The new Volvo C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe with Low CO2 Emissions - VIDEO ENHANCED
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"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.
Holistic approach to eco-performance
The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by
meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more
economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four distinct
areas:
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.
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"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
Volvo C30 best in the ECO test
Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European
NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test,
which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and
particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and
points, in a similar way to the EuroNCAP programme for safety. The
independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category,
with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total
environmental performance.
Benefits for the environment and economy
Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120 g/km CO2 emission
level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's
economy. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the
net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are
also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95
percent of all soot particles.
With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in the form of subsidies in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system, for instance with a "green grant" that is paid to the owner, lower road tax, registration tax exemption or other similar forms of financial encouragement.
Rising fuel prices also make our 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 l/100 km and is as low as 3.7 l/100 km at highway speeds.
Sold throughout Europe
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Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales. The reason for this is the particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries.
The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offers, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties.
"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.
The most eco-friendly car range
Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a
comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three
bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the
market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.
Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town, Göteborg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.