The new software increases the diesel engine’s output by 15bhp and 22lb/ft, to 227bhp and 346lb/ft, which combine with the 68bhp electric motor to improve in-gear performance for overtaking, and also reduces the sprint to 62mph to 6.0 seconds.

Polestar upgrades are covered by the manufacturer warranty and are undertaken at a Volvo dealership, with no detrimental effect on the car’s 155.2mpg fuel economy or 48g/km CO2 emissions.

Hans Bååth, marketing director for Polestar, said: ‘The Polestar optimisation for the V60 D6 combines a strong fuel economy with performance. We are happy to be able to offer the Volvo customers with more driving pleasure in combination with the latest hybrid technology, a very interesting area for the future.’

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid Polestar package is available in the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, some of the biggest markets for the car.