Volvo adds auto option to DRIVe models

Volvo has launched an automatic gearbox option for four of its eco-friendly DRIVe models.

The new six-speed auto will be available in Volvo's DRIVe versions of the S60, V60, V70 and S80.

The good news is that the autos have identical CO2 and fuel economy figures to the manuals.

Emissions and economy figures for the new automatic DRIVe versions are as follows:

Volvo S60 DRIVe Automatic: 65.7mpg 114g/km
Volvo V60 DRIVe Automatic: 62.8mpg 119g/km
Volvo V70 DRIVe Automatic: 62.8mpg 119g/km
Volvo S80 DRIVe Automatic: 62.8mpg 119g/km

Peter Mertens, Volvo's senior vice-president of research and development, said: 'For the first time ever, we have managed to bring the fuel consumption in variants with an automatic gearbox down to the same level as in the manual versions.'

Buyers will be able to order the new automatic DRIVe cars from early 2012, with prices from 25,230 for the S60 DRIVe.