Volvo's determination to reduce the CO2 output of its cars entered what might seem an unlikely realm earlier this year when it launched a DRIVe version of the S80.In case none of that means anything to you, you should know that the S80 is a large executive saloon car and DRIVe implies the use of, among other fuel economy-saving and CO2 emissions-improving measures, a not noticeably powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine - two concepts which, I admit, do not obviously sit well together.Their combination would have been a lot less sensible until quite recently, when Volvo gave the DRIVe engine a going-over and raised its maximum power output from the previous 108bhp to 114bhp. This might seem a minor improvement, but it had a significant effect on existing DRIVe models and (I suspect, though I haven't heard anyone from Volvo actually say this) made it possible to use the engine in the S80 without the risk of embarrassment.Even with 114bhp it's not quick, of course, though it performs better than its bulk suggests it ought to. According to the official figures from both manufacturers, the S80 DRIVe is faster in a straight line than a 1.6-litre diesel Ford Fiesta, which has a better power-to-weight ratio. I'm not entirely sure why this is, but I venture to guess that the DRIVe's excellent low-speed ability - which allows you to accelerate decently almost from tickover speed - may have something to do with it.It's still the slowest S80 by a substantial margin, but faced with this fact Volvo's UK PR people have rather neatly pointed out that S80 buyers don't necessarily want to go quickly. It's a fair point. This is no kind of sporty car (a term I continue to insist Volvo doesn't understand even when it claims to have built one) but a comfortable cruiser, and in this low-powered form it still has enough energy to function has a very effective one.In particular, it rides quite beautifully, largely because the suspension is very soft. So soft, in fact, that it would make the S80 a lumbering barge if you were able to drive it any harder than the 114bhp output permits. Since it doesn't and you're not, there isn't a problem.The DRIVe is available in two trim levels, and even the more expensive SE tested here (which has as standard leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors that are extra-cost options on the entry-level ES) is nearly £2000 cheaper than the 161bhp two-litre D3 with the same equipment.It costs less to run, too. The official economy figures suggest that you'll get five more miles from a gallon than you would with the D3, and its 119g/km CO2 emissions mean that it the Chancellor will require you to pay just £30 each year in Vehicle Excise Duty.According to the EU test, the DRIVe uses fuel at the rate of 62.8mpg on the combined test. The car's trip computer suggested that I in fact managed around 53mpg, mostly on A-roads and motorways. Well, I've had worse shortfalls than that, and in any case if a car of the S80's size can beat 50mpg on a regular basis, I'm not going to complain. Engine 1560cc, 4 cylinders Power 114bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 62.8mpg / 119g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.5 seconds Top speed 142 mph Price £27,145 Details correct at publication date
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