Start-stop the automatic choice

Volvo has combined its fuel saving idle start-stop technology with a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time.

Previously available on manual models only, idle start-stop will initially be available in overseas markets for 2.0-litre D3 turbodiesel models including S60, V60, V70 and S80. Volvo says the system offers up to an 8 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, or 0.4L/100km. It also reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 10g/km.

The technology was tested previously by motoring.com.au on its long-term Volvo C30 DRIVe.

Costing no more than automatic variants available currently, the technology uses brake pressure to initiate the system, switching the engine off immediately when the car reaches a standstill.

So the transmission is ready to go when required, an electric pump is utilised to maintain oil pressure while the car is stopped.

The engine is then reignited when the brake pedal is released, the system aided by an upgraded starter motor designed to cope with the increased number of engine starts.

"Continuously reducing CO2 emissions from conventional powertrains is an important part of our DRIVe Towards Zero emission strategy," said Volvo's senior vice president of R&D, Peter Mertens.

"It is the most effective way to cut CO2 throughout our model range in the short term. This work is running parallel with our innovative focus on electrification technologies."

At this stage Volvo Australia has no plans to bring the technology to its MY12 range, however, it is said to be under consideration for the future.

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