Today, Volvo has announced that at the Paris Motor Show they’ll present new economical versions of the C30, S40 and V50 models. Based on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept that debuted at last year’s Frankfurt show, the new DRIVe diesel models achieve a fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (53.4 US mpg) for the C30 and 4.5 litres/100 km (52.2 mpg) for the S40 and V50, while CO2 figures stand great, at 115 and 118 g/km.
“We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120 g CO2/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
To achieve these numbers, Volvo worked on the following parts of the cars:
Reduced air resistance:
* Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
* Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
* Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
* Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
* Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
* Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
* Unique rear spoiler (C30). The S40 has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
* New rear bumper (C30).
Lower rolling resistance:
* All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.
Higher ratios:
* Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.
More efficient driveline:
* Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
* New transmission oil with lower friction.
* Gearchange indicator in the information display.
With pricing for the DRIVe package estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market, Volvo expects to sell 20,000 DRIVe units next year in Europe and they’ll be offering the car even in the countries that don’t offer any form of financial incentive. However, they expect their best selling markets to be France, Sweden and Spain.
Read more about this in the official Volvo press release.
Source: Volvo
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