Low-tax Volvos go easy on the earth

Volvo has given three of its most popular models the green treatment, with the launch of its eco-friendly DRIVe range.

Selected C30, S40 and V50 diesel models will be available from January 2009 with emissions below 120g/km CO2. This edges them into the lower tax bands and means cheaper road tax bills for owners when the law changes next year.

Cars with emissions below 120g/km CO2 are currently in tax band B and cost £35 to tax. But this will drop by £5 in April, when the bandings increase from seven to 13.

Find out more about the road tax changes

Volvo has squeezed the extra fuel economy out of each model by improving aerodynamics, decreasing road resistance, spacing out the higher gears and tweaking the engine and transmission setup.

The Swedish manufacturer also offers five Flexifuel models and three bioethanol engines for eco-concious buyers.

More about the DRIVe models

Volvo C30 64.2mpg 115g/km CO2 From £15,410 Read Parker's review Find a C30 for sale

Volvo V50 62.8mpg 118g/km CO2 From £18,660 Read Parker's review Find a V50 for sale

Volvo S40 62.8mpg 118g/km CO2 From £17,260 Read Parker's review Find a S40 for sale