D3 vs D5 - Direct comparison

[NewVolvo]

Having just returned from Berlin, I was given a brand new 2010 XC60 D3 as a rental from Avis.

Black metallic and Geartronic. This was the FWD version, single turbo and 175bhp. Badge at the back simply read: "D3".

Anyway, as some know I have the twin-turbo D5 and there are some very notable differences between them, including the MPG which is very good on the D3.

First of all, the engine. This is the new 2.0 litre, 5 cyl version and for those of you who doubt what it sounds and feel like you can relax. The sound is very very similar to the 2.4D and D5 engines and has that lovely 5 cyl growl.

The biggest thing I noticed was how quick it was of the mark at say, a stop sign. One would have to be careful not to spin the wheels. It also felt noticable lighter than that of my D5 AWD. Not as surefooted though as the D5.

But as you rev through the range, the biggest difference is the fact that the new D3 runs out of puff at about 3.5-4000 rpm whereas the D5, with it's 2nd turbo, will just continue. A high speed run on an unlimited section of the german autobahn confirms this. Keep it below 4000rpm and you'll be fine. It also runs out of steam at about 180-190km/h (112-118mph) although I did manage 121mph once.

On a very positive note was the fuel consumption. On purpose I resetted the OBC and after driving some 500 kms (only used 2/3 of a tank!) the onboard computer was reading 5.9l/100kms (approx 46-47mpg!) and that included the high speed runs, town driving and lots of air conditioning as the temperature soared to 43C on Saturday!

The only negative thing I can think of would be the Geartronic that was fitted. It was confused, hard to change at times and simply did not suite the car or the engine.

All in all, I am highly impressed re this engine in the XC60 bar the Geratronic.

Hopefully this may help some in the quest for shopping.....

Any questions, please ask!

Some pics.