Volvo has slotted a new D3 engine into its V70 large estate, the final act for a long-running car due for replacement next year.
Volvo has rationalised the range down to a choice of 150hp D3 or 181hp D4 engines and three trim levels, each with manual or Geartronic auto gearboxes.
Why is it interesting?
The emissions figure of 118g/km for this D3 auto beats the comparable BMW or Mercedes models, although Audi’s A6 can get a benefit-in-kind band lower thanks to a 114g/km CO2 figure. While not able to quite match the German’s badge prestige, the Volvo excels in traditional Volvo areas of comfort, interior quality and space, while the engine refinement and performance both impress.
How are the running costs?
A residual value of 28.6% is well below that of the prestige brands. However, the Volvo’s lower starting price and better efficiency see it score a cost per mile victory over two of the Germans, although Audi’s A6 has it beaten by 1.4p per mile.
Any other business?
The V70 replacement – called V90 – will arrive next year and will eventually feature a plug-in hybrid variant.