The hybrid market continues to improve and evolve with the latest technical advancements available. This is demonstrated by the new Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, which Volvo are toting as the most technically advanced model they have ever made. The Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid aims to combine an electric car, a muscle car and a hybrid car into one, while being the first ever diesel plug-in hybrid car.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – Features

This is attained via the 3 driving modes available in the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid. The first mode is “Pure” which runs the car purely on electric power, with zero-emissions and a range of around 50km. The second mode is “Hybrid” which is also the default mode the car gets set to as it is started. This mode ensures the car uses both engines to power the vehicle giving it a range of around 1000km. Lastly there is “Power” mode, this mode ensures as much power is produced as possible, enabling the car to complete 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds.

TheVolvo V60 plug-in hybrid comes with 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes, as well as the grille and front spoiler in glossy black. The interior comes with black leather upholstery along with contrasting stitching, with the steering wheel receiving the same leather treatment. Power steering comes as standard, as well as parking sensors for the front and rear and a number of other features.

In what will soon no doubt become common-place, the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid comes with an app for your smart phone which enables you to control the car from your phone. The driver can set the air-conditioning for pre and after cooling as well as receiving reminders to connect the charge cable for the car if it has not been done in a while.

Powering the car is a 5-cylinder 2.4 litre turbodiesel which produces 215 hp and a max torque of 440 Nm. The electric motor produces 70 hp, with its power supplied by a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic.

The Volvo V60 plug-in Hybrid will be availably only in Silver and sales will begin in early 2012, although no release date has been set for South Africa. The car can be plugged in and charged at home, with a full charge taking 4.5 hours.