Volvo UK claims to have launched the world’s lowest emissions large premium executive cars with the DRIVe versions of its S80 and V70.
The modified 81kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine emits just 119g/km CO2, as well as achieving fuel economy of 4.5 litres/100km on combined cycle testing. This efficiency leads to an immense range of almost 1770km from a full tank.
Volvo Cars President and CEO, Stephen Odell, said the new engine would reduce the driver’s CO2 emissions by 150kg a year and save them 60 litres in fuel.
“There has been a swift pace of development since the launch of our first 119g models in Paris in autumn 2008.
“Now that we have brought two of the larger models in below the magical 120g/km limit, few of our competitors can now match us when it comes to offering customers an extensive range of low emission cars,” he said.
Volvo has employed two main techniques to reduce CO2 emissions further on both cars.
Intelligent battery recharging ensures that the car’s control system only allows the alternator to charge the battery when the engine is operating at low load, for instance when driving downhill. In addition, the belt that drives the alternator and air conditioning compressor benefits from reduced friction helping lower fuel consumption and emissions.
The DRIVe versions of both the Volvo S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate are available in four trim levels in the UK and select European markets.