Volvo XC60 with new Drive-E engine
Resource from: New Sabah Times Likes:162
Aug 01,2014
It’s quite rare that a model gets new technology as in most cases, a mid-term (in the product cycle) update usually involves restyled bumpers or grille and perhaps some extra features. The price might also be revised taking into consideration market conditions and competition.
But there are times when companies choose to do more when they update to a model and this can even include a powertrain revision. BMW introduced their turbocharged 2.0-litre engines halfway through the F10 5-Series lifespan, replacing their dated 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated engines. Toyota had a big jump with their previous generation of the Corolla Altis where the facelift saw new VVT-i engines and CVT transmissions being installed.
For Volvo, some large changes have been taking place as the company starts to refresh its range under new ownership (it was previously owned by Ford). Much effort has been focused on developing new and proprietary technology for coming products.
The facelifted XC60 T5 that I tested this week is gets the new Drive-E powertrain, a modular engine platform which will complement future Volvos built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). The new engine series, developed by Volvo to replace the engines supplied by Ford, form a vital part of the company’s strategy for independence.
The new Drive-E engines are compactly-sized engines, optimized for efficiency, and said to deliver higher performance than today’s 6-cylinder units. They are also claimed to consume less fuel than the current generation of 4-cylinder units.
Other features in the Drive-E petrol engines include friction-reduction measures such as ball bearings on the camshaft, high-speed continuous variable valve timing and intelligent heat management with a fully-variable electric water pump.
For the new XC60 T5, the Drive-E engine is a 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection 1969 cc unit which produces 245 bhp at 5,500 rpm with maximum torque of 350 Nm available between 1,500 and 4,800 rpm.
Brake energy regeneration recharges the battery, reducing dependence on the alternator which in turn, contributes to improving fuel efficiency.
Drive to the wheels goes through an 8-speed Geartronic transmission which is also a new unit. Made by AISIN AW, this replaces the 6-speed Powershift unit from before. The new gearbox is electronically-controlled and by having 8 ratios, the engine can operate where the efficiency is highest.
The new transmission is a lot smoother and the extra ratios help to improve efficiency during high cruising speeds without compromising acceleration. The inclusion of paddle shifters is a welcome addition, although it isn’t a necessary feature for most potential buyers of this car.
Gear control is great for spirited driving or the occasional off-road jaunt, but it does precious little for commuting around the city in slow traffic; for that, the conventional automatic transmission is what makes this new XC60 a little better, with smoother stops and starts.
One small thing which most people won’t notice, I’m sure, is that even though ‘XC’ used to signify all-wheel drive, the latest XC60 has only front-wheel drive.
On the inside, Volvo has gone to work in improving the XC60 – not that it needed much work to begin with. The centre console is still as simple and streamlined as before, with new trim to give a sense of refinement.
The screen and instrument cluster in the testcar had the optional (RM2,600) VIDAR display which is an adaptive digital-graphic panel. You can change the background colours and the way information is shown by rotating a knob on the left stalk.
And of course, it goes without saying that the XC60 comes with the full suite of Volvo’s safety systems. Active City Safety (which stops the car if a collision is imminent) and BLIS are things you come to expect in a Volvo, and driving the XC60 is a reminder that there is still a lot that manufacturers can do for passenger cars in order to improve driver safety.
A useful feature is Cross Traffic Alert which works when the car is being reversed out of a spot where it is hard to see traffic approaching. The radar detector scans for vehicles on either side and alerts the driver if there is anything approaching. This feature is welcome as there is no reverse camera for this model.
Even halfway through its life, the XC60 feels like a solid product and a very modern car. For an SUV, it handles in a very progressive and responsive manner, and it rides relatively well as well – which makes it a strong performer in my books.
Although the price of RM288,888 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia) is a bit on the high side, it’s still one of the better SUVs available here and worth the money.
(New Sabah Times)
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1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
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