FIRST DRIVE: Volvo S80 1.6D DRIVe SE Premium (From Campaign Series)

FIRST DRIVE: Volvo S80 1.6D DRIVe SE Premium

2:26pm Friday 27th November 2009

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LIKE ANY industry, the motoring world has its own generally accepted practices. The difference with the motoring industry is that when a member opts to think outside the box and challenge convention a rebuke rarely follows.

If the idea proves to be any good it's quickly accepted through the sincerest form of flattery; imitation.

Until fairly recently, generally accepted practice dictated that economy focussed vehicles were spartan affairs. Even in the present climate, with fuel consumption alarm bells ringing in the head offices of even the most sports-focussed brands, luxuries such as air-conditioning and rear electric windows are still the first to face the chop in the name of fuel economy.

Enter the Volvo S80 DRIVe. Large, luxurious and boasting combined fuel consumption of 57.7mpg and emitting a mere 129g/km CO2 it's something of a mould breaker. Compare its eco-credentials to the sterling efforts of its closest competitors and it's the class leader by some margin.

It's also the only E-segment model currently under the 130g/km barrier.

Of course, you're probably thinking for a manufacturer to produce a large, luxurious model that doesn't cost the earth either literally or figuratively speaking, something has to give. And you'd be right.

The reason Volvo has managed to steal the march on its premium saloon competitors is by going where the others have feared to tread. Although nearly five metres long, more than two metres wide and weighing 1.5 tonnes, the S80 DRIVe model uses a humble 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a modest 107bhp.

As a result, performance is not earth shattering, but Volvo is the first manufacturer to show the strength of its convictions that even large premium car drivers will sacrifice performance for economy if the package is good enough.

It's a gamble, but not as big a gamble as you might think. Firstly, although performance is humble, the S80 DRIVe does not place the driver in a position where economy has to be sacrificed to access it. Peak torque is at 1750rpm, meaning much of the engine's pulling power can be found without having to push too hard.

Secondly, although the S80 DRIVe performance suffers compared to more powerful variants in the range, it's still not a drastically slow car. Boasting 15 per cent better fuel consumption than the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel model, it's only 1.3 seconds slower to 62mph and has a top speed just six mph short and still well beyond 100mph.

Volvo of course, is better positioned than many of its premium rivals to pull off a small engine, large car combination.

Quality, safety, practicality and, more recently, style have traditionally been given greater importance than sportiness by both the manufacturer and its customers.

Those values remain a high priority. Unlike the V70 DRIVe estate variant, few external changes have been required to squeeze the most out of the S80 DRIVe meaning it remains largely unchanged from the face-lifted version only recently unveiled.

Unlike the V70 it can still use smart 17-inch alloys despite its low rolling resistance tyres and hasn't required a change to the front grille design.

The S80 sits slightly lower (20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear) but the rest of the changes are out of sight. An electric power steering system reduces strain on the engine, engine management software is tailored specifically for greater efficiency and the final three gears in the five-speed manual transmission are longer.

The resulting package is one that's easy on the eye and requires no change of approach to milk the economy. With a normal ratio first and second gear the S80 DRIVe operates as normal around town. On the open road the long ratio's come into their own, keeping revs low and refinement high.

The steering feel is unaltered, despite the change of system. Never a car for a particularly spirited approach, the S80's steering is weighted on the light side for a relaxed feel. Ride quality is superb despite the lowered suspension, no doubt aided by the lighter engine. Most importantly, those impressive stated fuel economy figures are easily within reach. Over a long journey, the model sips from the large tank with almost unbelievable restraint.

In SE Premium specification, top of the line for the S80 DRIVe, equipment levels are strong. Leather and sat-nav are standard and the sculpted, highly ergonomic interior is a truly pleasant place to be. Additional equipment such as parking sensors and Bluetooth will need to be selected from the options list, but the S80 DRIVe remains a high value proposition.

Whether the Volvo S80 1.6D DRIVe will spark a trend for small engined large cars remains to be seen yet, if not, Volvo are sitting pretty with a niche but impressive model.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Volvo S80 1.6D DRIVe SE Premium, price £24,245. Engine: 1.6-litre diesel unit developing 107bhp and 177lb/ft of torque. Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 118mph, 0-62mph 11.7 seconds. CO2 emissions: 129g/km. Economy: 57.7mpg.

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