Volvo XC40 range: more hybrid choices

Volvo’s electrification programme has now delivered a second plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the XC40 compact SUV. The introduction of the new XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4 increases customer choice and opens the plug-in hybrid technology to a wider market. At the same time, two new mild-hybrid petrol options have been added to the range, in the form of the new XC40 B4 and B5.

Plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade from £32,600

The new Renegade 4xe will be the first electrified Jeep model to reach the UK. The Renegade 4xe can be driven on 100 per cent electric thanks to a 11.4 kWh battery paired with a 59 bhp electric motor, to ensure a range of 26mph and zero tailpipe emissions in full-electric mode. With two electric motors featuring Powerloop, all-wheel drive is always available to tackle off-road work

JLR Ingenium engine reaches 1.5 million milestone

Jaguar Land Rover has now produced over 1.5 million Ingenium engines at its Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, which makes a range of clean and electrified powertrains for all Jaguar and Land Rover models.  

Skoda Octavia vRS gets plug-in option

Skoda is continuing the tradition of its performance vRS models in the fourth-generation Octavia. This model is the first from Skoda offered in three different drive systems. In addition to the Octavia vRS versions with either a petrol or a diesel engine, the Octavia vRS iV – the brand’s first vRS plug-in hybrid – is now being launched. Both the 2.0 TSI Octavia vRS and the Octavia vRS iV have an output of 180 kW (242 bhp). The 2.0 TDI produces 147 kW (197 bhp) and is the only model in the vRS range to be available with all-wheel drive on request. All three variants feature sporty bodywork detailing including vRS-typical black touches.

Volkswagen Tiguan gets plug-in option

Volkswagen is showcasing a comprehensive update of the best-selling Tiguan. Ralf Brandstätter who has been appointed the new CEO of the Volkswagen brand: “We launched our global SUV strategy with the second-generation Tiguan in 2016. It served as the basis for many successful models worldwide. Volkswagen is now taking the next step by electrifying, digitalising and networking the new Tiguan. This will equip the compact SUV to handle the challenges of the modern era.”