VOLVO全新Drive-E动力系统海外试驾报导

在全球車壇當中，若提到車輛安全性，那麼來自瑞典的VOLVO可能是多數人腦中第一個出現的品牌，不過VOLVO所追求的可不只是單純的車輛安全， 而是「以人為本」的企業精神，除了要保護車內所有人的安全與健康之外，車外的人也是VOLVO所關心的對象，而這點更是從V40上搭載的全球首創行人氣囊 可見一斑；可想而知，VOLVO對於人們所生活的大自然環境，也相當重視，所以從2008年開始，就為旗下車款推出了低耗能、低碳排的DRIVe車型，而 這次AutoNet汽車日報遠赴法國尼斯進行試駕的「全新Drive-E動力系統」，其命名的概念便是由「DRIVe」進化而來。

[size=-1]T6車型所使用的2.0L直四雙增壓汽油引擎      在綠能環保的浪潮席捲全球車壇的趨勢之下，各品牌都相當致力於開發出小排氣量、高效率的引擎，VOLVO亦是如此！全新Drive-E動力系統也是 在這樣的背景下誕生，同時也代表著VOLVO對於Downsizing趨勢的回應；在以往，VOLVO旗下具有相當多樣化的動力陣容，包括直四、直五、直 六以及V8，但在導入Drive-E動力系統後，VOLVO旗下無論是汽油或柴油車款，引擎陣容將全數統一為2.0L直列四缸的配置。 [size=-1]D4車型所使用的2.0L直四兩階段渦輪增壓柴油引擎 [size=-1]T6動力與八速自排變速箱的結合 [size=-1]這具八速自排變速箱是由VOLVO與日本知名變速箱大廠AISIN合作開發      事實上Drive-E動力系統所指的其實是全新打造、具有雙增壓、渦輪增壓、燃油缸內直噴系統的2.0L直列四缸汽油引擎以及搭載i-ART共軌噴 射供油、渦輪增壓系統的2.0L直列四缸柴油引擎，最後再加上日本變速箱大廠AISIN合作開發的八速自排變速箱，所形成的整個動力系統；而且在汽、柴油 引擎排氣量都在2.0L的水準之下，可根據不同車型需求進行動力輸出的彈性調校，其中汽油引擎的馬力範圍可在140hp至306hp之間作調整，柴油引擎 則是在120hp至230hp之間。 [size=-1]這次試駕的車輛為S60 T6、XC60 T6以及V60 D4      在這樣的調整之下，對於消費者來說可說是獲益良多，首先由於其2.0L的排氣量等級，就算是買到最大馬力306hp的車型，也不會因為排氣量增大而 必須多繳稅，另外在引擎輕量化、並導入燃油缸內直噴、i-ART共軌噴射供油以及渦輪增壓等技術之下，不但提高了燃油經濟效益，也減少了CO2排放量；另 外在變速箱的部分，根據原廠表示，VOLVO與日本變速箱大廠AISIN之間有著長年的合作關係，這具全新八速自排變速箱的加入，不但讓新引擎的動力傳輸 更有效率，也能提供給消費者順暢無比的駕馭感受。 [size=-1]現場有3輛配備R-Design套件的車型      而我認為，全新Drive-E動力系統可說是VOLVO迎向新未來的一大步，畢竟這是VOLVO在進入中國吉利集團之後，首度自主推出的全新動力科 技，除了具備模組化的特色之外，在未來的新車上，Drive-E動力系統更將會與同樣是VOLVO自主研發的SPA底盤平台結合，相信能夠展現出不錯的戰 力，此外，Drive-E動力系統也再度證明了，VOLVO除了具備傲人的安全科技，在動力系統的開發上，也有相當了得的功夫；在概略的介紹VOLVO全 新Drive-E動力系統之後，未來幾天當中，我們將以文字帶領各位讀者一同體驗Drive-E動力系統高效能、高性能的魅力，千萬要鎖定我們的後續報 導。

Volvo V40 launched in Malaysia – RM174k to RM199k

Volvo V40 has just been launched in Malaysia, in three model variants ranging from RM173,888 to RM198,888. It’s a mid-sized hatchback aimed at both the semi-premium Volkswagen Golf segment as well as the true blue upmarket Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the upcoming BMW 1 Series market.
The three variants available are the V40 T4 (RM173,888), V40 T5 (RM188,888) and the V40 Cross Country T5 (RM198,888; all on the road prices, excluding insurance)


