Car leasing news: Volvo upgrades models to boost fuel efficiency

Volvo has improved the fuel efficiency of a number of its models, which is good news for car leasing customers concerned about the environmental impact of their driving.

Cars given an eco upgrade include the Volvo V70, S80 and XC70 and changes made to the motors include the addition of new and improved versions of the D5 engine, as well as start and stop features on diesel models with manual gearboxes.

Among the improvements are new piston rings with lower friction levels, chain-driven oil pumps and weight-optimised camshafts and rods, which ensures they do the same job but using much lower levels of steel.

Powertrain Engineering vice president at Volvo Cars Derek Crabb said the improvements are about making the cars "both more enjoyable and cheaper to drive".

"The engines are already so optimised that it takes many man-hours to identify and refine the tiny details that can make them even more efficient," he explained, which could encourage eco conscious car leasing customers to opt for Volvo motors.

Volvo recently launched the third stage of its Emissions Equality campaign which aims to bring the issue of air quality into the public eye.