For those with D5's. Is yours manual or auto

[Ransman]

Originally Posted by XC60AWD

I have a DSG auto in my present car which is outstanding, in the last week i have driven a Volvo geartronic 2.0T (240) for about 150 miles, a couple of Jags with a ZF auto and a rather old Ford with 4 speed auto.

The geartronic auto is not for me, if the vehicle had the DSG gearbox then it would be a no brainer.

Aren't there reliabilty issues with the DSG box? Impressive bit of technology which drives very well but I was put off by the associated risks. I am sure it will be sorted a few years down the line but not sure I would go for it just yet.

[XC60AWD]

Originally Posted by ExMercR

You could always go for the T5. That has a Powershift (DSG) box. Mind you, you'd have to take a bit of a hit on the consumption.

I did think about that but the mpg and the fact you cant get 4wd with the T5 put me off

[ExMercR]

Originally Posted by XC60AWD

I did think about that but the mpg and the fact you cant get 4wd with the T5 put me off

Doh. I kinda knew that, but forgot..

[GreaseNipple]

[QUOTE=Gaskit;851610] I eventually opted for the geartronic and initially thought that I may have made the wrong choice. Although the box is smooth (not as smooth as the Audis)
Having now had the sport mode enabled QUOTE]

What is the sport mode that you speak of?

Recently took a test drive in an Audi Q5 S-tronic gearbox; overall a nice car but for 3 issues: Very stiff suspension, firm steering at speed and from a standstill there is a half second pause from pressing the accelerator to the vehicle responding, this is quite disconcerting when pulling out at a T junction.

Although I’ve had limited exposure to the Geartronic gearbox what I have experienced is a smooth box with well timed changes. For overtaking, try semi auto mode.

[XC60AWD]

Originally Posted by Ransman

Aren't there reliabilty issues with the DSG box? Impressive bit of technology which drives very well but I was put off by the associated risks. I am sure it will be sorted a few years down the line but not sure I would go for it just yet.

I had to have my gearbox replaced at 40,000 miles, they had the small part to fix it with which was not too expensive but they could not get the tool to fit it with, it was on back order and none were available for the dealer to use. After a couple of phone calls and a couple of weeks I managed to get a new box.

I drive the car hard regularly and at each service I have had the DSG software reprogrammed, this does seem to help, very occasionally the box does not change smoothly, but 99.9% of the time its as smooth as a babies bottom. In fact i would go as far as saying its better than the 2010 XJ I drive regualrly with a ZF gearbox.

[Gaskit]

The early XC90s suffered badly from accelerator lag and I was really pleased to find that Volvo have sorted that out for the XC60. That terrible lag really does give you some interesting moments at T-junctions and particularly roundabouts!

The sport mode has been mentioned in a few other posts, but it is available on the latest XC60 and on some slightly older models. My car was purchased in June '10 and I had the software upgrade in December (FoC) by the local dealer. When the gear stick is moved over to the left an "S" appears in the display until you override into one of the gears. Sport mode changes up later and also seems to change down earlier when braking - makes for a dramatically improved drive when you want to go quickly.

[XC60AWD]

Originally Posted by ExMercR

Doh. I kinda knew that, but forgot..

I forget about it sometimes as well, i think its because a XC60 size car with 240bhp on tap should really have 4wd as standard, especially as its mated to an auto only box.

[madman1]

Originally Posted by XC60AWD

I forget about it sometimes as well, i think its because a XC60 size car with 240bhp on tap should really have 4wd as standard, especially as its mated to an auto only box.

I have had a similar spec'd car (albeit no 20" / Winter pack or Polestar - but that's to come!) since Oct last year.

Agree that auto would probably be more relaxing, but personal preference was for manual for the feel / engagement (purely personal opinion), in large part, I think, as my last car was an impreza.

Very happy.

[Brodick]

Each to their own I generaly say. Although why is it that the majority of luxury high spec cars all come with auto boxes of some description?

I can't see how someone can say a manual is better in the snow. Given that there is still the option to change gear yourself.

Just my thoughts.

[Mrjon]

I personally enjoy the engagement of a manual and practicing the advanced driving "system". I've also specced the 4C chassis and speed dependant steering as I live on some great driving roads.
I gave serious thought to the auto box with this purchase but was put off by some comments on this forum and magazine reviews that said the volvo auto wasn't that nice to use.
The sport setting sounds really good though and the all speed que assist would be great to have.
If you are using the manual setting on the auto box do you get full use of each gear ie can you go right up to the rev limiter or does the box eventually override you and change up a gear before reaching the limiter?
Too late for me, I'm past last change day, so that's 1400 quid saved.If I went for the auto box there would only be the sunroof left to be talked into and I'd have selected every option in the brochure , expensive business hanging around here.