Volvo hybrid sales into NZ

Everything is shipshape with Volvo New Zealand, with the 'docking' this week of a hybrid prototype of the XC90 in Auckland.

Landing at the Volvo Ocean Race headquarters next to the Auckland Viaduct Centre, the premium SUV is the world's first plug-in hybrid seven seater.

The first of the production vehicles will be on sale in New Zealand from July, with the starting price of $97,900 for the D5 2-litre twin-turbodiesel Momentum model, $110,900 for the 2-litre supercharged petrol Inscription version and $134,900 for the plug-in hybrid.

The plug-in has the 2-litre petrol engine powering the front wheels and a 60kW electric engine powering the rear wheels.

The XC90 can run on electric-only in Pure mode, Hybrid or Power, with both engines combining to produce 640Nm of torque, seeing it go from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

Not only is this the first XC90 to be launched in 12 years, but it is the resurgence of Volvo after Ford owned it for 10 years before Chinese car company Geely took over ownership in 2010.

"The XC90 is not just a new model but it is the rebirth of the brand for Volvo," said Volvo NZ's product manager Zac Burt at the Auckland reveal. "The XC90 is taking Volvo to a whole new level of luxury."

Geely has invested heavily in the brand and the result shows. The styling, technology and safety features will see the XC90 compete directly with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The XC90 range has officially been launched in Spain to international journalists and Driven will soon have a full report on the first drive of the seven-seater SUV.