Volvo S80 (2006 – 2016) Review

March 2006

New S60 unveiled

Second generation S80 shares look of concurrent S40/V50 at the front. 4,850mm x 1,860mm x 1,488mm. On sale UK from Summer 2006. Has Collision Warning and Brake Support with Active Cruise Control. World's first Personal Car Communicator (PCC). New Volvo 315bhp 440Nm V8 with AWD, 238PS 320Nm 3.2 belt cam six cylinder, 200PS 300Nm 2.4T petrol engines, plus latest 185PS 400Nm D5 and 163PS 340Nm 2.4D turbo diesel. Full five seater with plenty of head and legroom for centre rear passenger.

Optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Active Bi-Xenon headlights improve the driver’s visibility at night by turning the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned.

3.2 transverse belt cam six engine was designed by Volvo and is built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other PAG brands, such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite having six-cylinders in-line, it's designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder engines thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself.

Four-C system is an advanced self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour and can adjust the damper and chassis settings to suit the current driving situation in a fraction of a second. This helps to control the car at all speeds and reduces any tendency to squat, dip or roll under acceleration, hard braking or fast steering manoeuvres.

The new 4.4 litre chain cam Yamaha V8 engine in the new S80 comes with All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction™ which distributes the power between the front and rear wheels at lightning speeds to ensure optimal roadholding at all times

February 2007

S80 now from £24,995 for 2.5T and from £25,495 for 2.4D. 2.0-litre FlexiFuel bio-ethanol engine from January 2008. Called 2.0F produces 145PS and 185Nm of torque and offers combined fuel consumption of 34.9mpg in the S80.

Five-cylinder 2.5F turbocharged engine with 200bhp from 2008. FlexiFuel engines run on renewable E85 bio-ethanol fuel which emits up to 80% less fossil carbon dioxide emissions than petrol. If E85 is not available, the car can also be powered by petrol: both fuels can go into the same tank in any mixture thanks to the car's engine management system which monitors the blend and automatically modifies the injection and ignition timings to optimise performance.

Also from January 2008, four-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel with 136PS and 320Nm of torque and uses second-generation common rail technology, provides rapid throttle response and is fitted with a maintenance-free regenerating Diesel Particulate Filter as standard. SE of this version surprisingly pleasant to drive. Very high gearing of 37.5mph / 1,000rpm in 6th, but engine is strong enough and car is far from sluggish.

Driver Alert Control (DAC) as well as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system launched at Frankfurt Motor Show September 2007. Available as an option priced at £500 on the all-new Volvo V70 and XC70 and the Volvo S80 at the end of 2007.

2.0 litre petrol and diesel to order from November 2007 for January 2008 delivery from £23,495 for the petrol and from £23,995 for the diesel. The 2-litre common rail diesel offers 136PS and 320Nm of torque and has a Diesel Particulate Filter to reduce CO2 emissions to 151g/km. 49.6mpg combined. The 2-litre petrol engine has 145PS and 190Nm of torque and returns 34.0mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 199g/km.

The Volvo S80 SE Lux now benefits from heated washer nozzles and chronograph instrument dials as standard. New 17 inch Cassini alloy wheels are now available. The S80 also receives the upgraded RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment System) and Digital TV option and sees the introduction of the Driver Support Pack and Security Pack.

The 2.5T FlexiFuel engine is now available to order and is priced £300 above the 2.5T engine at £25,295 OTR. The environmentally-friendly unit produces a powerful 200PS and 300Nm of torque at 1500-4500rpm, reaching 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. Price adjustments include a decrease of £220 for the Volvo S80 3.2 Executive which is now available for £39,985 OTR and the range starts at £23,495 OTR.

Power mirrors with an autofold function now standard1 across the Volvo model range. Mirrors can be set to fold in automatically when the car is locked, and fold out again when the car is unlocked. Communications Pack have also revised and now includes RTI Navigation System, Keyless Drive and Bluetooth® Handsfree System.2

Bluetooth handsfree system is also available as an individual option for a RRP of £200 on the Volvo C30, S40, V50 and C70. This handsfree system automatically recognises a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone as it enters the car and seamlessly takes over, allowing the driver to switch freely from the mobile phone to the handsfree system. By simply touching the blue button, the Bluetooth handsfree system will listen to commands and make calls.

A new Homelink option is available across the Volvo range for a RRP of £501 . With buttons integrated in the sun visor, Homelink allows the occupants to operate remote controlled home appliances, such as a garage door, home alarm and exterior lighting, without leaving the car.

