Volvo announces 2013 updates, new D3 diesel engine

Model year 2013 variants of the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80 set for production in May will benefit from a new 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel engine named 'D3'.

The new engine produces 100kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and returns average CO₂ emissions as low as 114 grams per kilometre in the S60 and S80 sedans – translating to a combined cycle fuel economy rating of approximately 4.3 litres per 100km.

The current 'D3' engine, a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel, will be rebadged 'D4' under the new naming structure.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder DRIVe diesel engine is now called 'D2', and continues as the entry-level option with 84kW and 270Nm, while the 2.4-litre five-cylinder 'D5' continues as the performance benchmark, generating 158kW of power and 440Nm of torque.

Volvo Car Australia's Oliver Peagam says no decision has been made on introducing the D3 engine to the local line-up, although he suggested it "might be unlikely" at this stage as it has primarily been developed to comply with Europe's strict emissions regulations.

The 2013 Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 will be upgraded with the new 'Sensus' infotainment system and an LED-illuminated transparent gearshift knob, matching the upcoming all-new V40 hatch. Volvo's Road Sign Information, Active High Beam and Tunnel Detection driver assist systems will also be available across the six model lines.

The 17-inch 11-spoke 'Saga' wheels for the V70 and S80 now get black paint on the diamond-cut areas, while all sedan and wagon models are now available with new 18-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels.

The V70 also gets an updated front grille with gloss-black details.

Volvo Car Australia is expected to introduce its 2013 model year upgrades around the third quarter of this year, with the exact specifications to be confirmed in the coming months. The local division launched a number of its 2012 model year upgrades between July and October last year.