Search: more on the Volvo S80 DRIVe
The DRIVe symbol is designed to represent Volvo models with the lowest CO2 emissions and very best environmental performance. The latest models to join this sub-brand range are the S80 and V70, but will these green executive cars appeal to company drivers and private individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint? I spent 800 miles in the S80 to find out.
Hard to spot DRIVe changes from the outside and inside
On the outside, apart from the tiny DRIVe badge on the boot the only visual changes are lowered sports suspension (20mm Front, 15mm Rear) and the 17-inch Cassini alloy wheels. The DRIVe changes are more significant underneath with higher gearbox ratios for 3rd, 4th and 5th gears, special engine software and an electric power steering system. Inside, the S80 cabin feels comfortable and well screwed together but our test car’s leather trim and heated seats were costly extras. The front seats, in particular are excellent.
Small engine a recipe for disaster?
The S80 DRIVe is powered by a 107bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. A small diesel engine in a car the size of the S80 is surely a recipe for disaster and the 118mph top speed and 0-62mph acceleration of 12.4 seconds are definitely not what you would call sporty. Yes it feels slow off the mark, but once on the move, there's a surprising amount of power. The engine package is complemented by the sweet-shifting five-speed manual gearbox and light clutch.
What's it like to drive?
The S80 DRIVe isn't the most interesting car to drive, but then again Volvo's green sub-brand is more about saving fuel than maximum performance. Impressively refined on the motorway because of the tall gearing, it's just the S80 DRIVe's lack of grip and how clumsy it feels that will put keen drivers off. Probably best then to sit back and watch the trip computer rather than the Speedo, as if the big Volvo is driven carefully it can turn in some impressive results. Over the course of the two-day drive I averaged over 56mpg in varied conditions.
Summing up
If you can live with the S80 DRIVe's green dynamics it should prove to be a comfortable, spacious and above all cost-effective alternative to flagship rivals.
