XC90 diesel coming soon

VOLVO Car Australia will offer a turbo-diesel version of its XC90 four-wheel drive wagon in the final quarter of 2006.

Available in Europe for some time, the XC90 D5 has been a slow-burner for Australia, apparently constrained by strong demand in Europe.

Recently upgraded as part of a 2006 model year update in Europe, the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine develops 136kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm from 2000rpm, giving the XC90 a 0-100km/h time of 10.9 seconds for the six-speed manual and a top speed of 195km/h.

The engine uses a particulate filter and also meets Euro IV emissions regulations. It is available in Europe with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The D5 has been widely acclaimed in Europe as a smooth and economical unit, achieving a combined fuel consumption cycle of 8.3L/100km for the manual.

Based on other Euro diesel 4WD offerings, the XC90 D5 could be priced at a premium of $3000 or $4000 above the entry XC90 2.5T, which is priced from $69,950. The range-topping XC90 T6 LE starts from $79,950.