Volvo’s D6 diesel-electric plug-in hybrid driveline, available in select markets in the V60, has been a phenomenal success, and what was very limited production, has seen the need to be ramped up to cater to growing interest. Practicality and efficiency coming together like they do in the V60 D6 PHEV is rare. With a range of up to 50 kilometres in ‘Pure’ electric mode, 52.63 km/litre and a 1000-kilometre range in Hybrid mode, and over 600 Nm on tap in ‘Power’ mode, there’s definitely a solution for every situation; in one wholesome package.
Before you go ahead and write-off Volvo as a performance car maker, let’s not forget the impending arrival of a 306-PS S60 T6 AWD. And, how can we forget their performance partner? Polestar will continue to tinker with all the offerings and eke out more horses for the hungry. There’s also the matter of their Australian V8 Supercars Championship program; their 5.0-litre V8, pumping out 600 PS, speaks for itself.
Another thing is Volvo’s vision that by 2020, nobody should be killed or even seriously injured in a new Volvo. 2013 is done and dusted, and Volvo remains at the very top of the automotive safety arena, with a number of results from independent rating institutes across the world emphasizing their focus and commitment to safer cars. The accolades awarded only reaffirm this fact. In the US, Volvo models enjoy being among the IIHS Top Safety Picks. In Euro NCAP, the V40 remains on top, with a record 88 per cent of the total score. Autonomous driving tests too are in full swing with 100 new cars on the streets of Gothenburg, taking Volvo one big step closer towards their vision.
All in all, it’s looking to be a few exciting years ahead for the Swedish car maker and both, Hällerad and Arjeplog, will certainly be buzzing with all sorts of testing activity shortly.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Volvo Car Media
