World's first Diesel Hybrid - Amazing 1.9L per 100km's

World's first diesel plug-in hybrid to offer 1200km range and lowest ever emissions.

Volvo has unveiled a new family wagon that sips around half the fuel of Australia's most efficient car.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid concept is the world's first rechargeable diesel-electric vehicle and has a combined claimed fuel consumption of just 1.9 litres per 100km, while emitting just 49g/km of carbon dioxide - unprecedented numbers in the world of hybrid cars. By comparison, the most efficient car on sale in Australia, Ford's diesel-powered Fiesta Econetic, uses 3.7 litres per 100km and emits 98g/km.

The V60 is fitted with a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine producing 150kW of power and 440Nm of torque, which sends power to the front wheels. The rear wheels can be driven by a rear-mounted 50kW electric motor that adds an extra 200Nm of torque.

Advertisement: Story continues below Volvo says the V60 Plug-in won't just appeal to those focused on fuel savings, saying the V60 offers the appeal of three cars in one - because the car can be operated in three modes.

In Pure mode the car runs only using the electric motor, and has a range of up to 50km and pumps out zero exhaust emissions. Recharging is estimated to take between three and seven hours, depending on the power source.

Hybrid mode focuses on combining the diesel engine and electric motor to save fuel, and is the mode to choose if your aim is to replicate the claimed 1.9L/100km.

Power mode, however, focuses on performance - offering a combined power output of 200kW and 640Nm, which enables to V60 to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds despite the extra weight from the batteries and electrics.

As with all Volvos, there is an enhanced focus on safety - the V60 Plug-in features extra collision safeguards to stop the car's batteries from being crushed in an impact, while power to the batteries is cut off as soon as the car's sensors pick up an impact.

The V60 Plug-in concept will be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show on 1st March.

It is scheduled to go on sale in 2012 and is being considered for the Australian market.