THE XC40 Recharge plug-in is the first electrified member of Volvo’s ever-popular compact SUV portfolio and a precursor to the looming Pure Electric version due here in August.

Not only is it the most expensive variant in the current XC40 line-up – until the BEV arrives – at $64,990 plus on-roads, it’s also comfortably the most powerful with its turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder PHEV powertrain churning out a meaty 195kW – 10kW more than the T5 R-Design.

Volvo doesn’t quote a combined torque figure, but the force-fed little triple churns out a decent 265Nm all by itself (and contributes 135kW to the total 195). 

While the power output is impressive, it’s the XC40 Recharge’s economy figures that prove the most eye-catching.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at just 2.0 litres per 100km on the combined cycle while the all-electric driving range is rated at 46km thanks to its 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

We already know the XC40 is an extremely well-rounded drive, but we wanted to see if the PHEV version was a worthy addition to the range and if it could justify its $8000 price premium over the T5 R-Design.