Plug-In

The new Ford Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid van and Torneo Custom Plug-in Hybrid eight-seat people mover have been detailed for the European market this week. Both are technically a range-extended electric vehicles, despite the 'Plug-in Hybrid' naming, as the 93kW electric motor is the only thing driving the front wheels.

Audi is aiming to showcase how its products can offer the best of both worlds, backing up the reveal of its all-new RS7 performance liftback with the more eco-friendly A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid.

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid has been spied by photographers during development testing in Europe. In typical fashion, the Golf PHEV looks pretty much identical to all the other Mk8 prototypes we've seen over the past year, with the exception of the extra flap in the front-left fender housing the charge port.

Photographers have snapped images of the facelifted Hyundai i30 in Europe, and it appears updated hatchback range could be headlined by the availability of plug-in hybrid power. Despite the heavy camouflage we can see the revised i30 will get a new grille and rejigged headlights with fresh LED daytime-running lights, along with changes to the bumper and new intakes.

Volvo Car has added a new transmission option for the entry-level T3 version of the XC40 small SUV, which should further broaden the crossover’s appeal. Introduced as part of some running changes for the European market, the XC40 T3 gets a slightly upgraded 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine for 2019, with power now rated at 163hp (121kW) up from 156hp (116kW).