by Denna Bowman
Volvo is expanding its environmentally friendly DRIVe range by adding eco versions of the V70, S80, XC60 and XC70.
New engines, a package of aerodynamic tweaks and low-resistance tyres have helped to drive fuel efficiency up and CO2 emissions down.
Low resistance tyres are a must now for ‘green’ motoring and the new models witll be unveiled to the public at the Geneva motor show next week.
The Volvo S80 DRIVe and V70 DRIVe manage a combined fuel economy figure of 57.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 129g/km.
The DRIVe versions of the Volvo XC60 and XC70 make do with two-wheel drive rather than four-wheel drive. Both SUVs also feature a new 173bhp version of Volvo’s 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel.
The result of these changes in the S80 and V70 DRIVe models is combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km. This makes them the first SUVs to slip below the threshold for the new Writing Down Allowance for company car users, which comes into force on 1 April.
The new arrivals on the scene bring the total of Volvo’s fuel-efficient DRIVe models on show in Geneva to seven.
Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said: ‘Our dedicated focus on DRIVe models in 2009 demonstrates Volvo Cars’ ability to quickly respond to customers’ increasing demands for products with low fuel consumption and low environmental impact.’