Review of the new Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe

With the current drive for more eco-friendly cars, every manufacturer seems to be launching low CO2 models, some of them better engineered than others. Most compete in the budget sector but Volvo has been taking a look at how to drive down the cost of business motoring. This V50 1.6D DRIVe estate, now offering CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, is a good example of the effectiveness of their efforts.

We're well used to 'eco' motoring brands by now, Volkswagen's BlueMotion models perhaps, or those in BMW's EfficientDynamics programme. Yet Volvo's S40, V50 and C30 1.6D DRIVe variants claim to offer more, this V50 model being a car with the lowest emissions and most impressive fuel economy figures in its class.

Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard, which tells you that the Swedish engineers have done a little more than just fit a set of skinny tyres and throw in some low viscosity oil. Otherwise of course, it's the usual V50 recipe, this compact estate sitting somewhere between the mainstream brands (read Ford Mondeo estate and the like) and the premium options (BMW 3 Series Touring anyone?).

The V50 1.6D DRIVe is just like any V50 1.6-litre diesel to drive. Or so you'd think, until you start analysing just how much money it's saving you. So how have Volvo done it? Well, there are two headline features. The first is a Start/Stop function that allows the engine to switch off when the car is at a standstill, whilst also maintaining comfort settings such as the air conditioning. The second is a regenerative charge facility. This charges the battery as soon as the driver releases the accelerator or brakes while a gear is engaged. By harnessing the car's kinetic energy, the alternator does not have to use diesel fuel as a power source to recharge the car's battery.

Otherwise, the Swedish engineers focused on four areas. The first was reduced air resistance. To this end, the chassis height was reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag, then the radiator grille was covered and behind it added a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment. Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels steer the airflow and there are aerodynamically optimised wheels. Finally, the front and rear spoilers from the performance T5 model were borrowed for this derivative.

"Volvo's V50 has tended to be a rather unfairly overlooked package but especially in this form, it doesn't deserve to be.."

Next up, the boffins sought to lower the car's rolling resistance, adopting a set of new generation Michelin tyres designed for that purpose. Higher gear ratios would also help, they decided, so the gearbox features altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without, say Volvo, affecting the drivability of the car.

Finally, a more efficient driveline was targeted, which meant optimisation of engine cooling, engine management and power steering systems. A different transmission oil which creates much lower friction is used in the gearbox and a gearchange indicator in the information display tells the driver the ideal time to change gears.

None of tweaks that make up the DRIVe package do much on their own but collectively, it all adds up to a lot. Changing the transmission oil, for example, offers up a 0.75% improvement in fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2% and so on. With lower carbon dioxide emissions, the DRIVe models salve Volvo's conscience by reducing its net contribution to global warming, although the company reckons it was already doing its bit by fitting all its diesel models with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

Otherwise of course, it's the usual V50 recipe, and if you're comparing this car to a BMW or an Audi, then you shouldn't be disappointed. The V50's cabin has a real quality feel to it, both in materials and construction. It's also spacious and comfortable for four adults at least. What you won't get of course are 'big Volvo' levels of space in the back. Still, the rear seat bases fold up, allowing the seatbacks to be dropped to form a perfectly flat load bay which would be even better if the rear suspension didn't intrude into it. The bases themselves also form a bulkhead between the front seats and the load area.

Some things are reassuringly Swedish. Safety hasn't been skimped on and as well as the usual airbags and seat belt tensioners, the V50 serves up WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and even the option of BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). This acts much like an extra set of eyes and utilises digital camera technology mounted in the door mirrors to monitor the areas 3m to each side and up to 9.5m behind the driver. If a vehicle enters this area, a symbol appears on the windscreen pillar near the rear view mirror to indicate that something's there when you take a quick look towards the mirror. Active at speeds above 10km/h, this system isn't the only safety benefit buyers of the C30 enjoy. Special water repellent glass is fitted to the mirrors and side windows. Water beads up on the glass and the airstream quickly clears it, leaving unimpeded visibility.

Volvo has worked hard to endow the V50 with its own identity and has, by and large, succeeded. Equipment levels are very strong to boot with some really high-end options available for the car. Dynaudio speakers are fitted to the Premium Sound system and there's a hard-drive based RTI road traffic and information system for the sat nav. A lot of thought has gone into the details. Even the remote key fob has auto open and auto close functions for all side windows and the sunroof.

The V50 1.6D DRIVe's CO2 figure of 99g/km. The fuel economy's very impressive too, with this car achieving 72.4mpg on the combined cycle. It's a decent improvement over the standard model - which it needs to be to justify the couple of hundred pounds premium that the DRIVe package will cost you.

Volvo's V50 has tended to be a rather unfairly overlooked package but especially in this form, it doesn't deserve to be. Many manufacturers talk about offering small car running costs in their premium models but this car actually delivers on that promise. If you were thinking of downsizing from your company BMW, Audi, Mercedes (or even Volvo), then try a V50 1.6D DRIVe model first. It may offer a pleasantly painless solution.

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