There are new colour additions with Savile Grey being added to S80, C30, V50 and S40, while Caper Green Pearl will join the S80 and XC70 and Vanilla Pearl to the C70.

New 2.4 litre EU5 D5 for 2009. Sharing only the D5 badge and the five-cylinder configuration with the previous generation, the new engine is now Euro 5 compliant and is significantly more efficient than its predecessor. The new D5 engine will be available in the UK from mid-2009 and pricing and specifications will be announced nearer the time. Has sequential twin turbochargers, ceramic glow-plugs and piezoelectric fuel injectors. Offers fuel economy of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of only 164g/km. These low levels of fuel consumption, in combination with improved power output of 205hp and 420Nm of torque, mean the Volvo S80 with D5 engine is bidding for the best in class title. New 2.4D down to 154g/km so under £160g/km for company write down purposes.

February 2009

Volvo S80 1.6D DRIVe 109 hp/240 Nm, 129 g/km, 57.6 mpg comb (these figures were later improved). Volvo V70 and S80 DRIVe models come equipped with the same powertrain – 1.6-litre diesel engine and manual gearbox – as the smaller C30, S40 and V50 but with specially tailored engine software and different ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears. The optimised powertrain is a major aid in helping Volvo's larger cars significantly cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 57.6 mpg and 129 g/km respectively.

Several other factors also contribute to the reduction in fuel consumption. The tyres that have been specially designed for low rolling resistance. The V70 and S80 DRIVe versions are also equipped with an electric power steering pump that delivers exactly the servo assistance the driver requires, in a precise and energy-efficient way. All DRIVe models feature this power steering system. The V70 also features a covered grille to aid aerodynamics and a lowered chassis (20 mm front, 15 mm rear).

Twin-turbo five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel offers 205 horsepower, 420Nm of torque over a very wide range of engine revs. Fuel consumption (EU combined) is 45.6mpg and 164g/km CO2 emissions (preliminary figures) – a particularly low figure for a car of this size and performance level.

Upgraded Euro 4-compliant 2.4-litre diesel engine will also be available with 175 horsepower, 420Nm of torque, fuel consumption (EU Combined) at 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km

May 2009

2010 Model Year announced. The Volvo S80 has benefitted from a full re-fresh this model year, both externally and internally.

The driving dynamics and ride of the new Volvo S80 have also been updated and improved by the introduction of two new chassis - the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis. The Lowered Dynamic Chassis has been developed to offer drivers enhanced sporting driving characteristics and more responsive handling, while the Comfort Chassis offers a compliant and un-interrupted smooth ride. The introduction of these new chassis' gives customers the opportunity to tailor their S80 to suit their driving style - for inspired, enthusiastic driving or relaxed comfort.

The Lowered Dynamic Chassis will be offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models. The Comfort Chassis will be the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.

The new Volvo S80 will also feature three new diesel engines, the 2.4D, D5 and the low CO2-emitting DRIVe. As well as providing the Volvo S80 with a different driving experience, the car will also benefit from lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. An upgraded 2.5T is available, offering a 31 PS performance boost to provide 231 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Despite this 13% increase in power, CO2 emissions have been reduced to 206 g/km and fuel consumption improved to 32.8 mpg with the manual transmission.

A new R-DESIGN Interior Pack has been introduced which includes Dynamic Sports leather faced front seats, R-DESIGN leather sports steering wheel and gearknob, instrument dials, aluminium pedals and sports floor mats. The pack is available on SE Premium and SE Lux premium models and is priced at £500.

Prices for the new Volvo S80 range start at £21,745 for the new low-CO2 emitting DRIVe SE model. The new 2.4D starts at £25,845 in SE specification, while the D5 joins the range at £27,745.

The Volvo S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 all benefit from the new and improved D5 and 2.4D diesel engines which were announced earlier this year3. The new D5 engine with its twin sequential turbo charging offers a 20 PS performance boost to provide 205 PS and 420 NM of torque. Despite this power increase, CO2 emissions have been cut to 169 g/km in the XC70 and V70, 183 g/km in the XC60, while the S80 offers 164 g/km.

The 2.4D has also been upgraded and the new engine offers a 12 percent improvement in performance to 175 PS and 420 Nm of torque whilst bringing down CO2 levels to 155 g/km in the S80 and 159 g/km in the V70. In the XC60 and XC70 the 2.4D coincides with the introduction of front-wheel-drive and together, they reduce emissions to just 159 g/km. Crucially, this figure enables these two models to fall below the 160 g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance.

