Engine Co-Developed with Japanese Manufacturer

The Japanese diesel car market is currently seeing active development, spearheaded by Mazda among domestic brands and also by import brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In Europe, the development of new-generation clean diesel engines began in the late 1990s, gradually expanding their market share. By 2012, one in every two new diesel vehicles (including passenger and commercial cars) sold worldwide was registered in Europe.

Here in Japan, recent announcements such as the introduction of a diesel model for Jaguar's new sedan, theXE, indicate that significant changes are underway. Against this backdrop, Volvo has announced the release of its clean diesel engine across five of its core models. An explanation session was held today.

"When I was posted to Europe 10 years ago, diesel engines rapidly gained market share. The current Japanese market has a very similar atmosphere to that time," said Takayuki Kimura, President and CEO of Volvo Car Japan.

The new Drive-E 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel "D4" engine, developed in collaboration with Denso, incorporates numerous advanced technologies. Notably, the "i-ART" common rail direct injection system is a first for passenger cars.

Unlike conventional common rail systems that use a single pressure sensor per engine, i-ART is equipped with a pressure sensor for each of the four injectors. This enables highly precise fuel injection control, accurate to one hundred-thousandth of a second.

Another distinctive feature of the D4 engine is its fuel injection pressure, set at a maximum of 2,500 bar – 500-700 bar higher than comparable engines. This allows for more frequent fuel injections within a single combustion cycle, enabling multiple injections per combustion event.

Price Increase of ¥250,000 Over Gasoline Models for All Vehicles

According to Volvo, the i-ART system allows for two to nine injections per cycle. This achieves excellent responsiveness and power while simultaneously suppressing NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions. The system not only maintains cleaner exhaust gases but also succeeds in reducing vibration and noise.

Furthermore, by reducing internal engine friction, utilizing a dedicated low-friction engine oil co-developed with Castrol, employing a variable displacement oil pump, and adopting a two-stage turbocharger, Volvo claims to have achieved class-leading fuel efficiency and output characteristics for this engine.

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel "D4" engine, now available in five core Volvo models, produces a maximum output of 140kW (190ps) at 4,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm (40.8kgm) between 1,750-2,500 rpm, comparable to a 4-liter gasoline engine. It is paired with a newly developed Aisin AW 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Fuel economy in the JC08 mode for the "V40," "V40 Cross Country", "S60," and "V60" all exceed 20.0 km/ℓ. Even the SUV "XC60" achieves an excellent fuel economy of 18.6 km/ℓ.



The pricing, with a ¥250,000 increase over gasoline models for all vehicles, is strategically positioned compared to other brands. The "V40 D4" starts at ¥3,490,000, followed by the "V40 Cross Country D4" at ¥3,640,000, the "S60 D4 SE" at ¥4,540,000, the "V60 D4 SE" at ¥4,740,000, and the "XC60 D4" at ¥5,390,000. Naturally, all models qualify for eco-car tax reductions, including exemptions from acquisition tax and weight tax, and a 75% reduction in automobile tax, as clean diesel passenger vehicles.

Volvo explains that assuming an annual mileage of 10,000 km and using current prices for premium gasoline and diesel fuel, the cost balance with gasoline models would be reversed after approximately three years, following the first vehicle inspection. This pricing strategy makes the diesel engine a compelling option for drivers who cover long distances.

Volvo V40
Body Dimensions | Length 4,370 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,440 mm
Engine | Drive-E 2.0-liter Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Max Output | 140kW (190ps) / 4,250rpm
Max Torque | 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3,490,000 (V40 D4), ¥3,990,000 (V40 D4 SE)

Volvo V40 Cross Country
Body Dimensions | Length 4,370 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,470 mm
Engine | Drive-E 2.0-liter Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Max Output | 140kW (190ps) / 4,250rpm
Max Torque | 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3,640,000 (V40 Cross Country), ¥4,140,000 (V40 Cross Country D4 SE)

Volvo S60
Body Dimensions | Length 4,635 x Width 1,845 x Height 1,480 mm
Engine | Drive-E 2.0-liter Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Max Output | 140kW (190ps) / 4,250rpm
Max Torque | 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥4,540,000 (S60 D4 SE), ¥5,290,000 (S60 D4 R-Design)

Volvo V60
Body Dimensions | Length 4,635 x Width 1,845 x Height 1,480 mm
Engine | Drive-E 2.0-liter Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Max Output | 140kW (190ps) / 4,250rpm Max Torque | 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥4,740,000 (V60 D4 SE), ¥5,490,000 (V60 D4 R-Design)

Volvo XC60
Body Dimensions | Length 4,645 x Width 1,890 x Height 1,715 mm
Engine | Drive-E 2.0-liter Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Max Output | 140kW (190ps) / 4,250rpm
Max Torque | 400Nm (40.8kgm) / 1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 18.6 km/ℓ
Price | ¥5,390,000 (XC60 D4), ¥5,990,000 (XC60 D4 SE), ¥6,750,000 (XC60 D4 R-Design)