Volvo XC70 Golborne

In the past year, Volvo has been on an economy drive. The firm has launched a whole line-up of environmentally friendly machines under the DRIVe banner.

There are eco versions of the C30, S40, V50, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80, and these use Volvo’s efficient 1.6 or 2.4-litre diesel engines.

Depending on the model you go for, you also get aerodynamic tweaks, a stop-start system, brake energy regeneration and taller gear ratios.

The most efficient version is the stylish C30 hatchback, which emits 99g/km – and so qualifies for a free annual tax disc.

Also helping to keep costs down is its impressive combined fuel return of 74.3mpg. DRIVe versions of the rugged XC60 and XC70 do without the standard models’ four-wheel drive, but the upshot is that both emit 159g/km of CO2 and deliver 47.1mpg.

Equally appealing is the S80 executive saloon. Its 1.6-litre diesel emits a superbly low 129g/km. But the practical V50 estate is the star attraction.

It gets the same oil-burner as the S80 and C30, but stop-start helps it achieve 104g/km and 72.4mpg.

As with fellow Swedish firm Saab, Volvo offers an alternative fuel option. The S40, V50, V70 and S80 can be specified with a flexfuel engine that runs on E85 bioethanol. Yet sales in the UK have been hampered so far by the limited availability of the fuel.

BEST ECO BUY: V50 DRIVe

Volvo