New shape Volvo V70

[glojo]

Has anyone driven this new vehicle and if so what do we think about it? My interest would be in the D5 AWD

Any thoughts, observations would be appreciated.

regards
John

 

[smartbrabus]

Dunno much about the new V70, but the D5 is a cracking engine.

 

[AFCNEAL]

A good friend of mine is in Corporate Sales for the local dealer and has a new shape XC70 (same as V70 but 'beefed up') as his Company car but has also brought round the V70 version.

I'm not a fan of diesels but with the D5 lump they're smooth and suffficiently powerful (185 bhp, I think) to hual the car along, even with an auto box. The best driver's seat I've ever sat in and good ergonomics - not too flash, but not too dull! Lot's of options but they add a lot to the price.

If I wanted a large estate, they'd be no. 1 on my list.

I think you can pre-book an unescorted test drive via Volvo UK's webiste.

 

[television]

I like the best drivers seat bit,, thats what I and others have been saying for the last 10 years,, you can sit in them for hours and hours with no fatigue at all.

The D5 has had a long run.

Parts and service are on the same level as MB regarding the cost

 

[grober]

Seems to be a well developed extremely safe vehicle. The main criticism levelled at it is a poor ride quality and slightly soggy handling in comparison to its rivals from MB and AUDI despite the higher spec models having an adjustable suspension system. Being essentially a front wheel drive design it has a poor turning circle in comparison to "best in class" E class steering lock. This might prove irksome in town driving or if you have restricted access to your drive or garage. Otherwise I would be looking at the quality of your local Volvo dealer to see if they can match your present MB dealer who you seem to be happy with. Just my tuppence worth.

 

[television]

Seems to be a well developed extremely safe vehicle. The main criticism levelled at it is a poor ride quality and slightly soggy handling in comparison to its rivals from MB and AUDI despite the higher spec models having an adjustable suspension system. Being essentially a front wheel drive design it has a poor turning circle in comparison to "best in class" E class steering lock. This might prove irksome in town driving or if you have restricted access to your drive or garage. Otherwise I would be looking at the quality of your local Volvo dealer to see if they can match your present MB dealer who you seem to be happy with. Just my tuppence worth.

Kasner in Exeter are first class on service and keeping to times,,, very good

 

[glojo]

We had a 960 estate and SWMBO did not rate the seats when compared to what is in the E-class. kastner's is our nearest main dealer but I doubt the standard of service will compare.

I have been given the literature.

I like the design

I like the choice of options

I am now interested to hear if anyone has any personal experience of this vehicle.

The options have certainly taken a big step forward but it puts a few bob onto the retail price

Oh and they have a light metallic blue as an option

At present I am merely interested and certainly NOT too excited by it.

Regards
John

 

[television]

We had a 960 estate and SWMBO did not rate the seats when compared to what is in the E-class. kastner's is our nearest main dealer but I doubt the standard of service will compare.

Regards
John

The 960 was a horrible tank with no feel what so ever, re the seats I did say 10 years, that make the seats referred to the V70.

Re Kasner service, though my V70 has never been serviced from new (only done by me) I had the Cam belt changed at half the recommended mileage.

It was booked in for 08am, and I arrived at 07.30.
The man doing it said lets make an early start and did the job and I was on my way home at 09 am.

Now at 75k miles the car has never failed an MOT or had any spare parts fitted. An MB E class would have eaten up 2-3 sets of AR links and bushes plus a few swivels.

I have changed the brake disc once.

If you do want spare parts they are dearer than MB

 

[GrahamC230K]

MOTORING is NOT Off Topic!

I know, I know, talking cars especially Mercedes can be unusual but it is the idea. As such any motoring talk welcomed in General.

I feel better now

 

[glojo]

It was booked in for 08am, and I arrived at 07.30.
The man doing it said lets make an early start and did the job and I was on my way home at 09 am.

The problem there is I would want my car collected and a courtesy car left? Would they do that?

Has Kastners moved as it was an awful pokey place right in thne middle of the city when we last used them.

The 960 was the best that Volvo had to offer At the time I think the 740 was the smaller estate? Or was it the 745 (can't remember) We just had the gas guzzler that had an aversion for retaining fuel in the fuel tank.

This new shape V70 has simply caught my eye whiich is more than can be said for the R-class or he face-lift E-class

John

 

[glojo]

MOTORING is NOT Off Topic!

I know, I know, talking cars especially Mercedes can be unusual but it is the idea. As such any motoring talk welcomed in General.

I feel better now

I was frit of being told off because it is not Mercedes based.

Do with me what you will

 

[Deleted member 11979]

Kastners has moved to Marsh Barton and the service I have experienced is absolutely second to none on our V70. They are actually a LOT cheaper to service than Mercedes in my expeirence but I don't know about the dropping off of a loan car. The experience is a lot more friendly and personal than the people across the road with the 3 pointed star on the showroom.

Regarding the new V70 we are looking at an XC with interest, I've not driven one but I have to say I am more loyal to Volvo as a brand after having a couple than I am to Mercedes, mainly due to their customer service.

I'll be interested to see how you get on if you test drive one. We have also used Kaster in Barnstaple and although they are a small satellite dealer their service too is exemplary, and the technicians are enthusiastic and know their stuff.

If you like the car, I'm sure the service won't disappoint.

 

[television]

The problem there is I would want my car collected and a courtesy car left? Would they do that?

Has Kastners moved as it was an awful pokey place right in thne middle of the city when we last used them.

