Volvo launches four automatic DRIVe models with no increase in emissions | New Release - Car News Dec 2011

10:03 Tuesday 06 Mar 2012

Volvo has launched four additions to its range of DRIVe models, with automatic versions of the S60, V60, V70, and S80.

As part of the company's 'DRIVe towards Zero' strategy on reducing emissions Volvo has announced that the four models will now be available with a Powershift dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but without any increase in CO2 emissions when compared to manually geared models.

The statistics for the new Volvo S60 DRIVe Automatic are a combined fuel economy of 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km. The V60 DRIVe, V70 DRIVe, and S80 DRIVe Automatics will all return 62.8mpg, and emit 119g/km of CO2. All four models are fitted with a 113bhp, 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, producing just shy of 200 lb-ft of torque.

Volvo's Senior Vice President for Research and Development, Peter Mertens, said of the new announcement, "For the first time ever, we have managed to bring the fuel consumption in variants with an automatic gearbox down to the same level as in the manual versions. An impressive achievement by our powertrain experts".

Volvo revealed that the figures have been achieved by reducing friction between gearbox components and modifying the engine and gearbox software, along with a start/stop system and optimised electrical systems.

Volvo's DRIVe system utilises technology including brake energy regneration, variable turbine geometry, combined catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter, start/stop, and low rolling resistance tyres. DRIVe models were already available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but the 6-speed Powershift hydraulically controlled automatic gearbox now available features a double clutch, split input shaft, and manual gear selection option.

Volvo announced that production of the new models will commence in mid-February 2012, with order books opening early next year. The Swedish manufacturer confirmed prices for the S60 DRIVe will begin at £25,230. The V60 DRIVe starts at £26,405, the V70 DRIVe at £27,730, and the S80 DRIVe at £26,980.