 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds.

So it isn’t all show and no go. Though perhaps take that 155mpg claim with a pinch of extra-added real world clarity…

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid review (2012 onwards)

Volvo V60 Polestar high-performance estate review (2014 onwards)

Read another Volvo review on MSN Cars

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid stars at Geneva Motor Show 2013

On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R Design

Find out how much a used Volvo V60 costs on Auto Trader

By motoringresearch.com