Volvo DRIVes new brand into Paris

Volvo isn't the first car maker to coin a new name for what it considers to be the green models in its line-up, though it does believe that the new DRIVe range is the widest among premium cars.

What's all the fuss about?

The rather cheesy DRIVe symbol will be applied to a batch of new Volvos that all manage to emit less than 120g/km of CO₂. Unsurprisingly, the new cars are diesel-powered, though there'll be DRIVe variants in each of the C30, S40 and V50 line-ups. An example of each was revealed in Paris.

What makes it so green?

It's more 'them' than it, but the changes are largely the same regardless of model. There are revised aerodynamics (thanks to Volvo's swanky new wind tunnel), lower rolling resistance tyres, higher gear ratios and a more efficient drivetrain. The latter includes on-demand engine cooling and power steering, along with changes to the calibration and lower viscosity transmission lubricant. The C30 DRIVe boasts 64.2mpg and emissions of 115g/km while the S40 and V50 both emit 118g/km and return an equally impressive 62.8mpg.

When can I buy one?

Production begins in November and UK deliveries start in January. Prices have been announced too, with the C30 DRIVe starting at £15,410, while the S40 and V50 are £17,260 and £18,660 respectively. Volvo has committed to selling the DRIVe models in all European countries, even those in which there are no financial benefits to a low-CO₂ model. Up to 20,000 DRIVe-badged Volvos are predicted for sale in 2009.

Shane O' Donoghue