XC70: General New V70 / XC70 first impressions

[Chaddie]

My Current XC70 has rear park they only engage when in reverse gear and they can be turned on / off, but I was told if front are also fitted the same on / off button is used to turn them off, so you can turn them off but if you forget to turn them back on!!!!

Maybe that will be fixed on the new model.

[Kobe]

I can't wait now to get the car.. currently got a new mondeo estate until the XC70 turns up.. the ford isn't a bad car and probably not any smaller, but doesn't have the same toys .. I need my parking sensors !

[Chaddie]

I had a Mk2 Mondeo Estate before my Volvos, it was a very good car. The new one looks even nicer, I've been told the new new Mondeo has a bigger load area than the new V70/XC70, do you know if this is true?

Also is the load area on the New XC70 the same, bigger or smaller than the current model, again I've been told its a little smaller, I really hope it isn't.

[Kobe]

I believe the new platform volvo is meant to be bigger in terms of load area and more practical than before.. I read a magazine review where they had mentioned something about this being a focus area for volvo with the new models, but can't find it now to quote the numbers. Apparently one of the tests is being able to hold a washing machine with packaging..

the new mondeo certainly has a large boot.. though the seats don't fold down in as many combinations and don't seem to fold flat..

I am moving house soon.. so can test the mondeo and volvo in practical back to back tests

[rjf240GLT]

Have you chaps got your new cars yet? i've ordered a D5 SE sport with options listed below, which is due mid Nov; i can't wait!
Options,
metallic - ice blue
family pack
sat nav
u/grade audio
active xenon winter pack
airbag cut-off switch
fortuna alloys
Cheers Rob

[Chaddie]

I'm getting mine in a fortnight.

Do you think that SatNav on a XC70 will be a must have in the secondhand market from now on, much like it is on a BMW 5 Series?. I know on the old XC70 it made no difference to the part exchange price, but I get the feeling it might from now on.

Still think built in SatNav is a rip off, £1500+ compared to £199+ for a TomTom and with the TomTom you can add your own point of interests ie. Speed Cameras (sorry Safety Cameras).

[rjf240GLT]

hi,
There is a huge difference between the volvo sat nav and an aftermarket tom tom, and i think it is worth paying the extra; particulalrl as volvo have reduced the costs down to £800 is purchased last month and £1000 this month. The traffic update is worth the extra alone, but the screen is bigger and clearer. I currently have a v70 se (52 plate 176k miles) with satnav, which i purchased upgraded disks and software (ebay and volvo) and is great. drove a range rover (HSE) last week and was disappointed by the sat nav- it wasnt a patch on the volvo one! I would imagine that the 2nd hand market will demand higher specs and prices for the in built units.
What colour of interior have you gone for?
Cheers,
Rob

[Chaddie]

I've gone for Oyster Grey Pearl with Black Interior (Modern Wood Trim).

I always select black, it doesn't show the marks like a lighter Interior.

Is the traffic updates free?, I've never had a car with built in SatNav before.

[Chaddie]

Well I took delivery of my new XC70 yesterday.

I've not been out in it today (bloody work), so give me a few days and I'll give you my opinion on it later this week.

But first impressions are very good.

But TopGear Time now.

[Kobe]

congratulations -

let us know the details..

3 more weeks for mine.