Incapacity benefit

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Incapacity benefit

We’re considering buying a Volvo V70. Volvo has announced a V70 1.6D DRIVe, which my wife likes but I’m concerned that it might be a little underpowered. There's little information, but looking on the web a Volvo press release states “These cars have perfectly adequate performance” which sounds a bit damning to me. Should I wait or should I consider the 2.0D, which is not so economical and in the next VED class.

Asked on 8 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The 1.6D has two advantages over the 2.0D. It develops its peak torque at lower rpm. And its overall gearing is lower. I've just had 13 months driving the 1.6D in a Focus, and can confirm it is just about grunty enough to haul a V70. Not a fully laden V70 towing a caravan, though.

Tags: buying diesels new cars engine

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