Volvo has announced a range of new engines for a large number of models, along with equipment upgrades for the XC60.
These options bolster its line-up which will be further expanded with new R-Design and economical DRIVe models in 2011.
New 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines are now available to order now in the S60, V60, S80 and V70. Two variants, a 150bhp T3 and an 180bhp T4, both deliver 240Nm of pulling power and economy of up to 42.8mpg. The engines are designed to be as powerful as the existing five-cylinder engines while being more efficient.
A 2.0-litre T5 version is also available in six-speed manual guise on the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80. It makes 240bhp and 320Nm of pullling power.
T3 and T4 versions on the S60 and V60 models feature a manual gearbox as standard and incorporate start/stop, even on non-DRIVe models. An automatic transmission is available on the T4 engine when fitted to the S60, V60 and S80 model. This features a new 'coast' mode that disengages drive to reduce friction and cut fuel consumption.
The XC90 receives a revised diesel engine which boosts power from 185bhp to 200bhp and pulling power from 400Nm to 420Nm. Fuel economy has also improved from an average of 33mpg to 34mpg.
From November the XC60 can be equipped with a pedestrian detection system with fully automatic braking. The system looks at the road ahead; using a camera and radar, and alerts the driver if there's an obstruction. If no action is taken the brakes are automatically applied to slow the car. The system is also programmed to react if the vehicle in front slows or stops.
XC60 buyers who pick a car with an automatic transmission can also opt for an adaptive cruise control system which maintains a pre-set distance to the vehicle in front, all the way down to a standstill - while accelerating automatically when the traffic moves away.
A new entertainment system is available which includes a navigation unit, Bluetooth, audio system and steering wheel controls. A 180-degree camera is optional, mounted in the front grille, that aids visibility at road junctions and when parking.
The S60 and V60 can now be specified as R-DESIGN models which have more aggressive styling, with twin exhausts, redesigned bodywork and a revised chassis which Volvo claim offers a more engaging drive.
Continued development of DRIVe models has resulted in sub-100g/km of CO2 version of the C30, S40 and V50 sportwagon. All three are exempt from road tax and the congestion charge - and Volvo claim they can return up to 74.3mpg on average. DRIVe models are available in ES, SE and SE Lux trim levels.
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