Volvo is offering an additional Premium Pack on all trim levels and engines in S80 models for an extra £2,000. This includes the addition of Leather-faced Upholstery and Satellite Navigation System (RTI) in the XC60, V70 and XC70. On the XC90 the Premium model adds Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Dual Band Integrated GSM Telephone and Volvo On Call. Meanwhile the C70 also gets a Premium Pack for an extra £1,800 and features Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Bluetooth Handsfree System and Keyless Drive. The Premium Packs are designed to complement the existing high levels of specification on whichever engine or trim level chosen.

An updated Satellite Navigation system (RTI) has also been introduced to bring them in line with the smaller cars in the Volvo range. A new driver interface, new colours and an
improved premium feel to the menu and symbols are the key features and the unit costs £1,950 (including VAT).

All 2010 MY models were available to order from June 2009 with first customer cars from July 2010.

February 2010

Lower emission and lower tax 119g/km DRIVe versions of its S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate introduced. Delivering 109bhp and 240Nm of torque, the modified 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel engine provides improved fuel economy by 5.1mpg to 62.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, increasing both cars’ range to nearly 1100 miles. Both cars fall into Vehicle Excise Duty Band C and Volvo estimates the new 119g/km engine reduces annual carbon emissions by 150kg over the S80 and V70 DRIVe’s previous low of 129g/km.

May 2010

New five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel from the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. Six-cylinder T6 petrol engine upgraded to 304 PS and 440 Nm of torque. The new two-litre five cylinder diesel powerplant is introduced to the XC60 and XC70 models and replaces the familiar four-cylinder 136 PS unit in the V70 and

The new five-cylinder 2.0D diesel is, in principle, the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The injection system also has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimize fuel consumption with their exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure to promote extremely efficient combustion.

In the Volvo S80 the newly developed 2-litre diesel engine produces 163 PS and is badged the D3. This hierarchic naming has been introduced to allow customers to more easily understand which engine is the most powerful and which fuel it is driven by - D for diesel and historically T has been used for Volvo's petrol cars. Volvo's naming strategy also follows the principle that the higher the number the more powerful it is - a D5 engine has more power that a D3.

In the Volvo S80, the newly developed 2-litre diesel engine produces 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque and is badged D3. The D5 twin-turbo diesel and high-performance T6 petrol engine remain in the ranges and have both benefitted from improvements.

The D5 205 PS has seen a drop in CO2 emissions. For example, the D5 emissions in the XC60 have fallen from 183 g/km to 174 g/km. The T6 powertrain in the V70, XC70 and XC60 has been upgraded to offer a 19 PS boost to a storming 304 PS at 440 Nm thanks to a reduction in internal friction. Maximum torque is achieved between 2100 and 4200 revs. This results in rapid acceleration and smooth driving properties. Emissions have also been reduced - Volvo XC60 T6 emissions, for example, have dropped from 274 g/km to 249 g/km. The D3, D5 and T6 engines are all Euro 5 compliant.

The S80 and V70 retain the 2.5T petrol engine and the low-CO2 emitting DRIVe 109 PS variant. The V8 AWD Auto remains available in the Volvo S80.

Another facet of Volvo's 2011 Model Year update is a change in the specification hierarchy with the introduction of the ES trim level. The ES replaces the S specification and includes all the features and safety systems you would expect from Volvo.

November 2010

New T3 and T4 petrol engines – 1.6-litre GTDi. New four-cylinder GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) petrol engines have been rolled out across a wide range of Volvo models, available to order now. Both the T3 and T4 are available in the all-new S60 and all-new V60 while the T4 is available in the S80 and V70.

Two new versions of the 1.6-litre GTDi petrol unit are being introduced - a 150hp T3 and 180hp T4 variant, both delivering 240Nm torque for impressive in-gear acceleration yet frugal consumption.

T3 and T4 variants engines on Volvo S60 and V60 models feature a manual gearbox as standard and incorporate a new start/stop function – the first time start/stop has been fitted to a non-DRIVe car.

Powershift automatic transmission is available on the T4 fitted to the S60, V60, S80 and V70 models and includes a new function that disengages drive when the driver releases the accelerator and lets the car 'coast'. This reduces rolling resistance and helps cut fuel consumption.

The 2.0-litre GTDi T5 petrol engine features 240hp and a healthy 320 Nm torque and is now available in six-speed manual guise on the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80. Six-speed Powershift automatic transmission versions are available on those models as well as the XC60.

