Volvo Extends DRIVe Range to V70, S80, XC60 and XC70 Models

Four other models received the DRIVe badge

2009 Geneva Motor Show will witness no less than seven Volvo models that received the DRIVe badge, the manufacturer's low CO2 emission class vehicles. All of them are also equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimized for low fuel consumption.

V70, S80, XC60 and XC70 are the new cars to join Volvo's existing C30, S40 and V50 low-emissions vehicles. "By supplementing the DRIVe range with the larger V70, S80, XC60 and XC70, Volvo also has one of the premium segment's strongest ranges of attractive, fuel-efficient cars offering excellent environmental properties," Stephen Odell, Volvo CEO said.

For them to be able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions the new DRIVe versions of the C30, S40 and V50 have been equipped with a Start/Stop and regenerative charge facility. The Start/Stop feature of the DRIVe versions can reduce fuel consumption dioxide emissions by 4-5 percent in mixed driving conditions and as much as 8 percent in urban traffic.

The regenerative charge facility allows the alternator to stop using diesel fuel as a power source when the battery's charge level dips. This makes the engine save up to 3 percent in fuel consumption.

The improvements made Volvo V70 and S80 drop their CO2 emissions under 140 g/100 km.The V70 is down to 4.9 l/100 km fuel consumption and 129g CO2 emissions, 18 percent better than today's two-liter diesel. S80 dropped 15 percent compared to the previous engine and registers the same values as the V70.

For the 2010 Volvo XC60 crossover and the XC70 adventure estate, powertrain range will expand with a front-wheel drive DRIVe version powered by the 2.4D engine. CO2 emissions will be 159 g/km and fuel consumption a best-in-class 6.0 l/100 km for both cars.

"More horsepower, higher torque and a sporty chassis setting all help give the front-wheel drive version the right XC60 dynamics. It is the perfect choice for the customer who wants to focus on CO2 emissions without compromising on driving pleasure," Magnus Jonsson, vice president Product Development.

Powertrain extension comes on a background of uncertainty for Volvo. Ford's decision to sell its Volvo is yet to be matched by takeover proposals, despite two Chinese companies, Geely and Chery, taking interest in the manufacturer so far.