Volvo at the forefront of new technology

Julie Marshall drives Volvo’s XC40 plug-in hybrid

Volvo has embraced the electrification of powertrains and has plug-in hybrid versions of its entire model range - the only manufacturer to do so.

The XC 40 is the Swedish manufacturer’s compact SUV - reviewed here in T5 petrolelectric plug-in hybrid guise.

A second T4 plug-in hybrid for the XC40 is on the cards with deliveries expected next month.

The beauty of a twin-engine is that, should charging be unavailable or inconvenient, the petrol motor takes over, thus removing the ‘range anxiety’ experienced by fullyelectric vehicles.

Having said that, there’s now also a fully-electric version of the XC40 said to be capable of more than 249 miles on a single charge and the first of five electric Volvo cars to be launched in the next five years.

But back to the T5 plug-in. It mates Volvo’s new 1.5-litre three-cylinder 180hp petrol engine with an 82hp electric motor and under the right conditions can achieve more than 100mpg. For short distances it will run on battery power alone. Engine noise is minimal It’s almost silent when battery powered and there’s not a great deal of noise when the petrol engine kicks in

It looks just like a ‘regular’ XC90 except for a discreet recharging outlet on the nearside front wing.

You’d be advised to pay the extra £50 for a fast-charge cable which boosts recharging time to just 2.5 hours - weigh this up against charging through the three-pin plug which takes between threesix hours.

Although the XC40 has its own distinctive style there’s n o m i s ta k i n g i t s h e r i ta ge - the Thor’s Hammer LED h ead l i g ht d e s i g n , s tr i k i n g rear LED lights and the large Volvo badge on the rear giving the game away.

Acceleration is brisk with 0-62mph taking just seven seconds. We drove the R-Design with sports suspension and the ride was composed with plenty of feedback through the steering wheel and little bodyroll around corners.

A Volvo cabin is a calm, uncluttered place, populated with high-end materials for every component and surface: choose light colours rather than black on the options list for an even more relaxing experience.

The seats are supportive and all-round comfortable and even after a long journey, you’ll hopefully emerge with few aches and pains. You sit up high and get a good view of the road ahead.

Manufacturers can’t get away without a sophisticated infotainment system these days and the one in the XC90 does not disappoint.

The excellent and ultrafast Sensus nine-inch portrait orientated touchscreen can even be operated when wearing gloves and it has an impressive responsive voicea c t ivat e d c o n t ro l s ys t e m which reduces the number of buttons and switches and makes for a streamlined and uncluttered cabin.

The only downside is that it can be a bit distracting when driving and perhaps a few more buttons and switches for such as climate control would be welcome.

Vo l vo h a s a l ways b e e n a leader in safety and each model comes with a comprehensive raft of safety kit for protection both inside and outside the car.

There is city safety which detects pedestrians, cyclists a n d l a rge a n i m a l s wh i c h may come into conflict with the vehicle, lane mitigation which steers you back over the white line if you stray and run-off-road protection which tightens front seat belts if the system senses if you have left the road.