April 2011

Volvo re-certified most of its diesel range under 120g/km CO2, including the 215PS D5 in the S60 and V60, for the 2013 model year, and at the same time re-named DRIVe to Drive-E.

Model/Engine D2 (115 hp) D3 (136 hp) D4 (163 hp) D5 (215 hp)

S80 119 g 114 g 114 g 120 g

The D2 engine combined with automatic Powershift gearbox comes with the same low fuel consumption and CO2levels as the manual versions in the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80. Now, the DRIVe symbol, which has been used to denote the lowest CO2emitting engine in each of the models, will be re-named Drive-E.

Volvo Car Corporation has extended its diesel engine offer with a new entry-level 5-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel in the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80 models. This engine, which has an output of 136 hp and maximum torque at 350 Nm, will be badged D3 and emits 114g/km - 119g/km according to model. The engine is available both with a manual and an automatic transmission.

The current D3 (163hp) diesel engine is re-named the D4 in order to make way for this new engine in the line-up for all the larger cars. This new diesel engine enables Volvo to now offer a D2 with 115 hp, a D3 with 136hp, a D4 with 163 hp and a D5 with 215 hp.

The Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 are now equipped with the new SENSUS and can be ordered with Road Sign Information, Active High beam and Tunnel Detection.

• Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs in the instrument cluster.
• The new Active High Beam technology offers automatic switching between high and low beam at the right moment.
• Tunnel Detection automatically turns on the headlights when the car enters a tunnel.

All models fitted with an automatic gearbox will come with the new illuminated gearshift knob, recently introduced in the all-new Volvo V40. The gearshift knob is transparent and LED-illuminated from inside. The pattern is reflected to create an exclusive 3D illusion.

Other model year 2013 news

• A new 5-spoke forged, 18-inch aluminium wheel is available for the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80.
• The 11-spoke, 17-inch Saga wheel for the Volvo V70 and S80 is updated with black contrast paint on the diamond-cut areas.
• The Volvo V70 gets an updated grille with glossy black details.

The model year 2013 versions of the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 will be available to order during April with production starting May 2012.

April 2011

Upgraded Engines with More Power and Improved Fuel Economy

The upgraded versions of the Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 are the first in the model range to feature sharpened versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbo-diesels. The V70 and S80 also join Volvo's ultra fuel-efficient DRIVe range, which means Volvo now offer seven cars producing below 120g/km of CO2.

D5 - 2.4 litre twin-turbo

In the D5 engine Volvo Cars' engine experts have boosted performance and torque from 205 hp/420 Nm to 215 hp/440 Nm while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by eight percent. The previous generation of D5, first seen in the S80, was the first Euro 5-compliant engine and amongst the most fuel-efficient engines in its segment when launched in 2008. It featured advanced solutions such as sequential twin-turbo technology, ceramic glowplugs and piezo-electric fuel injectors.

The twin-turbo setup with two different-sized turbochargers operating in tandem provided added power across a wider rev band. The configuration gives alert response and fast, powerful acceleration high up the rev range. Advanced injection technology using piezo-electric fuel injectors ensures highly precise distribution of fuel in the combustion chamber. This promotes efficient fuel combustion and low emissions. At the same time, this technology and its efficient combustion system help create a pleasant engine note.

This means that the fuel consumption (EU Combined) of a Volvo S80 D5 is now an impressive 57.7 mpg (129 g/km of CO2) with manual gearbox and start/stop. The corresponding figures for the automatic version are 47 mpg (158 g/km of CO2).

The figures for a Volvo V70 are 55 mpg (134 g/km) with the manual gearbox and 46 mpg with the automatic. Fuel consumption in the XC70 is 50 mpg (149 g/km) in the FWD version with manual gearbox and 42 mpg (179 g/km) with the automatic.

The medium-performance D3 with 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque was introduced in the Volvo S60 and V60 in 2010. It is in principle the same engine as the 2.4-litre version, but with a shorter stroke that reduces displacement to 2.0 litres.

The two-litre diesel engine's driveability is now further improved thanks to fine-tuning of the turbocharger. This is an excellent example of the fact that efficiency enhancement in modern combustion engines is now taking place at microscopic levels.

Its injection system has the same type of piezo-electric fuel injectors as the D5, but tailored for the smaller engine. The injectors reduce combustion with exceptionally quick and precise injection sequences under high pressure. The result is particularly effective combustion.

