The new Volvo XC40 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid

Published on 25 April, 2020

Hold that thought... and plug in to the future with this Volvo hybrid

Overview

Assume for one dream-like minute that this virus thing has been suppressed and is now manageable. Try to picture our mindsets. Free again to sit in and test drive a new or newer car, free to sample a number of models, trim levels, free to drive anywhere your heart desires. So let me tempt you with such post-lockdown thoughts long enough for you to accompany me on this little pre-lockdown journey.

It was in a version of the Volvo XC40, a compact executive crossover/SUV which has won many awards. I voted for it as a World Car Award juror a couple of years back.

Relatively recently, they added the plug-in hybrid version I had on test. It's called the XC40 T5 Twin Engine. The name is a little confusing; it sounds like it has two engines. I suppose, in a way, it has: there is a petrol engine and an electric motor, so there are two power sources.

So, the 3cyl 1.5-litre petrol engine and the electric motor provide the basis for propulsion.

The charging port for the battery pack is near the front wheel arch and other than that slightly obvious blemish, it is your conventional XC40 to look at, apart from some nomenclature. That's a good thing because it has always been a smart-looking car, which numbers the likes of the BMW 1-series PHEV among its rivals.

There are good-quality materials inside and the cabin is well finished. It would need to be to compete at this level and, especially, price. It's a nice, comfortable setting with the feeling of premium. Again, it would need to have that considering the prices.

The good news I discovered is that, unlike many a PHEV, the larger battery pack for plug-in charging does not invade boot space. It retains the same cargo capacity as other XC40s. That's because the 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery is slotted into the central drive-train tunnel; however the fuel tank, at 48 litres, holds six litres fewer than other XC40s.

They claim a fully charged battery can cover 50km on its own before the engine kicks in. I'd make that 35km; I reckon it is nearer my real-world return. Maybe I should have gone easier on the accelerator when taking off because the hybrid pickup is addictive. The 3cyl engine produces 178bhp; electric motor adds 80bhp. That's a lot of power and I enjoyed it a good few times.

You can button it for electric-only running as well as four other modes. I left it alone in hybrid mode most of the time. It rarely gave a clue about when the engine joined the propulsion or rested; we expect seamless coexistence but some do it better than others.

If you do the right thing and keep the battery topped up while utilising electric-only mode you have a decent and cost-effective package. They claim 41g/km emissions and fuel economy of 141.2mpg. Again, my real-world experience of the car would suggest a substantially lower figure but still north of 60mpg.

Volvo have been to the forefront on control interfaces and the large tablet-like screen has the obvious 'dials' and some not so obvious. Most are simple and direct but I am no longer a fan of how you change ventilation settings; just a bit too distracting and time consuming for me. There were times I craved a few large, old-fashioned, buttons.

The XC40 is deceptively roomy which puts it comfortably into the loosely defined 'compact SUV' category. There was good rear-seat room.

Apart from the comfort elements, I found it particularly good to drive. It had a way about it that mixed steadiness with a ladling of zest. Hardly surprising, I suppose, when you consider the amount of power on tap but it was how it converted that power into handling and ride that impressed.

Apart from soft-feel brakes, it was reassuringly easy to drive and get around in, at a time when what we're experiencing now seemed imaginable. Back then - and it has only been a few weeks - I took so much for granted. A spin to the midlands? Let's go. Trip to Wexford? What time? Now, I feel strange driving to the shops or supermarket but reassure myself it will all come back; gradually perhaps but, hopefully, a return nonetheless.

At which stage I hope you will, among other things, be at least thinking about a new or newer car. If you're on the lookout for a smart, if slightly pricey, executive compact plug-in hybrid, you might recall me taking you on a wee journey in the XC40 T5 Twin Engine and finding it much to my liking. You might disagree when you try it - but at least you will be back in an era when you can conduct such an exercise.

Facts & figures

Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid

XC40 range: from €37,797. T5 Twin Engine plug-in on test €64,277. VRT relief €2,500, SEAI grant (private customers - €5,000). Road tax €170.

Spec included cruise control, dynamic chassis, rear park assist, electronic climate control/ 'clean zone' air quality system, 12.3in info display. 'Inscription' adds leather-faced upholstery, heated front seats.