Volvo presents the all-new V40 and the world’s first plug-in diesel hybrid V60 for the first time in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The first UK viewing of its new five-door hatchback, the Volvo V40, and a hybrid that I am very keen on, the world’s first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD. The two cars are being debuted at the Moving Motorshow and Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The all-new V40, starting at just £19,745 on the road, enters the premium hatchback segment with a class-leading set of innovative high-tech features. The new V40 is the first car in the world to feature a pedestrian airbag, an innovation which helps reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact.  It is also the only model in its class to fit Bluetooth and the low speed collision avoidance system, City Safety, as standard.

With CO₂ emissions as low as 94 g/km, the D2 version of the Volvo V40 boasts a combined fuel consumption of 78.5 mpg*. Its 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function. This means V40 drivers will benefit from improved running costs and the lowest vehicle tax bands.

Joining the all-new V40 at this year’s Festival is the world’s first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD, Volvo Car Corporation’s most technically advanced model ever – an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose which of the three cars they want to drive at any given moment.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm, while the rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, all while only producing 49g/km of CO₂ on the combined cycle.

The driver can select the required driving mode via three buttons that gives the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

• In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 32 miles with no carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.
• Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO₂ emissions (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) are just 49g/km and it has a total range of up to 621 miles.
• In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor’s lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid stand at Goodwood is the culmination of a European Tour that Volvo has undertaken to demonstrate hybrid technology to the public. TO FIND OUT MORE

During the Thursday of the Moving Motorshow, specially selected customers will have the opportunity to drive the all-new V40 and the V60 Plug-in Hybrid up Goodwood’s famous hill.  These customers will be amongst the first to drive either model within the UK and coupled with an iconic stretch of road, it is sure to be a memorable experience for those lucky enough to have the opportunity.

*Fitted with 205 tyres on the combined cycle

The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from 28 June to 1 July 2012. For information or to buy tickets CLICK HERE