V40 R Design or SE Lux.

[TonyHCA]

Hi all Newbie to your terrific site, can I ask has anyone experience of the V40 R Design and the SE Lux, I have test drove them both and not sure if it was me , but the R Design was a rough ride, I know its the Sports Chassis but against the SE Lux it was awful, does anyone think you can get used to the harder suspension of the R Design, I have to say it looks the better all round vehicle than the SE Lux, very many thanks in anticipation.

[CY83]

Depends what you thought of the R-Design if you take the drive of the se lux out of the equation. I've driven a few different models and R-Design is fine overall, just the Se Lux is a little more comfortable.

Currently driving an R-Design with 19" wheels which although stiff suspension and elastic band tyres, I still love the drive.

[Marc01]

Originally Posted by TonyHCA

Hi all Newbie to your terrific site, can I ask has anyone experience of the V40 R Design and the SE Lux, I have test drove them both and not sure if it was me , but the R Design was a rough ride, I know its the Sports Chassis but against the SE Lux it was awful, does anyone think you can get used to the harder suspension of the R Design, I have to say it looks the better all round vehicle than the SE Lux, very many thanks in anticipation.

Was it a D2 per chance? It's been a while since I looked at specs and prices, I ended up buying an RDesign D4 lux nav on standard dynamic chassis with 17" rims (would of liked 18"s but felt the 17" still looked good and gave a bit more rubber to smooth out the ride and left me with cash to put on other options like winter pack)
When I test drove a D3 SE Lux and and D4 RDesign both on 17" rims I found little difference in ride quality both were on the firm side compared to our VW Mk7 Golf Match. The D2 on the other hand in Redesign trim was slightly firmer with noticeable harshness over small bumps like those chevrons you can find on the road as you enter a 30mph sent a noticeable amount of chatter through the cabin.
On the open road I found no issue between the firmer D2 RDesign compared to the standard Dynamic chassis of the D4 so much so I didn't feel the need to Alex the sports suspension as I felt the the Dynamic was already firm enough and felt a good compromise.

So again not sure of the models you tested or where you based (in Australia the RDesign only come with sports suspension). If it's any consolation I found choosing a V40 hard because of the confusion in trim levels, dealers lack of knowledge and Volvo's abstract trim options, like no autodim mirror no power fold mirors unless you by a sunroof? ( it's actually part of the powered seats) basically like many top marque they omit real trivial options so as to ensure you spend more cash on options.