| Range Updates | Volvo FlexiFuel models |

The greater demand and availability of bio-fuels across Europe has led Volvo to add two new eco-friendly engines to its line-up, albeit with extra power.

Specifically to power the new V70 estate and S80 saloon, the first optional bio-ethanol engine, available later this year, is a 2.0-litre 'F' that produces 143bhp and 136lb.ft of torque, providing 24.4mpg in the V70 and 25mpg in the S80.

In 2008, Volvo will add a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged FlexiFuel engine that raises eco-power to 197bhp. The Ford-owned manufacturer also offers a 123bhp 1.8-litre F, currently available in the Volvo C30, S40 and V50; completing the FlexiFuel range.

The FlexiFuel system gives the driver the option of using unleaded petrol if renewable E85 bio-ethanol is not at hand, thanks to an engine management system that monitors the blend and automatically modifies the injection and ignition timings to optimise performance. The main benefit of bio-ethanol to the environment is that it emits 80 percent less fossil carbon dioxide than petrol (throughout its life cycle) and offers the possibility of more power too.

Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp has given reasons behind the thinking of FlexiFuel: "No single renewable fuel can replace petrol and diesel by itself. We believe in a multi-energy society where many different fuels and technologies are developed in parallel. E85 is a strong alternative that reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and our FlexiFuel programme is an important part of our strategy to contribute to sustainable personal mobility."

Volvo already has plans to implement the technology into other vehicles in the future, and build upon its projected 10,000 global sales of FlexiFuel cars this year.

Kyle Molyneux - 25 Jul 2007