Volvo Unveils new DRIVe SUB-120g/km range
Swedish maker Volvo and fleet favourite has unveiled a new range of cars with a low environmental footprint which look to make good business sense. The cars are all sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 Sports Coupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon and will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in early October.
The three cars are badged with the DRIVe emblem and have been enhanced with a number of efficiency features. Production of these new models will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January.
The new range looks good on paper as the new 1.6D DRIVe models will offer fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50. The VED Band is also favourable as they come in at band B and the CO2 figures are 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50. According to the Swedish maker these new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments.
Volvo claims 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: which included the chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment. There are also wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow. The wheels have been aerodynamically optimised with a unique ‘Libra’ rim. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim.
2. Lower rolling resistance: All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance.
3. Higher ratios: The engineers have tweaked the gearbox and 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: The boffins have optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering. The maker is using a new transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox. Finally there’s a gear-change indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears.
Prices, specifications and volume forecasts for the UK will be announced closer to the start of production.
Simon McBride
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