... I was pleasantly surprised by the Volvo after the BMW - the performance in higher gears was actually superior, though over the 0-60 sprint a bit slower. Also, you can't chuck it around country roads as much, but ithe handling is reasonable for a family estate car. It is most at home on motorways ... Read review
Estate - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 140 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: R-DESIGN, R-DESIGN Premium, SE, SE Lux, SE Lux Premium, SE Premium, S, Sport
...was pleasantly surprised by the Volvo after the BMW - the performance in higher gears was actually superior, though over the 0-60 sprint a bit slower. Also, you can't chuck it around country roads as much, but ithe handling is reasonable for a family estate car. It is most at home on motorways - the handling is solid, precise and refined. The power really gets going above 4000 rpm, and it is easy to overtake with no effort whatsover. In fact, it ... ...average. Whilst most people see Volvo as a quality brand, it is also seen as a bit of an old mans car. The XC90 and S60 are however doing wonders to change this image, long may it continue.
The build quality is better than the BMW that I had. There is a solid feel to the car, and the refinement is unbeliveable. It is hard to hear the engine, and the suspension soaks up all but the worst potholes.
I would highly recommend this car, ... more
I bought my 1999 V40 2.0T XS after having to get rid of my BMW 323i coupe due to an expanding family. I was pleasantly surprised by the Volvo after the BMW - the performance in higher gears was actually superior, though over the 0-60 sprint a bit slower. Also, you can't chuck it around country roads as much, but ithe handling is reasonable for a family estate car. It is most at home on motorways - the handling is solid, precise and refined. The power really gets going above 4000 rpm, and it is easy to overtake with no effort whatsover. In fact, it embarrasses most hot hatches on the motorway - you can see why the police use them as pursuit vehicles. I paid £5, 800 for the Volvo, and at the time, this got me a 5 year old 48, 000 mile FSH one owner machine. The equipment was impressive - the XS is one of the leaner trim options, but you still get air con, alloys, remote central locking, and a tape/radio/CD player combined that automatically turns itself up and down according to engine speed. However, many other types like the CD will also give you leather seats, and cruise control. I have found the estate dimensions excellent - however, ther is more room in a focus estate. It has served us well though, transporting buggies, luggage, bulky DIY items etc with no problems. There is a downside to the car in two main areas - economy and image. I have found the car returns between 20 - 30 mpg, this is obviously bertter on long journeys than in town traffic. The image, also whilst improving is still only average. Whilst most people see Volvo as a quality brand, it is also seen as a bit of an old mans car. The XC90 and S60 are however doing wonders to change this image, long may it continue. The build quality is better than the BMW that I had. There is a solid feel to the car, and the refinement is unbeliveable. It is hard to hear the engine, and the suspension soaks up all but the worst potholes. I would highly recommend this car, it has served the family well, and feels like it will go for another 10 years of hassle free motoring.
