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Why does Volvo only make the 3-litre T6 as a diesel variant?
I have always been a Volvo fan and own currently a top-end 2002 Volvo 2.4T V70 that needs replacing. On looking around for a V70/XC70 replacement I find, to my utter disappointment, that below the 304PS 3.0-litre T6, Volvo only produces estates with diesel engines. Being retired I cover only about 8000 miles annually, which I understand is best suited for diesel-powered cars. I am not terribly keen on Franco-German-made estates, for personal reasons, and would have obviously preferred a like-for-like replacement. My disappointment is further exacerbated by the fact that a fairly large proportion of Volvo estate owners are 'seniors' like me who cover low annual mileage. Does Volvo not understand the potential market it is throwing away under its current model-building policy? In any case, I have a dilemma on what would be a suitable replacement for my much-loved Volvo V70 estate. Your advice would be most welcome.
Asked on 2 November 2013 by PW, Winchester,
Answered by
Honest John
The reason for this is EC emissions regulations. The EC now fines car manufacturers producing cars with an average of more than 130g/km. This has forced Volvo to drop its old high CO2 5-cylinder petrol engines and concentrate on diesels (including its own new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel), which the market currently "wants" but will probably regret wanting in 3 - 6 years time when diesels could be costing an average of £2,000 a year in repairs. Volvo is also working on new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines. The closest car to a petrol V70 in current production is a Mazda 6 2.0 Skyactiv Tourer. Nice car.
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