Volvo is slowly shuffling diesel engines out of its XC40 crossover lineup, but it is offering new plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid models instead.
More affordable plug-in hybrid model
With a 260hp XC40 T5 plug-in hybrid already available in the XC40 lineup, Volvo will now add a lower-power, more affordable T4 version. This uses the same 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the T5, but with 129hp instead of 180hp. That combines with the same 82hp electric motor, which is bolted to the back of the XC40's gearbox, to give a combined total of 211hp.
Fully charge the XC40 T4's 10.7kWh battery pack, and Volvo says that you can squeeze as much as 44km of pure electric motoring out of it, while CO2 emissions are rated at just 47g/km. The official fuel economy figure is 2.1 litres per 100km (134mpg) but good luck getting that on a daily basis...
Mild-hybrid petrol options
We don't have Irish prices for the T4 yet (and indeed, we haven't had confirmation yet that it's a model which will come to the Irish market at all - we'll update you when we know more) but first deliveries should start in October in the rest of Europe.
Joining the plug-in T4 are two new mild-hybrid petrol models, badged B4 and B5, which will replace the old T4 and T5 petrol engines. Both are 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol units with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter-generator. The B4 comes with 197hp and front-wheel drive only, while the B5 has 250hp and four-wheel drive only.
Even more desirable
Kristian Elvefors from Volvo said: "The addition of a second plug-in hybrid powertrain and the introduction of our first mild-hybrid petrols to the XC40 range is the latest step in Volvo Cars' ambitious electrification strategy. Combined with the XC40's existing strengths of striking design, ingenious packaging and advanced safety technology, these new powertrains make an already desirable car even more desirable."
Diesel engines will remain on sale in the XC40 range for a little while yet, but they will slowly be shoved to one side by the new hybrid and mild-hybrid offerings.