Disappointing '15 plate XC70??
 

Hi all,

Had a test drive in a '15 plate XC70 D5 this morning, must say I was a bit disppointed in it compared to my '07. Seemed to be a lot lighter and not as substantial, seats not as comfortable, leather not as nice, bit plasticky, and the engine seemed harsher than my 185 D5. Not much feedback from the steering wheel.

Obviously a lot more gizmos bells and buttons, (90% of which I'd probably never use), but on the whole not impressed.

Don't know what to look at now, the old girl ain't going to last forever...

I happen to be in a similar position with my 57 reg S60 which I’ve had for nearly 5 years. It’s got 252k on the clock and whilst it’s not giving me any trouble, it’s becoming impractical to run with clean air zones popping up everywhere.

I’ve decided on a late XC70 D5 to replace it and like you, I was a little bit disappointed the first time I was went in one, however, I’ve come to accept that none of the modern offerings will really have the same sort of feel as our cars. I’ve also read up a lot on the P3 XC70s and they seem to be reliable and do wear the miles well, despite not feeling as solid as a P2 on the surface. At least they have proper buttons for the climate control instead of a garish touchscreen like the new Volvos.

Interesting. Yes this example had over 100k on the clock but didn't really show it, so they do at least have that in common with the P2, but don't know whether I could live with the seats. Do you know if the interior trim and seats stayed the same on every P3 from '08 on, or did it change over time?

I ran x2 V70 P2's, a 2002 T5 and 2004 AWD R. Have to agree the seats were the most comfortable i ever have sat in. The suspension however was a bit crashy. My 2014 V70 D5 has less comfortable seats, but the suspension is much more supple, and thus overall a better ride. The steering you get used to. 8 years and 60K miles in and no suspension components, save a snapped rear coil spring have needed replacing.
Cheers Bob

Not too sure on the seats changing but the interior did change in circa 2012 when the range received a facelift. An “inscription” package was available on the late XC70 which featured upgraded soft leather upholstery.

https://www.media.volvocars.com/glob...odel-year-2016

Thanks for that. Yes been a bit spoiled for the last 16 years I guess...you get used to those nice comfy seats..agree with you about the suspension in the P2, glad to hear you've had a trouble-free 8 years. Hoping to look at a V70 next weekend, bit older '12 model so may be different. Cheers AG.

Thanks for the link- very useful info. Cheers. AG

The steering is too light on modern Volvos, My T8 is okay in Power Mode but too light otherwise - should probably get a Polestar upgrade so I can have a custom hybrid driving mode with least power assistance on the steering. And the modern Volvo 4 cylinders aren't the most civilised engines.

Yes it's a D5 for me every time.

Aren't the new d5s actually 4 pots, I'm sure I read that somewhere in passing. Effectively d5 (or was it the t5) is more of a badge now rather than actually indicating the number of cylinders