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NOW that the diesel special tax has been lowered, new models are being launched faster than you can say "turbodiesel". The latest is the Volvo S60 D2 with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

While the compact Swedish sedan isn't the first COE Category A diesel car to be available here, it's the first upscale offering. The S60 line-up, which was first introduced here in late 2009, also comes with a 1.6-litre petrol unit. Badged as the S60 T4, this petrol-engined model is marketed as a sports sedan with turbocharged performance.

The new S60 D2, on the other hand, is pitched very differently. With its Euro 5-compliant engine's clean diesel technology and good fuel efficiency, it is the D2's green credentials that are being highlighted instead.

This means one difference between the D2 and T4 is that the diesel model gets an engine start/stop function not found on the petrol version. This so-called Eco Drive feature automatically cuts the engine when stationary to save fuel.

Together with the frugal nature of the diesel power plant, the S60 D2's fuel consumption under the combined cycle is 4.3 litres per 100 km, or an impressive 23.3 km per litre.

Although a diesel model has good low-end torque, it also has some drawbacks. One is the diesel clatter, or that loud engine noise which the diesel engine produces. Another is the weight - a diesel engine is usually heavier than a petrol engine of similar displacement.

Thankfully, both these problems are minimised in the Volvo S60 D2. Thanks to good insulation and no doubt some sound engineering, all the D2 driver hears when gunning the engine is a lusty grunt. It isn't unpleasant and is actually rather sporty for a diesel unit.

As for the kerb weight, the D2 is only marginally heavier than the T4, or a mere 35 kilos more at 1,551 kg, so the extra weight doesn't make a difference. The D2's handling is competent with torque vectoring to brake the inside front wheel in a corner for sharper "turn in" but it's let down by the vague steering.

The economy-oriented D2 is also slower than the performance-focused T4. Both versions are front-wheel-driven with a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox, and while the D2 has a healthy 270 Newton-metres on tap, it isn't exactly a road rocket. It accelerates from zero to 100 kmh in 12.3 seconds, versus the T4's 9.0 seconds.

But if you're not worried about fuel consumption, the D2 can feel pretty zippy when the gear lever is slotted into S instead of D, or if the gears are shifted manually. There are some advantages to choosing a D2 diesel over a T4 petrol though. After a $15,000 CEVS rebate under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme, the $184,000 S60 D2 is $12,000 cheaper than an S60 T4 with its $5,000 rebate. Both come with the useful City Safety auto-braking feature.

But as a diesel, the D2 gets 60 per cent more mileage than the T4, plus the pump price of diesel is about 28 per cent less than the lowest-grade petrol.

The D2 only makes real financial sense if you're the type to pile on the miles. Even with the diesel surcharge cut to 40 cents per cc from $1.25 previously, the D2's annual road tax still comes up to $1,344 against the T4's $742, or about 80 per cent higher.

But if you're the type who likes cleaner emissions, lower fuel consumption and a slightly greener world, it should be worth the price.

samuelee@sph.com.sg

SPECS

Volvo S60 D2

Engine 1,560cc turbodiesel

Transmission 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch

Max power 115 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Max torque 270 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm

0-100 kmh 12.3 secs

Top speed 190 kmh

CO2 emissions 114 g/km

Price $184,000 (with COE)

Distributor Wearnes Automotive

Tel: 6473-1488