2009 Volvo C30, S40 and S50 DRIVe: New Eco-friendly Line-Up

Volvo will be unveiling a trio of eco-friendly models based on the C30, S40 Sedan and V50 Station-Wagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Carrying the DRIVe insignia, all three models are powered by a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine and equipped with a set of efficiency-enhancing features including reduced chassis height, aerodynamically optimized wheels, underbody panels (C30), new rear bumper (C30), low rolling resistance tires, unique spoilers and higher gear ratios. -Continued

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

The result is an average fuel consumption of 4.4 lt/100 km (64.2 UK mpg or 53.5 US mpg) in the C30 DRIVe and 4.5 lt/100 km (62.8 UK mpg or 53.3 US mpg) in the S40 and V50 DRIVe with corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km. The new DRIVe variants of the C30, S40 and V50 will go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.

Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
• Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
• Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
• Unique rear spoiler (C30). The S40 has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tires with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.

More efficient driveline:

• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil with lower friction.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display