Volvo's diesel future planning

Volvo has used the addition of a new diesel drivetrain to reposition its C30 range ahead of the facelifted model's arrival early next year. The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and six-speed dual-clutch transmission is a precursor to the highly-efficient DRIVe 1.6D that will be a star attraction when the new C30 range arrives in March.

As previously reported, the new 2.0-litre diesel is part of a variety of updates to the Volvo MY10 range . The new C30 2.0D Powershift, as the car is known, has had a dramatic price cut of $7000, from $44,950 to $37,950 as part of its repositioning ahead of the new model.

"I think the new diesel is obviously less expensive," explained Australia boss Alan Desselss, "and I think that's where the market would prefer to be."

Volvo has confirmed that when the new C30 range arrives in March next year the current LE model will be dropped, effectively being replaced by the 2.0D Powershift. The rest of the range will stay with the S, T5 and R-Design being joined by the 1.6 DRIVe.

Exact specifications and pricing details for the new C30 range remain under wraps though, with Desseless claiming specifications had yet to be finalised.

Although this new 2.0D Powershift will be superseded by the facelifted model in March, Volvo believes the time is right to launch it regardless.

But while diesel sales in its XC range of vehicles remains evenly spilt with petrol variants, Desselss is setting different targets for the new 2.0D models. He admitted he'd be happy to see the new diesel account for 15 per cent of C30 sales and 10 per cent and 5 per cent respectively for S40 and V50.

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