Volvo C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe, R-Design Style

While scanning the source of this article, we came across probably one of the most interesting statements we heard in a while: "having good environmental properties doesn't mean a car has to be boring". That's what Volvo says about its R-Designed C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe, and we couldn't be happier that someone in the industry finally figured that out.

Of course, the three models retain their DRIVe characteristics. The new C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe all beat the 120g CO2/km limit (119 g for all three models).

"We've succeeded in reducing the fuel consumption and CO2 levels of these DRIVe models by more than we initially believed possible. This has created sufficient margin to equip the cars with the R-Design package and still beat the 120g/km emission limit in all models," Magnus Jonsson, product development vice president, said in a release.

The R-Design package for the three models include both exterior and interior upgrades. For the exterior, the bodykit features front and rear spoilers, lower door trim and side-skirts for all of the three and roof spoiler on the C30 and V50 and lip spoiler on the boot of the S40.

Grille and door mirror housings in silk metal finish and 17-inch five-spoke Serapis aluminum wheels are also available, while the 90 mm sports tailpipe will only be used for the C30. At the front there are special DRIVe wind deflectors and an additional R-Design badge, and at the rear the DRIVe badge announces the car's low emission levels.

For the interior, Volvo has prepared seating surfaces in cream-colored leather, sides in off-black Flex-Tec and embossed R-Design logo in the front seats, sports pedals and steering wheel, Blue instrument dials for speedometer and tachometer and textile floor mats.