Double Honours for Volvo in the 2019 What Car? Awards

Volvo has maintained its winning ways into the New Year, following a record-breaking honours haul in 2018 with two successes in the 2019 What Car? Awards. The XC90 T8 Twin Engine was awarded Plug-in Car of the Year, proving the success of Volvo’s new electrified powertrain technology in its luxury SUV. This is also at the same time as winning Best Used Luxury SUV in Diesel Car and Eco Car’s Used Car Top 50, demonstrating its market-leading strength.

The XC40 also managed to retain the Family SUV of the Year title for its second year running, despite enhanced competition from key rivals. Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor praised the XC40, saying: “Last year's Car of the Year retains its position as the very best family SUV you can buy. It's as plush as it is practical, and the engines that have been added to the line-up in the last 12 months only add to its appeal."

He had equally high praise for the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, commenting: "As well as delivering low running costs, this plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 is the quickest model in the line-up, showing what a brilliant all-rounder it is. And unlike its rivals, Volvo has managed to retain seven seats, so going green doesn't require you to compromise on practicality."

The XC40 premium compact SUV was praised for its “stylish and high-quality interior” as well as its “supple ride” and “comprehensive safety kit” in What Car?’s five-star review. Offering customers with a wide choice of powertrains, the range embracing three petrol and two diesel units, with outputs of up to 247hp, the XC40 is a versatile and reliable choice for SUV enthusiasts.