Volvo is extending its Drive range of low-CO2 models and adding a 1.6-litre diesel engine option to its V70 and S80 model lines to bring CO2 emissions below 130 g/km.
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New S40 and V50 Drive versions have a start/stop function that allows the engine to switch off when the car is at a standstill, whilst also maintaining comfort settings such as the air conditioning.
With the engine off, some electronic systems such as the air conditioning step down to standby level in order to save fuel. The system continuously monitors the comfort level and automatically reactivates the air conditioning if, for instance, the temperature increases in the passenger compartment.
The monitoring system has been made possible due to an additional small battery which supports the larger battery by providing extra power.
The standard larger battery has also been upgraded to handle up to 175,000 start/stop cycles.
A regenerative facility charges the battery as soon as the driver releases the accelerator or brakes while a gear is engaged.
A front-wheel drive option and a new 2.4-litre diesel engine for the XC60 crossover and XC70 wagon reduce CO2 output to 159g/km, below a new UK government 160g/km ‘writing down allowance’ tax threshold for company cars effective on 1 April.
The Volvo V70 and S80 Drive models have the same 1.6-litre diesel engine and manual gearbox as the smaller C30, S40 and V50 but with specially tailored engine software and different ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears.
CO2 emissions are 129g/km.
Volvo also said its automatic transmissions will be 5-7% more efficient in forthcoming versions within the next two years.
