Volvo has added an automatic option to the 2.0D versions of the C30, S40, V50 and C70 at a cost of £1400.

The Swedish maker claims the twin-clutch auto’, similar to VW‘s DSG ‘box, gives much improved fuel and CO2 figures compared to traditional automatic rivals.

However, Volvo’s system, named Powershift, pushes up the benefit-in-kind tax band by a single percentage point (see tables below) meaning fleet buyers looking for the lowest taxation should still opt for the manual.

Volvo C30 2.0D R-design Sport
Gearbox Manual Powershift
P11D price (£) 18,070 19,470
CO2 (g/km) 151 156
BIK band (%) 21 22
Yearly tax bill (20%) 759 857
Yearly tax bill (40%) 1518 1713
Fuel (mpg) 49.6 47.9
0-62mph (secs) 8.8 9

Volvo V50 2.0D S
Gearbox Manual Powershift
P11D price (£) 19,320 20,720
CO2 (g/km) 153 159
BIK band (%) 21 22
Yearly tax bill (20%) 811 912
Yearly tax bill (40%) 1623 1823
Fuel (mpg) 48.7 47.1
0-62mph (secs) 9 9.2