Sweden flexes its Eco-muscles

Roland Rendell finds the ability to chose between three driving modes on the Volvo V60 Plug-in diesel hybrid a real pleasure

Claimed to be the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD is the company’s most technologically advanced model ever, combining three different drive modes: Pure, Hybrid or Power. Pure mode can do 31 miles on electric alone, while the default Hybrid mode allows the diesel engine and electric motor to work harmoniously together. In Power mode the diesel engine and electric motor again work together, but this time to give the car the maximum possible power.
    
So, after months of anticipation, a metallic blue V60 comes to my office, and I was struck by the sheer beauty of what is – for all intents and purposes – an estate car. So, how did this car come about and does it drive as good as it looks?

THE HISTORY
In January 2007, Volvo Car Group and the Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall AB launched a partnership with the aim of testing and developing plug-in technology. This initiative resulted in the foundation of a jointly owned company – V2 Plug-in-Hybrid Vehicle Partnership HB, and five years later we get the Volvo V60 D6 AWD. Apparently, Vattenfall has paid half the R&D bill on the project. But why? Supposedly because it produces an electricity surplus in Sweden and is keen to see motorists use electric technology, as opposed to oil, for their personal driving. All very noble.

DRIVING MODES
When you push the ‘Start’ button, the dash lights up – and it’s silent, as it draws its power from the battery. If driving in the city, and at around-town speeds, the full electric Pure mode will give you 31 miles, and it is advisable to activate the ‘Save’ button option too, so you keep a wee bit in reserve. As soon as your foot gets heavier and the power increases, the car seamlessly switches to diesel power, still in Hybrid mode, and the rumble is a delight. I drop the window and apply the throttle and the noise is great – just what you would expect from a performance car.
    
In terms of acceleration, in Pure mode, you can achieve 0-62 in around six seconds and take it up to around 77mph. In Hybrid or AWD mode, as you would expect, the torque is not quite so instant, so 62mph in eight seconds. But, once it gets going, this car can apparently take you where you need to go at over 140mph.
    
All the while, I watch the information on the dials in front of me; how the acceleration affects the battery, and so on. And when you ease off, the animated information makes you feel a sense of achievement as you see some energy go back in to the battery. So as time rolls on, if you’re eco-conscious like me, you find yourself testing the car, and testing yourself, to achieve the fuel economy that Volvo says this car is capable of.

FUEL ECONOMY
Over the period I had the car, I managed to do a lot of town-driving, using the Pure mode as often as I could. I must confess, when you hit a quiet, straight piece of tarmac, the temptation top put your foot down is almost always there. The low ride height and cocoon like feel of the cockpit make you want to test the car in this manner. As a result, I probably got nearer the 20 miles of electric driving from the car, but that’s my own fault.
    
I was able to easily recharge the car for the day at work (a full 0-100% charge takes 7-8 hours from a domestic supply), so could begin each journey with enough electric power in the motor to have full range capabilities.
    
As for the car in Hybrid mode, Volvo say that the V60 will deliver an impressive 155.2mpg, and all the while, emitting just 48g/km of CO2. Did I achieve this? At times, on the instant reading on the display, I got real close. My best journey average, where I took on a nice mix of A and B roads, dual-carriageway and motorway, up to Rockingham in Corby, I managed a whopping 137mpg. That’s a 90-mile trek.
    
So, how would I summarise it as a drive? The low profile feel and body-hugging seats, combined with phenomenal acceleration all add up to this being a seriously nice car in every way, and I can see the execs that want power, economy, and a bit of space in the back, choosing this car.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Any downsides? You would have to say the price. Although I am sure that Volvo think they are justified in slapping a price tag on it that doesn’t give you much change from £44,000 (after the £5,000 government grant). But the only stumbling block I can see is this: If you have the best part of £50k to spend on a car, you will probably opt for the traditional BMW, Mercedes or Audi. All I can say is – try it first. See just what you get for your money before you decide.

Volvo V60 D6 AWD
ENGINE: 2400cc, 5-cyl turbodiesel, 215bhp with 70bhp 11.2kWh

lithium-ion battery pack
CO2: 48g/km
MPG (combined): 155
VED: Band A
BIK: 5%
PRICE (OTR): £43,775
(after government
Plug-In Car Grant)