Volvo Drive

Volvo unveiled the new economical, sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and are proving extremely popular with private and business customers alike due to their exceptional environmental credentials.

The new 1.6D DRIVe models offers outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50, with VED Band B CO2 figures of just 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50.  These new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120g/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance

The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four areas:

1. Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag
• A front spoiler on the S40 and V50 which is the same spoiler currently on T5 models.
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels with a unique ‘Libra’ rim. The diamond cut finish adds to the unique design and the large unobstructed area that goes all the way out to the tyre makes the rim look considerable larger than it actually is. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim.
• Underbody panels on the Volvo C30 for more efficient airflow under the car.
• A unique rear spoiler has been developed for the Volvo C30 which adds both to the aerodynamics and to the visual appearance. The Volvo S40 features the same ‘ducktail’ spoiler as found on the current T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper on the Volvo C30.

2. Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance.

3. Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without affecting the drivability of the car.

4. More efficient driveline:

• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2 percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120g/km for all three cars, without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 best in the ECO test

Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the Euro NCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy

Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's pocket. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in 13 European markets, including the UK, where CO2-based vehicle taxation systems, have been implemented; for instance a lower road tax, registration tax or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make the Volvo 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive as fuel consumption can reach 76.3mpg at motorway speeds.

The most eco-friendly car range

Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town of Gothenburg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

Volvo DRIVe prices and specification

The 1.6D DRIVe range will be available in S, SE and SE Lux specifications and will mean all current 1.6D models in these trim levels will be replaced with the new economical DRIVe variant1.

Apart from the unique DRIVe features such as Diamond Cut Libra alloy wheels, tailgate spoiler, lower rear bumper diffuser and a partly covered grille, the DRIVe models will be available with all the same standard equipment, features, options and colours available in other S, SE and SE Lux models.

The comprehensive S specification includes ECC (Electronic Climate Control), power windows, 6-speaker radio/CD system and Bauxite trim. Plus the full suite of Volvo's safety systems including DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) are also all standard.

The SE trim level adds rain sensors, cruise control, information centre and aluminium trim. While the top of the range SE Lux enhances the SE specification with luxury features such as leather faced upholstery, heated front seats and luxury floor mats; while autofolding power door mirrors with ground lights, a headlamp cleaning system and power driver's seat with seat memory all add to the luxury appeal. SE and SE Lux models will have the regular 17" alloy wheels as standard, but customers can choose the 16" Libra alloys as a no cost option. Irrespective of the wheel specified, the car will remain below 120g/km.

1 R-DESIGN models will only be available with the current 1.6D engine, as the additional bodykit and larger wheels and tyres mean it is not possible to reduce CO2 below 120g/km. The S specification has been reintroduced to the Volvo C30 range which can now only be ordered as a 1.6D DRIVe model.

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