The newcomer to our long-term test fleet takes the form of the big and bold Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV. John Challen gets behind the wheel.

So far, we’re keeping fuel station visits to a minimum for the Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV

P11d (BiK): 55,395 (15%) MPG/CO2: 100.9-113.9mpg/55-64g/km Test MPG: 109.7mpg

Having previously run two Škoda estates back-to-back, when I was faced with the XC60, it felt huge. Fortunately, a drive back to the south coast from Fleet World HQ gave me the perfect opportunity to get used to it and make the realisation that I’d just not been used to driving SUVs. Or, let’s face it – given the various lockdowns – not driving much at all!

The Volvo is beautifully kitted out, the lovely cream interior is spacious and features comfortable seats and some clever storage solutions.

The plug-in hybrid setup is also a welcome addition. Electric-only range is around 20-25 miles, which suits my typically journeys almost perfectly. There have been just two trips to a fuel station, otherwise it’s been battery power all the way.

To be more specific, a typical week will see more than 90% of the miles done in electric mode. That’s according to the car’s smartphone-friendly On Call app, which provides a range of functions and helpful information.

Fortunately it also tells you when you’ve left the carunlocked – something I’m regularly guilty of when arriving home, it appears. Thankfully the car can also be locked with the touch of a button.

I could really do with a similar warning when leaving the charging flap open – another bad habit I’ve picked up…