Volvo has introduced its new family of 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel Drive-E engines to the V40 hatchback for the first time and the results, especially in terms of CO2 emissions, are quite startling.
Whereas most rivals (the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, for instance) need a 1.6-litre diesel with around 110hp to achieve a sub-100g/km rating, the new V40 D4, with 188hp, officially emits just 99g/km and has a claimed fuel consumption of 74mpg.
Better yet, in the Belgian market, Volvo will offer a specially tuned version with skinny, low-rolling resistance tyres to score an astonishing 85g/km rating. The V40 can achieve such figures, claims Volvo, because of the specially designed fuel injection system which it developed in conjunction with Japanese electronics giant Denso. The secret apparently lies in the fact that each fuel injector for each cylinder has its own individual pressure sensor, while most rivals have only one sensor further back in the system. That allows the fuel feed to be precisely measured and adjusted in real time, delivering more power but also greater efficiency.
Volvo’s not stopping there either. The company is also working on a downsized, three-cylinder 1.5-litre version of both petrol and diesel Drive-E units.
In the meantime, Volvo Car Ireland has just launched a new Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance plan for the upcoming 142-registration period, which includes an offer of €299 a month for a new V40.
