The Volvo S80 II (facelift 2011) 1.6 D2 Drive, producing 115 horsepower, was a key variant in Volvo’s lineup aimed at the European market seeking fuel efficiency and lower running costs. Introduced in 2011 and continuing through 2013, this model represented a downsized engine option within the second generation S80 (platform 1HX0/A3), offering a more accessible entry point to the premium executive sedan segment. It was positioned as the base model, appealing to buyers prioritizing economy over outright performance. This variant was never officially sold in the North American market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 D2 Drive (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm, 174.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4162T |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1547 kg (3410.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 553 kg (1219.16 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4851 mm (190.98 in.) |
| Width | 1861 mm (73.27 in.) |
| Height | 1493 mm (58.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2835 mm (111.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
INTRODUCTION
The Volvo S80 II facelift, launched in 2011, represented a significant refresh of Volvo’s flagship sedan. The 1.6 D2 Drive variant, powered by the D4162T engine, was introduced as a fuel-efficient option, particularly aimed at European markets with high diesel taxes and a preference for economical vehicles. This model slotted into the S80 range below the more powerful 1.6 D3, 2.0 D4, and petrol-powered T4 and T6 variants. The facelift brought updated styling, improved safety features, and a revised interior, enhancing the S80’s appeal in a competitive segment.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 1.6 D2 Drive is the Volvo D4162T, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of Volvo’s VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) family, designed for modularity and efficiency. The D4162T utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine produces 115 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This specific variant was paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 5 emission standards.
Driving Characteristics
The S80 1.6 D2 Drive offered a comfortable, but not particularly sporty, driving experience. The 115 horsepower engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, but acceleration was noticeably slower than the higher-output variants. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.9 seconds reflects this. The manual transmission, while contributing to fuel efficiency, required more driver involvement than the automatic options available on other S80 models. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine often needed to be revved to maintain speed, especially when overtaking. Compared to the 2.0 D4, the D2 felt significantly less responsive, but offered a substantial improvement in fuel economy. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride over most road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 1.6 D2 Drive typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment, though it was less lavish than the higher-spec models. Standard features generally included climate control, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with CD player, and alloy wheels. Safety features were a Volvo hallmark, with ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags standard across the range. Optional extras included leather upholstery, a premium audio system, navigation, parking sensors, and a sunroof. Interior trim levels were relatively simple, with cloth upholstery being the norm. The dashboard layout was typical of the S80 II, featuring a clean and functional design.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 1.6 D2 Drive utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension components were tuned to provide a comfortable ride, prioritizing smoothness over handling sharpness. The braking system consisted of ventilated front discs and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision and feedback. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S80 1.6 D2 Drive was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and low running costs. However, its performance was often criticized as being underwhelming, particularly when compared to the more powerful S80 variants. Fuel economy figures of around 52.3 US mpg combined were a major selling point. Compared to the 2.0 D4, the D2 offered a lower purchase price and better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. The 1.6 D3 offered a compromise between the two, providing more power than the D2 but still delivering respectable fuel economy. Reliability was generally good, with the D4162T engine proving to be a durable unit.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 1.6 D2 Drive represents a shift towards smaller, more efficient engines in the executive sedan segment. While not a performance icon, it provided a practical and economical option for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and low running costs. Today, these models are relatively affordable on the used car market. The D4162T engine, while not without its issues (like potential DPF problems common to diesels), has proven to be reasonably reliable with proper maintenance. The S80 II, in general, is remembered as a comfortable and safe sedan, and the 1.6 D2 Drive offers a cost-effective entry point into Volvo ownership.
