Volvo Car Australia has launched the C30 DRIVe onto the Australian market, boasting best-in-class fuel consumption and emissions.

The boldly-styled two-door fuel miser sips just 3.8-litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and emits just 99 grams of C02 per kilometre.

The C30 DRIVe is the first of Volvo's fuel efficient 1.6-litre diesel powered models to reach Australia.

"The C30 DRIVe encapsulates all of Volvo's core philosophies and reinforces our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability," says Volvo Car Australia's Managing Director Alan Desselss.

"With the new C30 DRIVe, we have developed a car that delivers an exciting driving experience whilst caring for the environment. The car embodies the company's core values of benchmark design, safety, and technology, combined in one of the most environmentally efficient cars on the market," continued Mr Desselss.

The frugal C30 DRIVe gives owners excellent on-road engine response and a sharp-handling chassis that doesn't compromise on passenger comfort.

The car features Volvo's own 'Stop/Start' technology, which switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill, for instance when in traffic or simply sitting idle at the lights. This technology alone can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4-5 per cent in mixed driving conditions, while in urban traffic the saving may be as much as 8 per cent.

The 'Stop/Start' technology uses a small auxiliary battery that enables fast, smooth and unobtrusive start-up that does not interfere with other functions such as the audio system.

The C30 DRIVe also features a regenerative charge facility. This 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 to recharge the car's battery. Fuel savings of between two and three per cent have been achieved with this function.

Utilising the knowledge gained in Volvo's energetic pursuit of an ultimate zero-emissions strategy, the C30 DRIVe is a development of the C30 DRIVe introduced in Europe in 2008.

Progressive refinements since then have improved the C30 DRIVe's environmental credentials with CO2 emissions dropping from 115g/km in 2008 to today's 99g/km figure.

And the stunning 3.8l/100km fuel economy gives the C30 DRIVe a cruising range of more than 1300 kilometres on a single 52-litre tank of diesel.

Underpinning this impressive new Volvo is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing a strong 240Nm of torque to provides excellent standing-start acceleration, as well as fast accelerator response for highway overtaking.

The C30 DRIVe engine's management system has been optimised for maximum efficiency, as have the electro-hydraulic power steering and the cooling system. Even the transmission uses new, low-friction oil.

As well, a wind-defecting panel behind the grille improves airflow through the engine compartment, and wind deflectors are installed ahead of the front wheels. The C30 DRIVe's wheels are also of aerodynamic design, and use new-generation low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.

The C30's underbody came in for attention too, employing panels designed to smooth the airflow beneath the car, while a new rear spoiler and rear bumper also add to aerodynamic efficiency.

Transmission ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears in the five-speed manual gearbox were altered to improve fuel economy too, while the driver is presented with a gear change indicator advising the best upshift and downshift points.

The Volvo C30 DRIVe comprises the highest standards of quality with an unmistakably Scandinavian flair. And because it's a Volvo, it features Volvo's full gamut of safety features including Whiplash Protection, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control and Emergency Brake Lights. On the inside, all trim materials are selected to comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 - an international benchmark for human ecological safety of textiles.

Technical Specifications: C30 1.6 DRIVe

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