2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
If you want to reduce your fuel consumption, you don't necessarily need a hybrid vehicle. With the “DRIVe” series, Volvo offers several models as fuel-saving versions.
In order to drive low-consumption cars, you don't necessarily have to use a hybrid vehicle. Meanwhile, Volvo shows that there is another way with its diesel-powered “DRIVe” series, which now comprises seven series. Above all, the fuel-saving versions of the C30, S40 and V50 models with a start-stop system use at most as much fuel as a petrol-electric car when driving correctly.
Redesigned five-speed transmission
The 80 kW / 109 PS 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine powers the compact and mid-range models from Sweden. The maximum torque of 240 Nm is available at 1750 rpm, the power of the turbodiesel is transmitted via a newly designed five-speed manual transmission. The V50, for example, has a top speed of 190 km / h and the standard sprint takes 11.5 seconds.
Nevertheless, according to the manufacturer, the wagon consumes 3.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers and the CO2 emissions are an impressive 104 g / km. In practice, the low consumption can of course only be achieved with a cautious driving style, or rather: you can approach it. On a short test drive with the V50, however, less than 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers were not possible. But in view of the performance data and the fact that there are still more than 1.3 tons of cars to be moved here, this is a respectable figure. So that this can be achieved, the Volvo was given an automatic start-stop system, underbody paneling, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler and much more fine-tuning.
175,000 start sequences possible
Volvo's start-stop system works like most of its competitors: if you come to a stop at a red light or in a traffic jam and you disengage the clutch, the engine switches off automatically. With the next step on the clutch, the unit starts up again immediately and the journey can continue. The reinforced main battery should enable up to 175,000 start-stop sequences. If the engine has switched off in start-stop mode, some electronic systems, such as the air conditioning, are switched back to a kind of standby mode.
However, the interior climate is monitored and the system is reactivated immediately if the temperature in the interior increases. The radio and the CD player remain unaffected by the regulation. The energy for this comfort function is supplied by an additional battery that supports the main battery.
The vehicle's kinetic energy is used to regenerate the batteries. It occurs when gas is removed. The driver is informed of the charge status of both batteries via the display in the cockpit. The start-stop function can also be switched off using a button in the center console. However, there are also moments when the system switches itself off or does not even become active. This is the case when the outside temperature is less than zero degrees Celsius or more than 30 degrees Celsius. Even if the ventilation is turned up more than halfway, the system can refuse to work.
What sounds impractical is relatively rare in practice, so that the additional investment of 350 euros for the automatic start-stop system is still worthwhile. The appropriately equipped V50 DRIVe is available from 25,890 euros. But when driving the economy station wagon, it should always be remembered that the car is not designed for acceleration. Even with this Swede you can accelerate relatively well, but then you never approach the magical four-liter limit - which would be a shame for your wallet and the environment. (mid)
