Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid (2012): first details

Volvo will unveil its new V60 Plug-in Hybrid at the 2011 Geneva motor show in March. The new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is described as 'virtually production-ready' and will be built and sold by the Swedish car company from 2012.

Driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic is an upgraded version of Volvo's 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 engine: power and torque goes up from 202bhp and 309lb ft to 213bhp and 325lb ft. And at the back is Volvo's ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) system with a 70hp electric motor that's provided power by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The result, Volvo claims, is 150mpg on the combined cycle, CO2 emissions of just 50g/km, and a potential electric-only range of 32 miles. 

'This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure,' said Volvo president and CEO Stefan Jacoby. 'In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure.'

We see what Jacoby means, but a diesel estate is perhaps not the best example of 'driving pleasure'...

By Sarah-Jayne Harrison