V70 2.0D R-Design - DRIVEN!!

MayGetaV70 · May 8th, 2009, 21:26

Well I have finally got to drive a V70 2.0D in R-Design trim and I was pleasantly surprised. It was an accompanied test drive in a brand new unregistered car. First I had a ride as the dealer drove to the petrol station to top it up with fuel, as a passenger I found the car comfortable and quiet and over the odd pot hole well composed so no concerns there.

Then the drive, as I said the car was brand new with around 5 miles on the clock I and was accompanied by the dealer so had to take it a bit easy. Anyway the drive was fine the car held the road well steering felt sharper than the 2.0d S80 I drove months back and the power delivery much more responsive and less laggey than the S80 which had I think around 10k on the clock, run in it should be even better.

Pulling onto a dual carriageway I didn’t have the same problem with the B pillar being in the way blocking my view when shoulder checking, pulling onto the carriageway the car was fine, I was able to hold back whilst a couple of lorries went past then straight out onto the outside lane upto around 85 past the lorries and back in no drama or any feeling it was an effort for the car.

It’s not going to be a rocket ship, but now after driving it I can say it’s not under powered. It felt smooth and refined and I feel powerful enough for your normal needs. I looked at it like this of course more is better but these days with speed cameras, fuel prices and traffic as they are how much power do you really need. The engine works in the car and that’s that.

It did not have the adjustable power steering as it says in the brochure.

The dealer was great, he ordered in a car to my spec, for me, weeks ago, then let me test it. If I was happy it was my car if not he was going to keep it as his demo. Anyway I collect it in a couple of weeks after my holiday.

MaygetaV70 now needs to change his name to IsgettingaV70. Oh one more thing wheels mine has got Fortuna Diamond Cut Graphite ones on it not the Cratus ones it supposed to have just wondering if this as a result of Volvos wheel problems I have read about on this site. Do look good on a titanium car though not as dark as they look on the Volvo web site.

Don’t knock the 2.0d in this car till you’ve tried it. You might get a nice surprise.

Dazzlev70r · May 8th, 2009, 22:09

Wait for the name change to hasgotav70 lol

Na ive hit over 3K with mine now and its a very well built car

The speed dependant steering I do have an issue over, simply as it should be there and isnt and im currently taking them to task now as it goes

Trust me no way can anyone call this underpowered, ive had a 1300Kg caravan on back and it didnt bother it at all

Id say this is more stiffer and therefore bumpier than the SE though and seats are great but on a long days drive there not as good as the SE but nothing to worry about
Ill confirm this car easily exceeds 100MPH and climing up there with ease.
Ive never noticed the B pillar problem ever but will conceed the front and rear sensors was an option with hindsight id have taken as the front left hand side corner is a mystery in the real world

Ive tested them all now and for the money nothing comes close to be fair.
Handling if thrown around is poor to be fair, they do feel clumsy im sorry to say and the rear can step out on you on a bend despite bieng FWD, but this was at over 70 MPH on a steepish bend and normal driving is good

in 5 weeks and 3K my only concerns are the speed dependant steering whilst towing ( it tows ok but it should be there) and the bluetooth connection

Ive yet to find any phone yet that works FULLY with the radio

Most nokias simply wont work in full and although little things like this anny me as i paid the extra nothing else on market comes close
The handbrake ive had no problem with, sometimes you just pull away other times it needs a good rev to come off the only issue is its tucked away and why it couldnt be where the handbrake used to be i no idea

Other minor moan is the slot for the key, you cant connect it to a keyring as it would damage the dash board, all my moans are realy petty and livable

Fuel wise though im getting now ive slowed down around 40MPG, not the best but its a great big heavy car to be fair
Gotta say i do like the wheels on this one

Tony g6hbq · Jun 30th, 2009, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazzlev70r

Other minor moan is the slot for the key, you cant connect it to a keyring as it would damage the dash board, all my moans are realy petty and livable

got a key ring on mine for the last 6 mths with no problems

gibboxxx · Jul 1st, 2009, 10:37

Hi - I test drove a V70 2.0D R-Design a couple of weeks ago. I concur about the engine being more than sufficient. I was worried it would be sluggish but actually felt it had sufficient power at hand when needed. However, my on niggle was the composure of the car over pot holes/poor road surface. Compared to our current Focus estate the feedback through the steering wheel was choppy at times which is something you would never experience with the Focus. Not sure if size/weight of the car has a bearing on this.

We have a V70 2.0D SE on order as part of motability which has an excellent deal for this car. I was wondering if anyone had views on the pros and cons of the 2.0D SE compared to the R-Design model (are the cars setup differently in someway?)

TBT · Jul 1st, 2009, 13:20

Hi Gibboxxx,

I recently choose an R Design but my company helpfully arranged 3 day test drives and I had two weekend tests one in an SE and the other in R Design setup so got a reasonable feel for what they are like.

The SE has smaller alloy wheels (17 inch cs 18 inch) and the tyres have a bigger air volume which softens the ride. Also the R Design has thick anti roll bars and I think lowered suspension, whereas the SE has the standard, more luxurious setup.

