Under Bernd Pischetsrieder, VW’s recently sacked CEO, the plan reportedly was to introduce hybrid versions of lower-end models such as the Golf and Jetta, but that has been deemed to expensive to be successful by the incoming regime. According to the German publication Automobilwoche, the automaker’s first hybrid-powered vehicle will be the Touareg SUV.

Now comes word that Volvo has developed a hybrid version of the C30 hatchback. The drive system is reportedly a series hybrid, with the batteries being charged on the go by a diesel powerplant. There’s plug-in charging capabilities, as well. The batteries alone can provide motive power for about 45 miles before the generator awakes.