In order to give the car even better driving properties, it is fitted with a variable-geometry turbocharger.

"When comparing modern diesel engines, torque is of far greater interest than the number of horsepower. It is the available torque that gives the diesel the sort of acceleration and potent driveability that many petrol engines can barely match," explains Derek Crabb.

The corresponding figures for the D3 engine with manual gearbox are 57.7 mpg (129 g/km) in the Volvo S80, 54 mpg (137 g/km) in the V70 and 51 mpg (144 g/km) in the XC70 (DRIVe version).

DRIVe - 1.6 litre turbo

The four-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel fitted to the C30, S40, V50 and most recently in the S60 and V60 is now available in the V70 and S80. It is an improvement over the previous DRIVe derivative by offering an increase from 109 hp to 115 hp whilst keeping a maximum torque of 270 Nm. The engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and also benefits from start/stop technology which results in fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg and emissions of only 119 g/km for both the V70 and S80.

The DRIVe features the same technology as announced on the recent S60 and V60 DRIVe specifications. Brake Energy Regeneration, low rolling resistance tyres and precise fuel management all help to achieve these impressive fuel economy and CO 2 figures.

The V70, XC70 and S80 now feature the latest user-friendly Volvo Sensus infotainment system and enhanced technology that makes driving even safer and more comfortable.

Volvo Sensus is an excellent example of how Volvo Cars refines the driver environment. The new infotainment system made its debut in the Volvo S60 and V60 in 2010. Now the Volvo XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 also get the same feature.

A new feature is that City Safety is standard in all three models. This system can lessen the severity of or entirely avoid low-speed rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 30km/h.

City Safety keeps watch on vehicles in front with the help of a laser sensor built into the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. The car automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time when the car in front slows down or stops - of if the driver is driving too fast towards a stationary object.

If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15 km/h, the collision can be entirely avoided. If the speed difference is between 15-30 km/h, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the collision.

Other New Features Inside and Out

Among the other new features in the Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 are:

• New body colours Biarritz Blue (V70 and S80) and Twilight Bronze (XC70).
• Redesigned headlamps. Active Xenon lights are optional.
• LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors (V70 and S80).
• Two new wheel designs for the V70, XC70 and S80.
• Inside the passenger compartment there are two new highlight colours for the upholstery: Sangiovese Red (V70 and S80) and Blond (V70, XC70 and S80).
• In addition there is a new three-spoke steering wheel, enhanced décor inlays and redesigned interior lighting.

May 2011

S80 Executive model launched

The Executive badge gives a discreet hint that this is an S80 beyond the norm. Inside, the upgraded S80 Executive is the first Volvo model with an instrument panel top in leather, available in espresso brown or off black. Among the interior details that give the S80 Executive a more exclusive character are ventilated soft leather seats with massage function, leather door panels, an integrated analogue clock on the instrument panel and the aluminium centre consol storage.

Specially designed, extra thick carpets reinforce the sober impression. The opportunity to install a fridge in the rear seat, combined with a set of Swedish crystal glasses, also contributes to the enhanced feeling of luxury and comfort.

It also features the latest Volvo Sensus infotainment system. In Volvo Sensus, all information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack. The screen is positioned high up to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

July 2011

New Volvo D5 engine range - Benefit in Kind details 2011/12

August 2011

Volvo's fuel saving start/stop technology which reduces emissions of CO2 by up to 8% has, for the first time, been combined with the six-speed Geartronic transmission. Initially, it is available together with the 2.0-litre D3 turbo diesel, cutting CO2 emissions by 10g/km - translating into a decrease in fuel consumption of up to 3.6 miles per gallon.

To begin with, this new technology is available as standard in the four of Volvo's models, the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80. All four models are available to order now and attract no price increase for this added technology and beneficial decrease in CO2 and fuel consumption.

The technology uses brake pressure measurement to trigger when to stop and start the engine. The start/stop system is programmed to shut down the engine immediately when the car reaches a standstill (0 mph).

An electric pump keeps oil pressure up in the automatic gearbox while the engine is stopped. The system also includes an upgraded starter motor to cope with the increased number of starts.

December 2011

1.6 115PS DRIVe now available with a Powershift automatic gearbox in S80

Fuel consumption (combined cycle) and CO2 figures are: Volvo S80 DRIVe Automatic - 62.8mpg & 119g/km, so just £30 tax.