The front car seats are different too - the SE has more open seats, whilst the Rdesign has sportier seats with extra side support.

On the SE bump and vibration isolation are much better than the R Design but if you drive quickly on twisty roads you notice much more body roll.

The R Design is an altogether sportier setup which is still very good but it is not so good at hiding potholes etc.

I think both setups are good and the decision should be based on how you like to drive, the SE for comfort and the Rdesign for sport.

avtur · Jul 1st, 2009, 19:41

I can identify with TBT's post, much the same as my own experience.

I plumped for the 2.0D SE; soon after ordering my wife bought me a flat cap and a pack of Worthers Originals !!! But hey I don't mind, I spend a lot of time behind the wheel covering close to 30k miles per year. I expect to be more than happy with my armchair on wheels !!!!

Today I received some excellent news .... my car is being built this week, so there's a pretty good chance I can take delivery around 16/17th. My dealer had held off commiting to a delivery date because we're very close to a factory close down and its not unknown for cars planned just before shut down to slip back to post shut down. But it seems we're now past the point where the delay can happen

So in around two weeks I'll be an owner; I'm really looking forward to it ...

t5hull · Jul 2nd, 2009, 21:47

its a shame that your really buying a ford though with a volvo badge on it. buy a real R volvo, whats happening to our fantastic brand of yester-year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by avtur

I can identify with TBT's post, much the same as my own experience.

I plumped for the 2.0D SE; soon after ordering my wife bought me a flat cap and a pack of Worthers Originals !!! But hey I don't mind, I spend a lot of time behind the wheel covering close to 30k miles per year. I expect to be more than happy with my armchair on wheels !!!!

Today I received some excellent news .... my car is being built this week, so there's a pretty good chance I can take delivery around 16/17th. My dealer had held off commiting to a delivery date because we're very close to a factory close down and its not unknown for cars planned just before shut down to slip back to post shut down. But it seems we're now past the point where the delay can happen

So in around two weeks I'll be an owner; I'm really looking forward to it ...

avtur · Jul 2nd, 2009, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by t5hull

its a shame that your really buying a ford though with a volvo badge on it. buy a real R volvo, whats happening to our fantastic brand of yester-year.

What is a real Volvo these days? ...

Which bits of the V70 are shared with Ford and vice versa ...?

I'm buying the Volvo because it is much better value for money than a Ford, I did look at the Mondeo Estate, the V70 I'm getting will cost me £11 per month more than a Mondeo Estate in Zetec trim ... for me that was no contest.

I have to buy a brand new car, is there a brand new Volvo that fits your criteria of being a 'real Volvo'.

If my purchase of a new Volvo (watered down by Ford's influence) is a problem for you then I'm sorry about that. But as far as I'm concerned I'm happy with my choice, I'm not a brand snob but the Volvo I've ordered is a better car (for me) than the equivalent Mondeo.

t5hull · Jul 2nd, 2009, 23:06

good comeback!!! the new v70 is a better chioce than the v50 and s40, have been to the factory in belguim with volvo and seen them next to new fords, focus mondeo, not about being a snob..... try not to take my comments to heart no offence intended

Quote:

Originally Posted by avtur

What is a real Volvo these days? ...

Which bits of the V70 are shared with Ford and vice versa ...?

I'm buying the Volvo because it is much better value for money than a Ford, I did look at the Mondeo Estate, the V70 I'm getting will cost me £11 per month more than a Mondeo Estate in Zetec trim ... for me that was no contest.

I have to buy a brand new car, is there a brand new Volvo that fits your criteria of being a 'real Volvo'.

If my purchase of a new Volvo (watered down by Ford's influence) is a problem for you then I'm sorry about that. But as far as I'm concerned I'm happy with my choice, I'm not a brand snob but the Volvo I've ordered is a better car (for me) than the equivalent Mondeo.

gibboxxx · Jul 3rd, 2009, 09:25

As I mentioned earlier on this topic - I have ordered the V70 2.0D SE because of the excellent deal under motability. The main criteria being to obtain a larger car than our current Focus Estate. The alternative choice was the Mondeo estate (zetec) but under motability the advance payment was £600 more than the Volvo at the time so we opted for the Volvo.

Having driven a Mondeo estate compared to the V70 2.D SE the decision would have been a no brainer if the advance payment for the Mondeo had been the same. The Mondeo is by far a better drive than the Volvo. It seems Ford has saved all the best mechanical bits for the Mondeo and in some way has compromised the Volvo ride. In my opinion the Mondeo is also the better looking car. The area that the Volvo does beat the Mondeo is the cabin. If I could have the ride and looks of a Mondeo and the cabin of the Volvo then for a big estate that would be pretty much perfect.

