Volvo is introducing start-stop technology to its vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Already standard across most of Volvo’s European range of vehicles with manual transmissions, the start-stop technology will debut in cars fitted with the 2.0-litre D3 diesel engine that are teamed with the six-speed Geartronic auto gearbox.
The Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80 will be the first to benefit from the added tech, which promises to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to eight per cent.
Combined cycle fuel consumption for the four models will range from 5.4 to 5.7 litres/100km, while CO2 emissions will average 142-149g/km.
The D3 engine produces 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It was launched in 2010 and is now available across most of Volvo’s passenger vehicle range overseas.
The engine is effectively the same as the 2.4-litre D5 diesel unit – although with a smaller displacement due to its shorter stroke – which means applying start-stop technology to the D5 in the future should be a simplified task.
The D3 engine is not currently part of Volvo Car Australia’s range, and managing director, Matt Braid, said there were no plans to introduce start-stop technology for automatic models in the 2012 model year series.
Mr Braid did, however, confirm the fuel-saving technology would be considered for Australia when it was made available for our market.
“Reducing fuel consumption and emissions is important to Volvo so it is something that is under consideration for the future on our S60 and V60 models,” he said.
Read CarAdvice’s reviews of the Volvo S60.
Read CarAdvice’s review of the Volvo V60.