Test of Powershift Transmission (2)
Discussion
Duplicate, PH hamsters went wrong on the other one??
Ok been having extended test of the dual clutch powershift transmission.
Vehicle 2.0D R design SE Sport.
Had some discussion about this in Advanced driving, thread title dual clutch transmissions.
Anyway quick review. Basically quite good, smooth, good changes including nice little blipped down changes. Seems to have a good balance on change points when left in D, and only managed to catch it out twice over quite a few miles, thick end of two tankfulls anyway.
Both occasions when I caught it out it seemed to react a bit slowly and couldn't make it's mind up which gear to be in. One was an overtake and one was a entering a roundabout with a short notice "GO" situation. To be fair both were scenarios where if really in "press on mode" one would have selected manual and stuck it into the appropriate gear in anticipation. I was deliberately trying to catch it out, and could only manage in these two cases, and even then it got on with it and power went through to the wheels, just a bit of, hmm this gear, no that gear. Even so the torque was applied fairly seamlessly, it just was not that elegant. Every other situation pretty good and much better at gear selection than other autos, and far better response than any torque converter box.
I think in D it tends to select a gear higher than I would like, for example wafting round town it tends to get into 4th, where in a manual I'd be in 3rd but to be fair didn't notice any problem in regulating speed using acceleration sense.
The manual mode is not actually manual. As the vehicle slows down it changes down, and you have to be going quite slow to change from 3>2 and actually stopped for 2>1. You don't get as positive a speed increase from a very slow rolling start in 2nd as I can get in 2nd in a manual box but to be fair not a lot in it. But the engine seemed quite tight as almost new.
When in manual it will also change up as you near rev limit. Actually I don't like this feature, but admittedly nit-picking. On my favourite B road test track, lots of bends, brows with a couple of decent straights and some long sweeping bends where I normally punt down holding it in 3rd or 4th. The poweshift would drop in an upchange just when you got to the lift off point at the end of the straight. With the manual box you'd hold 3rd or 4th and be ready in the right gear for the next straight bit, but the DCT box would, as I say, pop in an unexpected up shift which would screw up your compression braking and the exit gear for the next bend. So marks down for that.
Have heard a number of complaints about hill start difficulties with the same box in Ford Focus. No problem at all with the Volvo version. In fact you could drive up a hill with a T junction at the top, get to the give way line where the box would hold it on the clutch perfectly. Various gradients were tried and it got the clutch hold point cock-on every time, very impressive actually and in one case held it there for quite a time while some old biddy sorted out her Micra. In fact if it had been a manual I would have whacked the handbrake on and depressed the clutch out of mechanical sympathy, but wanted to really test the clutch for reasons below.
In the advanced forum we had an at times acrimonious debate regarding driving autos at night in traffic. The concensus was to keep on the brake until somebody draws up behind and then handbrake on, then foot off brake pedal to stop brake lights glaring in face of driver behind, leave in D as constantly putting into N would cause extra wear as opposed to just sitting there with the torque converter churning. That was/is the concensus view.
Well the Powershift uses dual wet clutches from Haldex and it was not surprising that when stood with foot on brake to find the clutch on 1-3-5 shaft disengaging. What was surprising, and a little disconcerting from clutch life viewpoint, to find that engaging hand brake and lifting off brake pedal causes said clutch to engage to biting point, such that the engine note changes and the back of the car dips a little.
You can make the back of the car bounce a bit by on / off brake if you are so minded to prove a point.
Now I know that wet clutches, as typically used on bikes, can be abused more than a conventional dry friction plate clutch, and obviously this mimickry of what a torque converter does must be the way round the hill start issue and to make the box seem familar to regular auto drivers, yet I wonder about long term life. To be fair if you have sat for a long while with the hand brake on and in D, when you release the handbrake you only just creep forward, so maybe it releases a bit after a time. I couldn't get it to misbehave so maybe in practice it's not a problem.
Low speed manoeuvres, including reversing into tight uphill parallel park situations, perfect control, very easy. Very impressive.
Fuel consumption actually was better slightly than my own, not by much, but I think this was a combination of it tends to get a higher gear and I do tend to make the engine work a bit. So no problem there.
The car punted along very well, still not sure about those cream seats, but all in all, impressed.
