Jul 8, 2009, 4:05 GMT
Goeteborg, Sweden - The Swedish carmaker Volvo is offering several models with the fuel-saving start-stop-system from July, starting with the diesel engines for the C30, S40 and V50.
Together with an improved battery system that is loaded during braking, consumption for the C30 is reduced by 0.6 litres to 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions are down to 104 grams per kilometre.
The start-stop system comes with a price increase of 350 euros (490 dollars) for the C30 that is now listed for a price of 22,140 euros (31,107 dollars). The S40 sells for 24,010 euros and the V50 for 25,890 euros.
According to Volvo's head of projects, Ulf Nordstroem, this is just the beginning and 'we are looking at offering in the medium term every engine and model with the start-stop-system.'
The start-stop-system automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a standstill at say a traffic light and the driver puts the gear lever into neutral. Once the driver presses the clutch, the engine starts again automatically.
Your Talkback on this Story