Jul 1st, 2009, 19:41	#6
avtur Member Last Online: Jun 28th, 2010 00:20 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Stockport	nearly there ... I can identify with TBT's post, much the same as my own experience. I plumped for the 2.0D SE; soon after ordering my wife bought me a flat cap and a pack of Worthers Originals !!! But hey I don't mind, I spend a lot of time behind the wheel covering close to 30k miles per year. I expect to be more than happy with my armchair on wheels !!!! Today I received some excellent news .... my car is being built this week, so there's a pretty good chance I can take delivery around 16/17th. My dealer had held off commiting to a delivery date because we're very close to a factory close down and its not unknown for cars planned just before shut down to slip back to post shut down. But it seems we're now past the point where the delay can happen So in around two weeks I'll be an owner; I'm really looking forward to it ...

May 8th, 2009, 22:09	#2
Dazzlev70r Member Last Online: Oct 10th, 2010 20:12 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: sussex	Wait for the name change to hasgotav70 lol Na ive hit over 3K with mine now and its a very well built car The speed dependant steering I do have an issue over, simply as it should be there and isnt and im currently taking them to task now as it goes Trust me no way can anyone call this underpowered, ive had a 1300Kg caravan on back and it didnt bother it at all Id say this is more stiffer and therefore bumpier than the SE though and seats are great but on a long days drive there not as good as the SE but nothing to worry about Ill confirm this car easily exceeds 100MPH and climing up there with ease. Ive never noticed the B pillar problem ever but will conceed the front and rear sensors was an option with hindsight id have taken as the front left hand side corner is a mystery in the real world Ive tested them all now and for the money nothing comes close to be fair. Handling if thrown around is poor to be fair, they do feel clumsy im sorry to say and the rear can step out on you on a bend despite bieng FWD, but this was at over 70 MPH on a steepish bend and normal driving is good in 5 weeks and 3K my only concerns are the speed dependant steering whilst towing ( it tows ok but it should be there) and the bluetooth connection Ive yet to find any phone yet that works FULLY with the radio Most nokias simply wont work in full and although little things like this anny me as i paid the extra nothing else on market comes close The handbrake ive had no problem with, sometimes you just pull away other times it needs a good rev to come off the only issue is its tucked away and why it couldnt be where the handbrake used to be i no idea Other minor moan is the slot for the key, you cant connect it to a keyring as it would damage the dash board, all my moans are realy petty and livable Fuel wise though im getting now ive slowed down around 40MPG, not the best but its a great big heavy car to be fair Gotta say i do like the wheels on this one

Jul 1st, 2009, 10:37	#4
gibboxxx New Member Last Online: Jul 2nd, 2012 15:18 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bexley	Hi - I test drove a V70 2.0D R-Design a couple of weeks ago. I concur about the engine being more than sufficient. I was worried it would be sluggish but actually felt it had sufficient power at hand when needed. However, my on niggle was the composure of the car over pot holes/poor road surface. Compared to our current Focus estate the feedback through the steering wheel was choppy at times which is something you would never experience with the Focus. Not sure if size/weight of the car has a bearing on this. We have a V70 2.0D SE on order as part of motability which has an excellent deal for this car. I was wondering if anyone had views on the pros and cons of the 2.0D SE compared to the R-Design model (are the cars setup differently in someway?)

Jul 1st, 2009, 13:20	#5
TBT New Member Last Online: Jul 21st, 2011 16:12 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chalfont St Peter	Hi Gibboxxx, I recently choose an R Design but my company helpfully arranged 3 day test drives and I had two weekend tests one in an SE and the other in R Design setup so got a reasonable feel for what they are like. The SE has smaller alloy wheels (17 inch cs 18 inch) and the tyres have a bigger air volume which softens the ride. Also the R Design has thick anti roll bars and I think lowered suspension, whereas the SE has the standard, more luxurious setup. The front car seats are different too - the SE has more open seats, whilst the Rdesign has sportier seats with extra side support. On the SE bump and vibration isolation are much better than the R Design but if you drive quickly on twisty roads you notice much more body roll. The R Design is an altogether sportier setup which is still very good but it is not so good at hiding potholes etc. I think both setups are good and the decision should be based on how you like to drive, the SE for comfort and the Rdesign for sport.

Jul 3rd, 2009, 09:25	#10
gibboxxx New Member Last Online: Jul 2nd, 2012 15:18 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bexley	As I mentioned earlier on this topic - I have ordered the V70 2.0D SE because of the excellent deal under motability. The main criteria being to obtain a larger car than our current Focus Estate. The alternative choice was the Mondeo estate (zetec) but under motability the advance payment was £600 more than the Volvo at the time so we opted for the Volvo. Having driven a Mondeo estate compared to the V70 2.D SE the decision would have been a no brainer if the advance payment for the Mondeo had been the same. The Mondeo is by far a better drive than the Volvo. It seems Ford has saved all the best mechanical bits for the Mondeo and in some way has compromised the Volvo ride. In my opinion the Mondeo is also the better looking car. The area that the Volvo does beat the Mondeo is the cabin. If I could have the ride and looks of a Mondeo and the cabin of the Volvo then for a big estate that would be pretty much perfect.

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