Overall rating:

Volvo describes its V60 Plug-in Hybrid as three cars in one, and it comes with some impressive economy figures, but the three-into-one idea doesn't necessarily work that well in reality.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
Pricing: from £43,775 (with £5,000 UK Government subsidy)
Engine: 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel plus 50kW, 200Nm electric motor
Transmission: four-wheel drive, six-speed automatic
Body style: five-door estate
Rivals: BMW 320d EfficientDynamics. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV,
Toyota Prius Plug-in
CO₂ emissions: 48g/km
Combined economy: 155.2mpg
Top speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
Power: 285hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 640Nm at 1,500- to 3,000rpm

In the Metal:

The hybrid version looks just like a Volvo V60 estate, simple as that. Indeed, the only visual identifiers that this is something a little bit more futuristically powered are the unique wheels, an additional 'filler' cap on the front wing and a relatively subtle strip along the boot lid with 'Plug-in Hybrid' on it. It's already out of date too, Volvo having shown a facelifted model at the Geneva Motor Show. The one available for order now has the new headlamps etc.

Inside, it's much the same, all being largely familiar, though three additional buttons on the centre console and some new displays in the TFT instruments show what the powertrain is doing. Open the boot and the floor is slightly higher to accommodate the batteries, but otherwise it's all standard Volvo V60 fare, which means it's functional, if not exactly exciting, though the seats are very comfortable up front.

Driving it:

Diesel and electric power are mated relatively convincingly, the plug-in element allowing Volvo to up the electric-only running element over conventional hybrids. It's also that which allows the Swede to claim some fairly extraordinary combined economy results, with the V60 Plug-In Hybrid having an official figure of 155.2mpg. Add a CO₂ figure of 48g/km and the Plug-in Volvo dodges tax better than any hooky accountant could. That's key to its appeal, though you'll have to drive like a saint to get anywhere close to achieving that official figure - we managed under half.

The electric drivetrain adds 250kg to the V60's kerb weight, though that doesn't stop this plug-in machine being Volvo's fastest V60. Thank the combined 285hp and mighty 640Nm of torque when the 'Power' button is pressed and the electric and turbodiesel motors are working in unison. Do so and this green-leaning estate will reach 62mph in 6.1 seconds, though you'll run the battery's charge down fairly rapidly if you do that repeatedly.

The electric motor drives the rear wheels, while the diesel engine delivers its power to the front, making it four-, rear-, or front-wheel drive depending upon which mode you're driving it in. There's the option to select AWD (all-wheel drive) for when traction is at a premium, while there's also the possibility to save 12 miles of the battery's possible 31 miles range for when you reach a low or zero emissions zone.

Given the amount going on the drivetrain integration is impressive. It's best in Pure mode, where on electric power alone it'll glide through traffic and even sustain motorway speeds - on light accelerator applications. Push harder and the diesel backs it all up, and use up all the battery's power and the Plug-in Hybrid works just like any regular hybrid. It feels a bit heavier on the road, but driving the V60 becomes more about maximising the potential of the drivetrain than the finer nuances of its ride and handling, which are predictably adequate in the way you'd expect from a Volvo. Don't expect to be wowed then, but neither will it offend.

What you get for your Money:

Your £48,775 does buy you a conscience-salving tax-dodger that delivers partially on Volvo's claims. It's certainly two cars in one, the ability to save electric power and drive it on pure electric mode is impressive. It's eligible for the government's £5,000 rebate, too, so you'll only pay £43,775 for it. For that you do get an extensive standard equipment list, but then you could have both a BMW 320d Touring and a Smart fortwo electric for much the same money...

Worth Noting

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid's battery is rated at 11.2kWh, though it only uses 8kWh in a bid to increase longevity. Volvo has tested it extensively and it states that the battery should last the lifetime of the car. That battery pack also comes with an eight-year warranty. The electric element of the drivetrain - and the necessary additional strengthening in the chassis - doesn't just eat into boot space, but the conventional fuel tank too. The space for diesel is reduced from 70- to 45 litres.

Charging that battery from empty via a conventional UK plug takes around 4.5 hours, Volvo providing clever timer charging and battery pre-conditioning tech that's all controllable via your smartphone.

Summary

This Volvo V60 is a clever combination of conventional diesel power and a plug-in hybrid module that delivers on some if not all of its promises. It'll dodge tax convincingly thanks to those headline figures, but that combined economy figure is as likely as a lottery win in everyday driving. Electric only running is a neat trick, while the compromises for it are also relatively few.