Big estates and saloons have long meant that diesel has been the default choice, but with the popularity of the black pump taking a nose dive in recent months, car makers are scrambling to keep up with the capricious desires of the car-buying public. Cue Swedish car maker Volvo and the new petrol engine that is has added to its S90 and V90 model ranges.
The new motor, which has been badged T4, is a Euro 6-standard four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 190bhp and will appear in the S90 saloon and V90 estate. Volvo says that the new engine will come with an automatic transmission as standard. When it comes to economy, the T4 returns 42.2mpg in the S90 and 40.9mpg in the V90, both on the combined European cycle.
The T4 versions are available from the entry-level Momentum to top-level Inscription Pro models, and they share the same high level of standard features as the existing diesel and petrol-electric hybrid cars in the range – including Volvo’s ground-breaking Sensus nine-inch touchscreen control system, satellite navigation with Real Time Traffic Information, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and leather-faced upholstery.
Depending on which trim level you go for, the T4 versions are available with wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches.
The T4 joins the T6 in the S90 and V90 ranges. The T6-powered V90 Cross Country was the first V90 variant to be offered as a pure petrol.
'Petrol is becoming an increasingly popular choice with motorists, including business users. It’s imperative we offer the range of engines that our customers demand, and we expect strong interest in the S90 and V90 T4,' Volvo Car UK’s head of business sales, Steve Beattie said.
Order books for the S90 and V90 T4 models are open now.
Gallery: 2017 Volvo V90