26.6.2012 Volvo to debut V40 & V60 Plug-in hybrid

Volvo is to present the all-new V40 and the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid V60 for the first time in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, between the 28th June and 1st July 2012 at Goodwood House.

The news comes just after both the new Volvo's were selected for Next Green Car's 2012 Award shortlist – the V40 and V60 qualified for the small family and next generation categories – winners announced on 4th July.

The all-new five door V40, starting at just £19,745 on the road, enters the premium hatchback segment with CO2 emissions down to just 94 g/km and combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg – giving it a Next Green Car Rating of 29. This means V40 drivers will benefit from improved running costs and the lowest vehicle tax bands.

The V40's 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and start-stop function. Alongside the high efficiency and low emissions of the new V40, this engine will mean that it's performance is not compromised – it can accelerate to 60 mph in 11.7 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph.

This model now comes with a class-leading set of innovative high-tech features. The new V40 is the first car in the world to feature a pedestrian airbag, an innovation which helps reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact. It is also the only model in its class to fit Bluetooth and the low speed collision avoidance system, City Safety, as standard.

Joining the all-new V40 at this year's Festival is the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD. This is Volvo's most technically advanced model ever – an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose which of the three cars they want to drive at any given moment.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm, while the rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. All this performance will be offered while only producing 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.

The driver can select the required driving mode via three buttons that gives the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible – if the batteries are fully charged, its range is up to 32 miles with no CO2 emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emissions are just 49 g/km and it has a total range of up to 621 miles.

In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

On Thursday, selected customers will have the opportunity to drive the all-new V40 and the V60 Plug-in Hybrid up Goodwood's famous hill. These customers will be amongst the first to drive either model within the UK and coupled with an iconic stretch of road, it is sure to be a memorable experience for those lucky enough to have the opportunity.

We are certainly excited to see these models at the event, and we admire their combination of efficiency and lowered emissions that have been achieved with no compromise to driving performance or vehicle quality. Keep an eye on our Awards page to see if they win any awards...

Newspress