XC and R-design just expensive bodykits?

[lancslad1985]

Hi Everyone. I'm considering a V40 for my next car (currently own a golf) and have to say it looks great. Having read a few reviews they all say that both the XC and R-design versions are just expensive bodykits like the Audi S-line with no improvement over the actual drive. Is this the case? I'm more interested in the R-design, but the reviews say it actually rides much worse with no benefit to it.

[John_C]

The XC has a higher ride height which makes it a little less likely to ground out on rough surfaces. R-design is exactly what you say, a trim level like S-line or M-sport.

[NewVolvo]

Wife has an R-Design and I find the following differences:

1. Seats are more more supportive than standard ones.
2. Suspension is bone breaking hard, even on std 17" R-Design Wheels.
3. Interior can be very dark if no sunroof is specced (due to black headliner).
4. I find the interior to be a bit more interesting in the R-Design due to (unique) blue colour on the TFT display (at least it was in 2013) and some other design details.
5. More sporting looking design than the standard car.

I am sure there are more, but these are the ones I can think of on top of my head.

The V40 Cross Country is for me just a simply, jacked up version with extra plastics bolted on. Same car and engines though.

[tt82]

Most R-Design models feature lowered chassis and stiffer springs over the standards version, and I would be surprised if this was not the same with the V40.

[I-S]

I understand there are two chassis setups on the v40 R design - the normal one (whether that is lower/stiffer than the se I don't know) and the "dynamic lowered" chassis, which for some reason is only standard on the D2 R design.

I drove one of those, and concur with NewVolvo - it is utterly idiotic. I think the car would benefit more from the weight reduction of simply removing the springs and shocks and replacing them with a solid bar, as the ride would be comparable.

[tristanhallett]

There are quite a few additions to the R-Design, see page 5 on http://www.volvocars.com/uk/Document...-pricelist.PDF for the full list. I think most are cosmetic like lighting and LCD dash etc but there are some other goodies.

Please excuse the cut and paste job

In addition to the standard features, the R-Design model benefits from the following;
Unique R-Design Lower Front Nose, Grille and Rear Diffuser
R-Design Sports Upholstery
R-Design Twin Exhaust Pipes
Charcoal Headlining
Lowered Sports Chassis (D2 Manual only)
R-Design Sports Floor Mats
Active TFT Crystal Driver's Information Display
R-Design Sports Pedals
Sliding Front Centre Amrest
Leather Steering Wheel with Chrome Trim and R-Design Logo
Rear Armrest and Cup Holders in Rear Seat
R-Design Silver Matt Door Mirrors
Illuminated Gear Knob
LED Day Running Lights
Autofolding Power Door Mirrors with Ground Lights
R-Design Aluminium Trim
17" Ixion Alloy Wheels with 205/50 (D2 only) or 225/45 (not D2) Tyres

And the Lux version

In addition to the R-Design, the Lux model benefits from the following;
R-Design Leather Sports Upholstery
Cruise Control
Rear Reading, Theatre and Front Door Side Step Illumination
Front Door Tread Plates
Height Adjustable Tiltable Driver Seat with Lumbar Support
Active Bending Xenon Headlights
Forward Folding/Height Adjustable Front Passenger Seat with Lumbar Support
Headlight Cleaning System
Rain Sensor - Automatic Windscreen Wiper Activation

[MJW75]

Its a matter of opinion. If there wasn't an R-Design version, I wouldn't have even bought a V40 in the first place. Some people like sporty looks, if you don't then don't buy the R-Design. Saying that, the seats and interior is much nicer than the SE in my opinion. Also - re. the comment above, the R-Design has the same suspension as the standard cars, but the sport suspension is an option, so you can still have comfort with the R-Design. Also re. another comment above, the dark interior makes it feel my cosy (again, in my opinion), which I prefer to the lighter interior of the SE (the headlining in the R-Design is black, which adds to this).

[lancslad1985]

Originally Posted by MJW75

Its a matter of opinion. If there wasn't an R-Design version, I wouldn't have even bought a V40 in the first place. Some people like sporty looks, if you don't then don't buy the R-Design. Saying that, the seats and interior is much nicer than the SE in my opinion. Also - re. the comment above, the R-Design has the same suspension as the standard cars, but the sport suspension is an option, so you can still have comfort with the R-Design. Also re. another comment above, the dark interior makes it feel my cosy (again, in my opinion), which I prefer to the lighter interior of the SE (the headlining in the R-Design is black, which adds to this).

Thanks for that. I do love the R-design, think it looks fantastic, but I read it had firmer suspension than standard. If this isn't the case then that's my next car sorted

[MJW75]

I've just double checked and it appears that the lowered suspension is standard on the D2 R-Design. I'm guessing this is due to the D2 usually having the comfort chassis, whereas the D3,D4,T3, T4 and T5 have the Dynamic chassis - probably because the comfort chasis looks to high with the R-Design kit. Best double check before buying. So on anything but the D2, the suspension is apparently the same as the SE equivalent.

[DBD]

Have got a V40 D4 R Design n rebel blue.....and yes the lowered suspension.

It's firm-ish but not hard. Car doesn't wallow around corners and holes in road have been ridden well.

Looks really good and........

In my opinion would have like it another 10 mm lower.