Customers will be able to order a DRIVe Powershift in early 2012 with production starting mid-February. On the road prices start at £26,980 for the S80 DRIVe. The S80 DRIVe is fitted with Volvo's latest 4 cylinder 8 valve 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering low CO2 while still delivering a healthy 115hp and 270 Nm of torque.

February 2013

Effective immediately, new S80, V70, S60 and V60 D3 and D4 Geartronic versions will emit under 130g/km CO2, - a 4 percentage point improvement on previous BIK banding. This equates to £21 per month for a 20% tax payer based on 2012/13 tax bandings, driving a Volvo V60 D4 SE LUX Geartronic.

Employers also save on class 1A NIC contributions which are also determined by CO2 emissions. The changes have delivered an 11% emissions reduction on S60 D3/D4 Geartronic, which now produces just 126g/km CO2, (down from 142g/km) and returns 58.9mpg (52.3mpg on the previous production model). These improvements have helped reduce BIK from 22% to just 19% this year and to 20% for the upcoming 2013/2014 financial year.

Other models in the Volvo range that will benefit from the latest enhancements is the XC60 D4 FWD Geartronic. Fuel economy for this model rises to 47.1mpg from 41.5mpg and it now produces just 159g/km CO2, a 19g/km CO2 improvement on the previous production model. The corresponding fall in BIK sees this vehicle drop from the 29% BIK banding to just 25% for the current financial year and 26% for the 2013/2014 financial year.

September 2013

Volvo launched the first of its new series of DRIVe engines – two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Volvo will sever its last engine links with Ford within the next two years with a new family of efficient, light and compact four-cylinder units. The first of these new Drive-E engines will be available by the end of 2013.

For the UK there will be a D4 twin-turbo diesel developing 181PS and 400Nm of torque, and a supercharged and turbocharged T6 petrol unit with 306PS and 400Nm.

The D4 will be available in the '60-series' family as well as the V70, XC70 and S80. The T6 will, for now, only be offered in the S60 saloon and V60 estate, but is destined to go into the all-wheel-drive XC60 crossover later.

Eventually the Drive-E family will expand to eight engines, seven of which will be offered in the UK. All will be 2.0-litre direct-injection units with varying levels of turbocharging. The diesels will deliver between 130 and 239PS, and the petrol units 140 to 306PS. They have been prepared for eventual use in hybrid drive systems.

The previous range of Ford four-cylinder engines and in-house five-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol units are progressively phased out. Volvo says the new engines are up to 35% more fuel efficient than those they replace, an average of 50 kilos lighter and smaller. The S60 D4 will bringCO 2 emissions down to as low as 99g/km, while even the T6 emits only 149g/km.

The Drive-E units meet all future emissions regulations up to 2017, without expensive after-treatment in the case of the diesels. Volvo now offers a new eight-speed Aisin Warner automatic transmission with the D4 and T6 as an alternative to the revised six-speed Getrag manual gearbox.

October 2013

Production version of Volvo's new D4 2.0 litre diesel with 181PS and and with manual gearbox manages an EC combined economy of 74.3mpg emits 99g/km in the EC tests. A Volvo V60 D4 with up to 17-inch tyres also breaks the 100-gram barrier according to the NEDC certification with CO2emissions the same as the S60 saloon at 99 g/km.

The Drive-E diesels feature world-first i-ART technology with pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of using a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail. Each injector has an intelligent chip on top of it that monitors injection pressure. Using this information, the self-adapting i-ART system makes sure that the ideal amount of fuel is injected during each combustion cycle.

The new D4 FWD can be ordered from October 2013 and is available in the new S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80. It is also available to order with the new 8-speed automatic.

The Volvo S60 T6 FWD with 306 horsepower and the new 8-speed automatic emits only 146g/km CO2 and is the first car in the segment that delivers over two horsepower per gram of CO2from a combustion engine only. The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds. The new two-litre, four-cylinder T6 engine features both a supercharger and a turbo charger, like VAG's 1.4 'Twincharger' TSI. Using the supercharger to fill in the bottom end torque gives the petrol engine a big, naturally aspirated feel. The mechanically linked compressor starts to function immediately at low revs, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up.

The new T6 engine is expected to be available during 2014.

January 2014

Volvo Drive-E 4 cylinder powertrains:

DIESEL

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 120PS, 250Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 150PS, 320Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder twin turbo: 181PS, 400Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder twin turbo: 230PS, 480Nm torque

PETROL

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 140PS, 250Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 190PS, 300Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 245PS, 350Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder supercharger + turbo: 306PS, 400Nm torque