Have commented on V50s generally in other threads, and most of the comments still stand. The central storage area minor changes are better, the front door pockets a bit bigger but not much in it. Big backward step in storage space though. I particularly like that storage space integral with the load cover blind cassette. That has been removed. While it increases head room the removal of that storage box reduces even further internal cubby hole storage space which is not good in the V50.
Ok been having extended test of the dual clutch powershift transmission.
Vehicle 2.0D R design SE Sport.
Had some discussion about this in Advanced driving, thread title dual clutch transmissions.
Anyway quick review. Basically quite good, smooth, good changes including nice little blipped down changes. Seems to have a good balance on change points when left in D, and only managed to catch it out twice over quite a few miles, thick end of two tankfulls anyway.
Both occasions when I caught it out it seemed to react a bit slowly and couldn't make it's mind up which gear to be in. One was an overtake and one was a entering a roundabout with a short notice "GO" situation. To be fair both were scenarios where if really in "press on mode" one would have selected manual and stuck it into the appropriate gear in anticipation. I was deliberately trying to catch it out, and could only manage in these two cases, and even then it got on with it and power went through to the wheels, just a bit of, hmm this gear, no that gear. Even so the torque was applied fairly seamlessly, it just was not that elegant. Every other situation pretty good and much better at gear selection than other autos, and far better response than any torque converter box.
I think in D it tends to select a gear higher than I would like, for example wafting round town it tends to get into 4th, where in a manual I'd be in 3rd but to be fair didn't notice any problem in regulating speed using acceleration sense.
The manual mode is not actually manual. As the vehicle slows down it changes down, and you have to be going quite slow to change from 3>2 and actually stopped for 2>1. You don't get as positive a speed increase from a very slow rolling start in 2nd as I can get in 2nd in a manual box but to be fair not a lot in it. But the engine seemed quite tight as almost new.
When in manual it will also change up as you near rev limit. Actually I don't like this feature, but admittedly nit-picking. On my favourite B road test track, lots of bends, brows with a couple of decent straights and some long sweeping bends where I normally punt down holding it in 3rd or 4th. The poweshift would drop in an upchange just when you got to the lift off point at the end of the straight. With the manual box you'd hold 3rd or 4th and be ready in the right gear for the next straight bit, but the DCT box would, as I say, pop in an unexpected up shift which would screw up your compression braking and the exit gear for the next bend. So marks down for that.
Have heard a number of complaints about hill start difficulties with the same box in Ford Focus. No problem at all with the Volvo version. In fact you could drive up a hill with a T junction at the top, get to the give way line where the box would hold it on the clutch perfectly. Various gradients were tried and it got the clutch hold point cock-on every time, very impressive actually and in one case held it there for quite a time while some old biddy sorted out her Micra. In fact if it had been a manual I would have whacked the handbrake on and depressed the clutch out of mechanical sympathy, but wanted to really test the clutch for reasons below.
In the advanced forum we had an at times acrimonious debate regarding driving autos at night in traffic. The concensus was to keep on the brake until somebody draws up behind and then handbrake on, then foot off brake pedal to stop brake lights glaring in face of driver behind, leave in D as constantly putting into N would cause extra wear as opposed to just sitting there with the torque converter churning. That was/is the concensus view.
Well the Powershift uses dual wet clutches from Haldex and it was not surprising that when stood with foot on brake to find the clutch on 1-3-5 shaft disengaging. What was surprising, and a little disconcerting from clutch life viewpoint, to find that engaging hand brake and lifting off brake pedal causes said clutch to engage to biting point, such that the engine note changes and the back of the car dips a little.
You can make the back of the car bounce a bit by on / off brake if you are so minded to prove a point.
Now I know that wet clutches, as typically used on bikes, can be abused more than a conventional dry friction plate clutch, and obviously this mimickry of what a torque converter does must be the way round the hill start issue and to make the box seem familar to regular auto drivers, yet I wonder about long term life. To be fair if you have sat for a long while with the hand brake on and in D, when you release the handbrake you only just creep forward, so maybe it releases a bit after a time. I couldn't get it to misbehave so maybe in practice it's not a problem.
Low speed manoeuvres, including reversing into tight uphill parallel park situations, perfect control, very easy. Very impressive.
