Recently, Volvo launched a DRIVe version of its midsize S60 and V60 models. The economical DRIVe versions of both the S60 sedan and the V60 wagon are powered by 1.6-liter Euro 5-compliant diesel engines that are tacked to six-speed manual gearboxes. With the aid of stop-start technology, the S60 emits just 114 grams per kilometer of CO2, while the V60 spews out 119 g/km of CO2, corresponding to fuel economy ratings of approximately 54.7 and 52.2 miles per gallon (U.S.), respectively. By late spring, two additional Volvo models, the V70 and the S80, will get the DRIVe treatment. Now, which other automaker is ready to take on Volvo in the “lowest” CO2 emission challenge?
[Source: Volvo]
– CO2 emissions of 114 and 119 g/km
The eco-conscious Volvo customer can now buy Volvo S60 or V60 in a particularly economical DRIVe version, with CO2 emissions of just 114 g/km and 119 g/km respectively – corresponding to fuel consumption of 4.3 and 4.5 l/100 km respectively.
This means that Volvo buyers can now choose between a total of seven models with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km, three of them below the 100 g/km mark.
The Volvo S60 and V60 are now available with the upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine that meets the Euro 5 emission standard introduced in January 2011. This further-developed engine in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function has made it possible for Volvo’s engine experts to keep CO2 emissions down to 114 g/km in the S60 and 119 g/km in the V60.
Volvo’s DRIVe badge sits on those models that offer the best environmental performance in their size segments. The upgraded engine is already found in the DRIVe versions of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50, all with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. In spring 2011 the Volvo V70 DRIVe (119 g) and Volvo S80 DRIVe (119 g) will also become available with the further-enhanced Euro 5 diesel engine.
Successful hunt for increased efficiency
“We have moved ahead very quickly since we launched our first three 119 gram models in Paris in autumn 2008. The fact that we now have seven models below 120 g/km, three of them below 100 grams, emphasises that few of our competitors can match us in the drive for increasingly eco-efficient cars,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stefan Jacoby.