Powering the entry-level V40 T4 is the familiar Ford-sourced 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine already found in the current S60 and V60 T4. It gets 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque (plus an extra 30 Nm on transient overboost), paired to a six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift transmission. The 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds, on to a 225 km/h top speed.
The V40 T5 and the sole V40 Cross Country gets a brand new 2.0 litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 213 hp and 300 Nm of torque. It’s built off Volvo’s own 2.5 litre five-pot motor and gets a different six-speed Geartronic torque converter auto ‘box. The T5 raises performance to 6.9 seconds and 230 km/h (Cross Country is limited to 210 km/h).
All three variants are front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is unavailable at launch), with the V40 T4 managing a combined fuel economy of 6.1 litres per 100 km and the quicker T5 and Cross Country models rated at 7.5 l/100km. Euro 5 emissions classification is met across the range.
Equipment list varies depending on model. On the outside, the T4 makes do with 16-inch five-spoke ‘Matres’ wheels, while the T5’s are an inch larger in ‘Segomo’ design (pictured on the grey car here). The V40 Cross Country meanwhile gets its own 17-inch six-spoke ‘Larenta’ wheels as standard (optional 19-inch ‘Alecto’ items are fitted on the display car).

Volvo V40 2012

The Volvo V40's design seriously put its competitors like Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series to shame! From far you'll know that it's a Volvo but it loses the boxiness of a C30. Speaking of C30, the V40 is the replacement model for C30 and S40 sedan. Probably Volvo might release a sedan version of it soon.

Unfortunately there is no information on the V40 other than these pictures released by Volvo. The rear view bears some resemblances of the C30, but it's more well executed and meaner looking, like asking the tailgaters to keep a further distance from the V40!


Interior wise, the cabin has the same theme as the S60. Dark coloured with chrome, lots of it, around the cabin.

As a Volvo, the V40 also comes with dozens of safety feature abbreviations and the highlight will be for pedestrian protection. The bonnet will pop up and airbag will be deployed at the base of the windscreen to reduce head injury of the pedestrian. The V40 certainly looks promising and am looking forward for a sedan version, if there is any.

Volvo S60 T4

Volvo S60 T4

If you lost touch to the outside world since a decade ago, you will be filled with disbelief if I present the 2011 Volvo S60 to you and tell you it is a Volvo. The S60 is no doubt one of the best products had ever created by Volvo. Comtemporary and sleek styling, not to mention the safest Volvo to date, which is claimed by Volvo themselves. When Volvo says the S60 is the best, you'll know how good it is when it comes to safety...

S60 T4 (left) and S60 T5 (right)

While the Volvo XC60 is Volvo's best looking SUV, the S60 is Volvo's most attractive sedan to date. It has dynamic design that no one would ever possibly imagine a Volvo a decade ago. The low slung roofline promotes a coupe-like silhouette, but thankfully this is achieved without sacrificing the rear occupants' headroom.



Settling in the driver's seat and you'll find the driver-focused cockpit centre console and instrument panel looks upmarket and good build quality. Another worth mentioning is the comfortable and supportive seats, together with high quality leather make it one of the best seats I've ever sat in a car. Thanks to the supportive seat which feels like it is hugging you (in a comfortable way), I felt safe already even before the car started moving!



Being a Volvo, a mile long list of safety abbreviations are installed in the S60. For instance, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Fading Brake Support (FBS), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), so on and so forth. Speaking of BLIS, I've experienced its effectiveness for the first time when the system informed me that a car appeared in my left side blind spot after I switched on my indicator. It saved my life!!! *exaggerating*



Volvo promises a more engaging drive with its S60, and yes, Volvo did it! Good handling accompanied by superb powertrain. The T4 was powered by a 1.6litre turbocharged engine with 180bhp and 240Nm of torque at 1600-5000rpm. The responsive powertrain is mated to a 6 speed Powershift with Geartronic, but the gear change was not as smooth as I've expected. The engine, however, provide strong pulling power thanks to the high torque figure and turbocharger.

While the brake felt strong and effective, I have to refrain my leg from stepping on the brake pedal too hard because the brake bites harder than some Japanese manufactured car.

The Swede has created a superior sedan that would give its competitors a run for their money. Priced at RM220,000 for the S60 T4, it is a sexy, sporty, sophisticated and safe car that you would never go wrong buying it.