DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Swedish automaker Volvo is planning a green car assault in the next decade, with a plug-in hybrid version of its stylish XC60 SUV the latest eco warrior. Making its public debut at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, the XC60 hybrid concept develops motive force via a 206kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is further augmented by a 51kW electric motor.

According to Volvo, the XC60 Plug-in hybrid concept can travel between 45 and 55km in 'Pure' mode, where it uses only the electric motor for propulsion, essentially using zero petrol. It takes roughly three and a half hours to recharge via a 220v connection.

The other modes, 'Hybrid' and 'Power', deliver average economy as low as 2.3L/100km claims Volvo, where both the combustion and electric motors are used in tandem. Carbon emissions are equally remarkable - just 53g/km - and the vehicle has a claimed cruising range of almost 1000km.

Stefan Jacoby, the President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation America, said the new hybrid technology will reach production by 2014, but added that "…it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution.

"This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years," added Jacoby.

The plug-in hybrid engine system has been earmarked for left hand drive markets such as China and North America but has not been ruled out for Australian consumption. Greg Bosnich, the Marketing Director for Volvo Cars Australia, told motoring.com.au that the XC60 Hybrid vehicle was something it would investigate if the opportunity for a right hand drive model was there.

"If there's a need and a want in the Australian marketplace we would request this model," explained Bosnich. "Though it's not part of the planning at this stage, we'd consider it if a right hand drive version was available.

"We never say never," stated Bosnich.

With the economy of a compact car the Volvo XC60 Plug-in concept has the potential to dramatically reduce running costs, yet it's no sloth in performance terms. Volvo claims the 0-100km/h dash takes just 6.1 seconds, the same as a Renault Megane RS 250 hot hatch.

For the record, the petrol engine develops 380Nm of torque while 200Nm is contributed by the electric motor, delivering a combined output of 580Nm - on par with larger twin turbo diesel engines.

The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor delivers power to the rear wheels, all of which is channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. An AWD mode can be engaged at the push of a button but Volvo stresses it's not designed for serious off-roading.

Does the idea of a medium-sized plug-in hybrid SUV appeal to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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