• Volvo V60 named Carbuyer Compact Executive Car of the Year
• Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine wins new DrivingElectric Large Plug-in Hybrid of the Year award
• Awards further confirm the V60's exceptional customer appeal and the XC60's successful combination of premium SUV qualities with the cost and environmental efficiency benefits of Volvo's plug-in hybrid technology
Volvo has achieved a double success in the 2019 Carbuyer and DrivingElectric Awards, with the new V60 premium mid-size estate crowned Compact Executive Car of the Year and the technically advanced XC60 T8 Twin Engine claiming the DrivingElectric Large Plug-in Hybrid of the Year honour.
The Carbuyer consumer car reviews, advice and comparison website tailors its awards according to the latest preferences, opinions and requirements of the thousands of motorists who use its website. Its sister DrivingElectric website provides the same expert service with a focus on the new generation of electrified vehicles.
Steve Fowler, Carbuyer and DrivingElectric Editorial Director, said: "Volvo is a brand on a roll at the moment, and the V60 could well be its most impressive model yet. Sharp looks, practicality and high levels of comfort make it a force to be reckoned with in this fiercely competitive segment. Right now, it's the compact executive car we'd choose above all the others."
Turning to the XC60 T8 Twin Engine, he added: "Combine Volvo's classy XC60 with its T8 plug-in hybrid technology and you have a match made in heaven, with affordable running costs and a big hit of performance."
Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: "It is particularly rewarding to receive these awards because they recognise the advances we are making as a brand in different areas. The V60 has enjoyed an unprecedented reception since its launch and established itself as the benchmark model in its class. At the same time as we are setting the targets for design, practicality and customer appeal with the V60, we are also investing in our advanced Twin Engine plug-in hybrid technology that balances customer demand for performance, fuel economy and emissions efficiency."
The V60 commands instant attention with its elegant, contemporary styling, high-quality appointments and luxury equipment features, yet it also offers exceptional practicality thanks to a spacious cabin and class-leading boot space that's sensibly shaped and easy to access. With all the seats occupied, the load area offers 529 litres of space, but this can be extended to a voluminous 1,441 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The V60's winning character also delivers rewarding dynamic performance, founded on its cutting-edge SPA platform and range of Volvo's modern and efficient Drive-E petrol and diesel powertrains.
The T8 Twin Engine brings an exciting, advanced performance dimension to the XC60 premium mid-size SUV. The plug-in hybrid system is a best-of-both-worlds package in which the 303hp petrol engine and 87hp electric motor work seamlessly together or individually according to your wishes or the road conditions. You can select Pure mode to prioritise all-electric operation and overall efficiency, adjusting the responsiveness of engine, brakes, accelerator and gearbox, or Power mode when you want to extract maximum performance from the car. The system can also work to maximise traction and vehicle control when driving off-road or on slippery surfaces. The efficiency of the technology delivers tangible benefits in running costs and environmental performance, with official combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures from 122.8mpg and 51g/km.
For more information on the Volvo V60 and XC60 ranges, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.com/uk
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