Volvo launch Drive-E engine

Published Date: 22nd Jun 2014

Updated Volvo V40 gets new four-cylinder Drive-E engine with as much as 242bhp

 

Volvo has launched an updated new V40 for 2015 and has taken the opportunity to introduce a new high-powered petrol and diesel version of its new modular four-cylinder Drive-E engine family into its smallest model.

Releasing these models is Volvo’s latest and most significant step on a journey to replace its entire suite of ageing and bought-in engines with a clean, own-design modular family of petrol and diesel power units under the Drive-E umbrella.

Buyers now have the choice of a £28,000 V40 D4 powered by a 188bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, or a 242bhp V40 T5 with a twin turbocharged petrol engine.

Like much of the Drive-E engine family, the iconic D4 version uses a new, Denso-developed system of injector pressure sensors that allow much better fuel metering for smoother running and cleaner Co2 emissions.

In the manual form, the D4 emits just 99g/km and offers a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg — stats currently in line with rivals at least 25 per cent less powerful. The V40 D4 has a top speed of over 140mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in a super fast 6.8sec.  

Michael Fleiss, Volvo’s head of power train, said the company eventually wants to offer four Drive-E petrol engines in power outputs ranging from 150bhp to 300bhp, and four diesels of between 120bhp and 230bhp. All are being built in Sweden, though the company also intends to make Drive-E engines in China to power the models it will be building there.

According to Fleiss, the Drive-E family can “logically” be extended to include both diesel and petrol engines of a 1.5-litre and three-cylinder design.