What is it?
The Volvo V60 diesel plug-in hybrid is a large estate that, claims its maker, will use just 1.9 litres/100km. That's not a typo.
Why's it here?
The plug-in hybrid tech is very close to production, says Volvo, meaning the car could come as early as 2012. It uses a 2.4-litre D5 diesel engine with 215hp at the front and a 70hp electric motor driving the rear axle. The electric unit can power the car by itself, and because it can be plugged in, it's theoretically possible for a driver never to have to tap into the diesel tank.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Statistics determine the importance of this car, which is otherwise an innocuous looking Volvo estate. We feel this will be a show stopper on the road, once that economy figure is proved.