Volvo’s latest additions to its SUV line-up both won at the 2018 Auto Express Awards, with the XC40 and XC60 T8 Twin Engine collecting prizes.
Following on from the duo’s success over the last year – the XC40 winning the European and UK Car of the Year, and the XC60 being crowned the World Car of the Year – they collected awards in their categories.
The smaller XC40 won the Small Premium SUV award and the compact model was praised for its adaptability and user-friendly layout.
Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief, said: “Volvo has scaled down what made its larger SUVs so successful and added all its know-how to create a more affordable, well-proportioned and practical five-seat SUV.
“The XC40 is loaded with all the latest safety kit, has a wonderful, tech-laden interior and is available with a wide spread of engines. All of this explains why we’ve named it Small Premium SUV of the Year 2018.”
As for the XC60, the T8 Twin Engine variant won the Best Premium Hybrid Car prize, with the model fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a rear axle-mounted electric motor combining to make 385bhp and 640Nm of torque.
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On the XC60, Fowler added: “It’s not hard to understand why the Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine scooped our Premium Hybrid Car of the Year award. With handsome styling, a stunning interior and a petrol-electric drivetrain that allows it to cover up to 26 miles in zero-emissions mode on a single charge, this car is as pleasing to look at as it is to own. It’s a tremendous all-rounder.”
Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “These awards carry great prestige and reaffirm that our new-generation SUV models are giving our brand serious momentum. Although the XC40 is our first ever model in the premium compact SUV market, it has already established itself as the benchmark in the class.
“For the XC60, our T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid adds another layer of technical sophistication that delivers gains both in real-world efficiency and genuine driver appeal.”
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