All posts by Macfivenews

Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick
Electric/hybrid, Manufacturer, SUV, Volvo

Volvo in premier league

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The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid

Volvo XC60 Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

It’s been 10 years since Volvo separated from Ford ownership and was acquired by Chinese giant Geely. In that time has become an even more important player in the premium motor sector, clocking record sales.

Now the firm is kicking on, determined to become a leader in electrification, autonomous drive and new mobility models and says that by 2025 it wants half of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. 

It’s also the case that the firm continues with  its legendary reputation for safety, with its Intellisafe technologies and stated aim that from now on nobody shall be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.

Sitting below the flagship XC90, the XC60 is an excellent example of Volvo’s evolution with its standout elegant styling, high levels of standard equipment and range of petrol and hybrid vehicles, including  the T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid driven here.

It does look the part, sleek and svelte, but with a commanding road presence. It still features the now familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlamp design, as well as the recognisable updated grille bearing the Volvo Iron Mark and 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

All new Volvos feature a  connectivity and infotainment system called Sensus via the central screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications. The tablet-style touch screen enables easy and fast access to a host of functions and features. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.You can even turn the car into a WiFi hotspot thanks to the standard data SIM card.

‘It does look the part, sleek and svelte, but with a commanding road presence.

But it’s the plug-in T8 or twin engine hybrid that is the beating heart of this model, offering sporting performance, low emissions and excellent economy from the petrol engine/electric motor combination. In addition it is capable of around 30 miles of range on electric power only and zero emissions. Volvo’s official mpg figure of 134mpg seems pretty fanciful for every day driving, but it is fairly economical for such a big car, delivers emissions of less the 50g/km.

The power delivery is a combination of  powerful two litre petrol engine assisted by a 65kW (87bhp) electric motor and powerful lithium-ion battery, giving a combined output of around 400bhp.

For a daily work commute the electric range of around 15 miles each way will keep the petrol costs down, but the vehicle needs to be plugged in and charged every day. Otherwise the combination of petrol and electric work together, which also drains the electric power fairly quickly. To mitigate this the  ‘B’ position on the auto gears selector allows the battery to regain power under braking, while slowing the vehicle by just taking your foot off the accelerator.

On the inside build quality is exceptional with soft touch materials throughout, powered and heated leather seats which are firm and supportive and a large glass areas. There is good leg and headroom all round and occupants feel cocooned in luxury. Features include two-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric windows and door mirrors and this R Design also features parking camera, head-up display in windscreen  and heated steering wheel.

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It is an engaging drive, Even at high speed, engine and road noise is muted, with just a hint of wind noise on the large, folding door mirrors. Excellent torque means motorway driving is a comfortable affair, the key acceleration range of 50-70mph achieved with ease.

There are selectable modes, including EV only, Off Road and Individual or sport with vehicle setting adapting accordingly.

It’s a big car, bit can hit 60mph in neck-wrenching 5.5 seconds with a more dynamic version of the standard suspension for that sportier, feel. It handles well for the type and size of vehicle, with little body roll while the adaptive on demand all wheel drive is perfect for rougher terrain or inclement weather condition.

It’s practical with plenty of stowage and oddment holders. Boot space is decent with 483 litres, while the 60/40 split folding rear seats open up to 1,410 litres. All models offer a  power-operated tailgate, which can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button or by simply putting your foot beneath the rear bumper, perfect for when you’ve got your hands full or when loading bulky, heavy objects in the boot.

It’s a Volvo and almost by definition is safe, so safety kit is extensive, with City Safety, part of the Intellisafe package, which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance, plus Run-off Road Protection which automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road.

Factfile

Volvo XC60 T8 R-Design Pro AWD PHEV

Price: £57,720

Mechanical: Combined 390bhp, 1,969cc, four cylinder petrol engine and electric motor driving four wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Insurance: 42E

Max speed: 143 mph

0-62mph: 5.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 134.5

CO2 emissions: 47g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

City cars, electric, Manufacturer, SEAT, Vehicle type

Leading the charge

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SEAT Mii Electric

By Bill McCarthy

CITY cars are no longer cheap and nasty, although not that many were that nasty in the first place. That has changed with the electric car revolution, so the Mii will now set you back the thick end of £20k. Pricey for such a small car.

But it boasts equipment levels usually found on premium models, somewhat mitigating the cost. These include metallic paint, sports seats, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain sensors and fast DC charging capabilities.

The funky Mii is the first electric vehicle from the SEAT brand, laying the groundwork for more to join the family in the future says the firm.

Longer journeys are now also less of a problem as the network of charging points grow

 But what you still get with this groundbreaking little car is the same practicality and fun as previous petrol versions, but with huge savings on fuel and carbon emissions.

The vehicle capable of a range of a claimed 161 miles on a single charge. I topped it up once during a week and that was only because I wanted to be on the safe side as the weather was shocking. Lights, wipers and demisters put a strain on the battery.

The problems of fully electric motors have always been the range, but this is becoming less of a problem as battery technology develops. Longer journeys are now also less of a problem as the network of charging points grow and the ability, like this vehicle, to get an 80 per cent charge in around an hour. Just enough time for a cuppa on a motorway service station.

Home wall box/public or work charge point will take around four hours, while plugged into an ordinary wall socket will take 13-16 hours.

The  motor, linked to a single speed transmission, provides its 61kW (83PS) of power and 212Nm of torque instantly, meaning the five-door car can reach 31mph from a standstill in only 3.9 seconds. It  simply zips away from a standing start, startling other road users with its pace.

Slightly refreshed, it still looks good, with great efforts to disguise the boxy shape with raked windscreen, neat light clusters and deep bumpers electric logo lettering at the rear and 16-inch alloy wheels.

 The interior too is upgraded and, depending on your taste, looks either funky or odd, with dark interior offset by the white, patterned dashboard. Other features include, ambient lighting, sporty and heated fabric seats, black sport leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.  Safety is also well catered for with features  such as Lane Assist and Traffic sign recognition as standard equipment and a good range of airbags.

The binnacle and central controls are logical, and there is no central touchscreen. Instead SEAT have introduced a cradle above the dash to hold the phone or pad to do your own thing with navigation, connectivity and infotainment via Bluetooth.

 It is also the first model to include SEAT CONNECT, which allows you to  driving data, parking position, the vehicle’s status, including doors and lights, and the ability to control air-conditioning remotely, all from their smartphone app.

  The car has been designed like a box on wheels to get maximum room inside, which it does, but not totally compromise boot space, which it doesn’t. This makes for a spacious interior with excellent headroom and surprising good legroom.

 It is practical enough despite the limited boot size, with the rear seats splitting and folding to create decent stowage space when required.

On the road, the shape means it won’t appreciate being thrown into corners, but the customised suspension does give a pleasant ride for all occupants, handling pretty well what our potholed roads throw at it. The car is virtually silent, as there is no engine or transmission noise and it is well insulated from road and wind noise.

The Mii is leading the environmentally-friendly way forward for SEAT and while it was already and excellent little car, running costs have become cheaper despite the large initial outlay.

Factfile

SEAT Mii Electric

Price: £19,800 (includes up to £3,000 HMRC electric car grant)

Mechanical: 83PS, 61kwH electric motor driving front wheels via single speed auto transmission

Max speed: 81mph

0-62mph: 12.3 seconds

Range: 161 miles

Insurance group: 12E

CO2 emissions: 00g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles