I have driven cars many people would gladly sacrifice an organ for that did absolutely nothing to my blood pressure, just as I have driven cars that most people will randomly disregard but impressed me immensely. For me, it’s not so much about who made the car than it is about how they made the car, which is why one manufacturer might have two cars that evoke polar opposite reactions in my being. I do however take notice when a manufacturer consistently produces cars that impress me, irrespective of whether said cars are phenomenal or desirable according to the collective opinion. One such manufacturer is Volvo, who for many years has been producing exceptionally impressive cars despite the subsequent lack of mainstream fame.
The brand’s resurgence within the South African context arguably started early in the new millennium, specifically in 2004 when the current generation S40 was launched. Where the previous S40 sold well and was very popular on a small scale, the new S40 suddenly put Volvo on the mainstream map, so much so that the range-topping 2.4i derivative went on to win the 2005 SA Car of the Year title. The other models in their range benefitted from this newfound popularity, with the XC90, new S80 and brand new XC60 especially finding a wider audience. Last year Volvo upped the stakes even further with the launch of the brand new S60 and V60, finally shaking the staid, purely functional image the brand had developed over the years.
While it’s never advisable for a motoring journalist to reveal an affinity for a specific brand of vehicle, it’s only normal to like some cars more than others. In the case of Volvo, it also goes far beyond whether I merely like their cars or not because, in the most objective way imaginable, their cars really are consistently impressive – good enough to stand out, normal enough to go unnoticed. In their current range, it’s the S40 that most likely gets looked over most and its not surprising, really, as it’s design from seven years ago now looks decidedly out of place next to the C30, S60 and XC60. The range has however recently benefitted from a variety of new engine options and it’s the interesting D2 DRIVe model that is put under the spotlight in this test.
You may wonder what exactly the DRIVe-labelling entails. According to Volvo, this badge is attached to cars that have the best environmental performance in their class. All the DRIVe-models are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearboxes optimised for extra-low fuel consumption and are tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag, all in an attempt to offer cars with the lowest carbon emissions in their class. The S40 D2 DRIVe was the first DRIVe model to be launched locally, with five new derivatives added this year alone.
The DRIVe labelling does not affect specification or trim as far as I could notice, meaning that the D2 DRIVe offers the same functional, high quality interior you would find in any other S40. The design and layout mimics that of the bigger S60 and S80, but feels slightly more dated, especially when compared to the magnificent new S60 (read our test here). The black interior of our test model also felt much more sombre in combination with the dark exterior colour, but was generally not an unpleasant place to be. Had it been my car, I would’ve specified the Cordelia alloy wheels in combination with Electric Silver of Titanium Gray exterior paint, while the inside would’ve seen aluminium accents blend with Cacao Brown leather upholstery for a stylish yet modern package.
The D2 nomenclature is relatively new to the local market, but is simply a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It develops a reasonable 80kW of power at 4 000r/min and a generous 240Nm of torque from as low as 1 750r/min. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 12 seconds, on to a top speed of 190km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is a measly 5.3-litres/100km, while carbon emissions are pegged at 114g/km, putting it well below the carbon tax threshold. I love Volvo’s manual gearboxes for it’s solid, yet smooth changes and it doesn’t disappoint in the S40 D2 DRIVe either. Thanks to the low-down torque, acceleration also doesn’t feel quite as slow as the indicated 12 seconds and it was on rare occasions that I had to shift down a gear to keep momentum going.
Some of the features that make the S40 D2 DRIVe stand out include an intelligent Start/Stop function that Volvo claims can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4% to 5% in mixed driving conditions. This technology is particularly effective in urban traffic, when the saving may be as much as 8%. While the car is at a standstill and the engine is switched off, some electronic systems (such as the air conditioning) switches to standby level to save fuel, but automatically reactivates if, for instance, the temperature increases in the passenger compartment. This monitoring system and the resultant high comfort levels are due to an additional small battery that supports the larger battery. The standard larger battery has also been upgraded to handle up to 175 000 Start/Stop cycles.
Another feature in the S40 D2 DRIVe is a regenerative charge facility. This function charges the battery as soon as the driver releases the accelerator or brakes while a gear is engaged. By harnessing the car’s kinetic energy, the alternator does not have to use diesel fuel as a power source when the battery’s charge level dips. Fuel savings of between 2% and 3% can be achieved with this function.
The S40 D2 DRIVe retails for R294 500, which puts it in a league of its own really. As a premium offering, it competes with the entry-level models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, none of which offer diesel engines with a capacity below 2.0 litres. In fact, the only 1.6-litre diesel-powered sedan available is the recently launched Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI (77kW, 250Nm, R218 000). In the same price range you could opt for the Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D Exclusive (93kW, 300Nm, R283 300) or the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0D LT (110kW, 320Nm, R266 400 – read our test here). Comparably the Polo, Corolla or Cruze offer good value for money, but all four of them lack the brand appeal that Volvo has. Unfortunately, it is a segment where price often wins and I doubt whether Volvo will be able to keep up with them in terms of sales. If Volvo could in some way skim about R15 000 off the price, it woul have a real winner.
As my introduction the DRIVe range, the S40 D2 DRIVe – you guessed it – impressed. As an efficiency model, there’s no noticeable loss of power because of the fuel saving technologies employed and driving dynamics also do not feel hampered because of its efficient nature. Fuel consumption is remarkably low even during enthusiastic driving, while the knowledge that you’re not emitting tons of harmful carbon dioxide soothes the conscience. In my opinion, the car’s biggest drawback is its age, but with said, it’s offers acceptable value in a package that, as a whole, still stands out as a premium offering.
- Christo Valentyn
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