The 960 was the best that Volvo had to offer At the time I think the 740 was the smaller estate? Or was it the 745 (can't remember) We just had the gas guzzler that had an aversion for retaining fuel in the fuel tank.

This new shape V70 has simply caught my eye whiich is more than can be said for the R-class or he face-lift E-class

John

The 740 and 940 were the most horrible cars that I have ever driven, we used them at Swedish radio and TV.

I always loved the details put out by "What Car" in summing cars up.

Driving == the 704 drives like a lorry
build ==== built like a lorry
Overrall === confirms Volvo as lorry builders.

Kasner have a brand new place opposite MB on the roundabout next door to Jaguar.

I have found them to be very nice people,, I had a good relationship with them once as I got info and pics on new models from Sweden before they did.

 

[television]

I was frit of being told off because it is not Mercedes based.

Do with me what you will

I find Graham very good

 

[Ash]

What Car & Auto Express don't rate the volvo diesel engine, auto or handling, from memory of recent reviews. The consensus is that the car is better than the previous V70, and bigger too, but only a bit. Overall Volvo haven't really moved things on.

It's wider than the E estate, taller I think but with a shorter wheelbase and smaller boot overall. I think it's based on the mondeo/S Max chassis, possibly shorter wheelbase than that (& S80).

Maybe a test drive will settle the issue - I'd be interested in the views of someone whose not a motoiring journo

ash

 

[crockers]

I had a S60 D5 for almost 3 years - it was the 165 bhp version mated to an auto box.

FANTASTIC seats ....drove from Bristol to Tongue in one day and no back ache etc etc.

Economy - very good indeed - drove from swindon to bristol and then to Inverness on one tank......pheww..just made it..

Ride...so so -- comfy but uninspiring..

HATED WITH A VENGENANCE....the turning circle...often going up tight multi storey carparks ..had to 3 point it around the tight bends....mercedes was a revelation after that..

 

[glojo]

What Car & Auto Express don't rate the volvo diesel engine, auto or handling, from memory of recent reviews. The consensus is that the car is better than the previous V70, and bigger too, but only a bit. Overall Volvo haven't really moved things on.

It's wider than the E estate, taller I think but with a shorter wheelbase and smaller boot overall. I think it's based on the mondeo/S Max chassis, possibly shorter wheelbase than that (& S80).

Maybe a test drive will settle the issue - I'd be interested in the views of someone whose not a motoiring journo

ash

Hi Ash,
Thanks for the comments and I'm interested to hear anything and everything about this new vehicle.

regards
John

 

[Deleted member 11979]

Well, I took the plunge today and went to test drive the XC70 and found it very very nice. It's a lot slower than my old e320cdi but then it would be. Handling is fine for what I do and the ride was good enough not to notice it if you know what I mean. The interior is lovely, very simple, stylish, easy to use and solid. The boot is certainly larger than our previous model V70 and the seats fold quickly and easily. The car is very different to a Mercedes in it's charachter, it blends into the back ground and it's design majors on practicality. I suspect really in overall terms it's not as good a car as the E class, but it is a lot cheaper, and for me was just what we are after, so, I think I'm going to get one. Trouble is the colours are all a bit lack lustre. Any specific questions then please ask. We are getting an awd as we live in the sticks and wife is a gp so goes down farm tracks a lot. If you don't need the AWD then I would stick with the 2 wheeler as certainly I know a lot of people suffered from transmission probslems with the previous model. Also fuel economy takes a tumble and it truly is a front wheel drive biased handling car. I have to admit that our current V70 has been fantastic and really I would recommend the whole experience. Volvos have a habit of growing on you rather than wowing you when you first meet them.

 

[st4]

My only advice here is that you must take a test drive. I have driven cars that mags have slated and left grinning afterwards, and driven so called good ones, and sold them after 4 months.

Take it for a test on roads you like, really inspect the boot, try a wee manouver on the test to see if you think its manouverable and you can live with the car day to day.

I imagine a D5 would have more grunt than a 220cdi, but with the V6 diesels the merc would have more "speed". I may be wrong here, but I reckon after your run in the Volvo, you'll think a RWD option is more viable.

What about an A6 Avant, or even a dreaded BMW....

 

[glojo]

Well, I took the plunge today and went to test drive the XC70 and found it very very nice. It's a lot slower than my old e320cdi but then it would be. Handling is fine for what I do and the ride was good enough not to notice it if you know what I mean. The interior is lovely, very simple, stylish, easy to use and solid. The boot is certainly larger than our previous model V70 and the seats fold quickly and easily. The car is very different to a Mercedes in it's charachter, it blends into the back ground and it's design majors on practicality. I suspect really in overall terms it's not as good a car as the E class, but it is a lot cheaper, and for me was just what we are after, so, I think I'm going to get one. Trouble is the colours are all a bit lack lustre. Any specific questions then please ask. We are getting an awd as we live in the sticks and wife is a gp so goes down farm tracks a lot. If you don't need the AWD then I would stick with the 2 wheeler as certainly I know a lot of people suffered from transmission probslems with the previous model. Also fuel economy takes a tumble and it truly is a front wheel drive biased handling car. I have to admit that our current V70 has been fantastic and really I would recommend the whole experience. Volvos have a habit of growing on you rather than wowing you when you first meet them.

Thanks very much indeed for your excellent post and I take onboard what your saying about the AWD and the only reason I would want that is from a safety aspect.

Your comments would rule that out.

regards
John