FFIRIRSSTT D DRRIVIVEESS
7 AUGUST 2019 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 33
Mild-hybrid tech helps diesel stay relevant for Volvo’s big SUV
VOLVO XC90 B5
AUDI S 6 AVANT TDI
TESTED 28.7.19, KENT ON SALE NOW
@ t o m m o r g a n 3
W
elcome to the first stage of
Volvo’s journey towards a
new normal, and the first
mild hybrid to leave the
factory since it was announced thatevery new model would have some
kind of electrification.
This new B5 is still fuelled from
the black pump but gains a 48V
starter motor/generator and battery
that can regenerate power through
braking to then aid the engine under
acceleration. Volvo claims this
assistance delivers fuel efficiency
savings and emissions reductions
of a s muc h a s 1 5% ov e r t he out goi n g
motor, going some way to counteract
the recent negative views on diesel.
It behaves largely like the outgoing
car, the mild-hybrid system so deftly
integrated that you could easily think
progress was being made entirely by
the 2.0-litre diesel four-pot. Assistance
is subtle and only under acceleration.
There’s no on-screen indication that
the electric motor is doing anything,
other than the higher than expected
touring economy.
W h at i s not ic e a ble i s how
much smoother the electricstarter/generator is on ignition,
with no sense of shudder or rough
edges from the stop/start system
while in traffic. Everywhere else,
there’s little deviation from Volvo’s
established formula.
That means a largely comfortable
and relaxed ride, although because
our test car did without the optional
air suspension, it could still feel firm
ov e r pa r t ic u l a rl y p o or s t r e t c he s of
B-road. However, it holds itself well
ov e r mo s t s u r f a c e s , w it h c on si s t e nt i f
rather numb steering and the kind of
predictable body control that we’ve
c ome t o e x p e c t f r om Vol v o’s c a r s.
T he B5 m i g ht l a c k t he T8 Tw i n
E n g i ne PH E V ’s a bi l it y t o m a k e
short-range, zero-emissions trips
(assuming you remember to plug
it in every night) but it arrives
some £10,000 cheaper and largely
succeeds as a starting point towards
electrification.
Fuel economy isn’t dramaticallybetter than the outgoing diesel’s, but
any improvement is welcome, and
with the D5 now scrubbed from the
order books, there are no awkward
questions over whether a non-hybrid
would deliver lower benefit in kind or
VED tax bands.
That it also makes for a more
refined driving experience is perhaps
just as significant and helps cement
the XC90’s place among the upper
echelon of premium SUVs.
TOM MORGAN
THIS CAR’S 3.0-LITRE V6 with 48V
mild hybridisation is familiar fromthe A6 50 TDI saloon, but here has
greater punch as befitting the ‘S’ on
its nose. You’ll notice the difference.
The extra shove of 344bhp and
a whopping 516lb ft of torque is
pronounced north of 2000rpm. On
motorways, the ride experience hits
all the usual Audi heights, but it’s
on single-lane roads where the S6
moves the game on most, thanks to
its quattro all-wheel grip and feel,
well-weighted electro-mechanical
s t e e r i n g a nd t h at w e l l of b ot t om le s s
torque. You’ll soon forget you’re
pulling a whale-tail, thanks to an
accuracy and agility in corners that
belies its girth and heft.
The S6 adds a welcome dose of
character to the A6’s clinical tech
competences and comfort. DS
Price £56,585
Engine 4 cyls, 1959cc, turbo, diesel
Power 235bhp at 4000rpm
Torque 354lb ft at 1750-2250rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2103kg
0-62mph 7.6sec
Top speed 137mph
Economy 37.7-44.1mpg
CO 2 , tax band 154g/km, 34%
RIVALS A u d i Q 7 4 5 T D I , L a n d Rove r
Discovery SD4
Price £60,750 On sale Now
What’s new? Sporty load hauler switches to
diesel power with pleasing and effective results
VOLVO XC90 B5 DIESEL R-DESIGN
Doesn’t displace the T8 for those
su i te d to p l u g - i n s b u t h e l p s ke e p th eXC90 among our top luxury SUVs
AAAAC
AAAAB
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BMW 330 D M SPORT
BMW’S SMOOTH-TORQUING
330d, in its various iterations, has
been lauded on these pages as one of
t he v e r y b e s t c a r s i n t he r e a l w orld.
The new G20-generation version
currently sits at the very top of the
3 S e r ie s r a n ge; a nd w it h si x- c y l i nde r
d ie s e l e xe c s a lo on s of t h i s si z e
remaining so rare, it could be argued
it app e a l s a s s t r on g l y now a s e v e r.
The 330d’s chief qualities aremechanical refinement and isolation
that can be considered world-class
by diesel standards, and engine
f lexibility comfortably in the same
bracket. Even with adaptive dampers,
the car doesn’t ride as quietly on 19in
alloy wheels as other Threes we’ve
tested and doesn’t quite steer as
sweetly, either – but handling in the
main remains very good indeed. MS
Price £41,445 On sale Now
What’s new? Current top-of-the-range 3 Series,
f o r b o t h e n g i n e a n d t r i m , d r i ve n o n U K r o a d s
AAAAC
Big interior addition is a 9.0in portrait-oriented Sensus touchscreen