Car Showroom recently sampled the new four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel now available in Volvo C30, S40 and V50 models.
The new engine replaces the previous generation D5 although a new twin-turbo D5 has been introduced for XC60, XC70 and S80 models.
Coinciding with the introduction of the new 2.0-litre engine, Volvo has also introduced a dual-clutch six-speed Powershift automatic transmission developed by gearbox specialist Getrag.
The really good news is the new 2.0-litre diesel models are cheaper than the cars they replace. The new C30 is priced at $37,950 (down from $44,950), the S40 is $42,950 (down from $46,450) while the V50 is stickered at $45,950 (down from $49,450).
Volvo says the new engine and transmission deliver enhanced fuel economy, reduced emissions and better performance. The C30 is now rated at 5.9l/100kms (combined cycle) and C02 emissions of 156g/km while the S40 and V50 deliver 6.0l/100kms and 159g/km.
The C30 now covers zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds, while the S40 takes 9.5 seconds and the V50 requires 9.7 seconds.
With 100kW of power at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 320Nm at 2,000rpm, the 2.0-litre diesel is a double overhead camshaft design with four valves per cylinder. It's the latest common rail design with fuel injected at high pressure - up to 1600bar - for maximum efficiency.
It has an aluminium cylinder head/cast iron block and a variable nozzle turbocharger for enhanced throttle response.
Like others, the Getrag-developed twin clutch automatic operates like two parallel manual transmissions with twin wet clutches working independently on different gear sets. One clutch controls first, third, fifth and reverse gears while the other controls second, fourth and sixth gears, operating alternately with one disengaging as the other engages.
Each clutch functions like a slip clutch - a piston pushes a multi-plate clutch assembly together, locking the plates through frictional forces. Changing from ratio to ratio is just an engagement of the clutch as the gears themselves are pre-selected.
While our brief drive of the new 2.0-litre diesel-powered C30 and V50 covered just a few kilometers, we did sample the city environment as well as some higher speed freeway sections over Melbourne's Westgate Bridge and some secondary/cobblestone streets around bayside Williamstown.
We've long been fans of the V50 and we reckon it is one of the style leaders in the wagon segment. Combine those good looks with its stylish and luxuriously appointed interior and the result is a European wagon that still turns heads.
While its load capacity would require a lot of trips to move house, it is a more than capable wagon that easily accommodates the needs of most families.
In our brief test we were reminded of the V50's nice ride and excellent driving dynamics. The 2.0-litre diesel/twin cutch auto are a smooth combination that build on the high refinement levels that highlight Volvo's stylish wagon.
The C30 is Volvo at its best - this is a very clever car with loads of rear seat room in an overall nicely-proportioned hatchback. While the suspension is noticeably firmer/sportier than the V50, the C30 still proved to be a classy ride during our brief drive.
For sure the new engine and transmission are nicely matched and performed with aplomb.
'We've worked hard with these new models - they are less expensive, more frugal and better environmentally and to be honest, that's where the market is going,' explained Volvo Cars Australia Managing Director Mr Alan Desselss.
Next year is a busy one for Volvo. There are facelifts for the C70 and C30 models in March, including the launch of the DriveE C30, and a new S60 is scheduled in November.
Mr Desselss says introduction of Volvo's DriveE technology in the C30 will be watched closely and if it proves to be popular, the company has the ability to quickly add other DriveE models across the range.
