Volvo plugged in to need to help the environment
VOLVO becomes the first car manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid versions of its entire model range with the launch of its new XC40 T5 twin engine, priced from £40,905.
The front-wheel-drive hybrid system in the newcomer uses a 180hp threecylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with 82hp electric motor to achieve combined output of 262hp – making it the most powerful car in the XC40 line-up.
Preliminary WLTP test data indicates CO2 emissions from just 38g/km and combined fuel economy of up to 141.1mpg, combined with 0-62mph in only 7.3 seconds.
The XC40’s lithium-ion battery with 10.7kWh capacity provides all-electric driving range of up to 28.6 miles and a new seven-speed twinclutch automatic transmission is fitted as standard.
The emissions efficiency of the T5 twin engine delivers significant cost-of-ownership benefits, including a benefitin-kind tax rate for business/ drivers of just 16%.
For a 40% taxpayer, this means a monthly tax bill starting from £218 in the current financial year, a base figure whch will fall to just £163 in the 2020/2021 tax year – adding up to a saving of £660 per year.
XC40 T5 twin engine models come with a recharging outlet on the nearside front wing.
A 4.5m cable with a threepin plug is provided as standard, while a type 2/mode 3 fast-charge cable is available as an optional extra for £50.
Charging via the fastcharge cable will completely recharge the car’s high-voltage battery in as little as 2.5 hours. Fully charging via the three-pin plug cable takes between 3.5 and six hours.
First deliveries for UK customers are expected from February.