Fuel consumption actually was better slightly than my own, not by much, but I think this was a combination of it tends to get a higher gear and I do tend to make the engine work a bit. So no problem there.
The car punted along very well, still not sure about those cream seats, but all in all, impressed.
Have commented on V50s generally in other threads, and most of the comments still stand. The central storage area minor changes are better, the front door pockets a bit bigger but not much in it. Big backward step in storage space though. I particularly like that storage space integral with the load cover blind cassette. That has been removed. While it increases head room the removal of that storage box reduces even further internal cubby hole storage space which is not good in the V50.
I'm really interested in this, as I have to drive an auto. Have you driven an auto V50 before, and if so which one? If you have, did you think this was better than an auto, worse, same?
From what you've said, I think a lot of the character traits of an auto, are there for the powershift...changing up before the redline (even in manual mode) and changing down as you slow down, even if you dont want to.
I've only recently heard about this gearbox. Is it the Volvo/Ford version of the VW DSG 'box?
Lots of questions I know, but I'm changing my car in a few months and was thinking of getting the V50 D5, but now I'm interested in this.
From what you've said, I think a lot of the character traits of an auto, are there for the powershift...changing up before the redline (even in manual mode) and changing down as you slow down, even if you dont want to.
I've only recently heard about this gearbox. Is it the Volvo/Ford version of the VW DSG 'box?
Lots of questions I know, but I'm changing my car in a few months and was thinking of getting the V50 D5, but now I'm interested in this.
Yes I have driven other V50s with an auto box, specifically have driven the 2.4 petrol, which engine is no longer available, also have driven both T5 and D5 which have the geartronic 5 speed box and a manual T5.
The geartronic as I understand it is a conventional torque converter type box with the option of fully automatic and a "manual" option. The powershift is as you say the PAG version of the VW DSG box, though the box is by Getrag and the clutches by Haldex. Essentially it is the same in principle as the DSG though, gears 1-3-5 on one shaft and 2-4-6 on the second shaft.
I have only driven the VW DSG type box once briefly in a Skoda and it seemed OK but not driven it for long enough and in sufficiently varied conditions to form an opinion.
I would say that from a very broad perspective the Geartronic and Powershift appear to give a very similar driving experience, with two exceptions.
Firstly, the geartronics I drove when in "manual" shifted down as you slowed but did not shift up, you just hit the rev limiter. Maybe they have changed this on the latest models I don't know, it was about a year since I drove the last geartronic.
Secondly, the GT like all normal autos seem to lose the compression braking effect, and that is something I don't care for that much. It's OK when just wafting, but when having to get a wiggle on personally I don't like it as it means I'm on the brakes more. Maybe that is just me that is rubbish at driving autos though and should be in manual mode. The powershift totally cured that problem for me though, totally felt at home either wafting or pressing on in D, and of course pressing on in manual was pretty good too.
My only reservation, as mentioned in the first post, is this business with the clutch sitting engaged at the biting point when sitting in traffic. I'm sure it will last three years ie typical life of a lease vehicle but another three years down the line?
If you are happy with a conventional auto then you'll be happy with either. As mentioned in one of the threads where I wrote about testing a D5, a lot of people said it didn't feel fast, and I agreed it doesn't. However it does gather pace in a very effective manner and you can very quickly be in licence losing territory without realising it. The 2.0D is slower but actually not that noticeably, would need a back to back to show how much slower.
Even though I have said I don't care for the GT gearbox, I was set for a D5 Geartronic as my next car. First auto because the doctor says the Mrs has to drive an auto now due to a dodgy knee. The intro of the 2.0D Powershift coupled with the hike in fuel costs made me think again. Don't get me wrong the D5 isn't that heavy on fuel, but I do recall punting a C30 D5 GT round the lanes one day and the passenger noted that he could physically see the fuel gauge going down. On the test I got very slightly better mpg with the 2.0D PS than my 2.0D manual, and adding in the consideration that yesterday I paid 33p+/gallon more for diesel than Shell V-Power!!
In summary I think I'm saying that both are quite good autoboxes with very slight differences, for me the PS is better, but equally I could live with the GT. Of the two engines the D5 is the better engine, absolutely no question about it, but it is thirstier.
But then the question of money comes into it as always.
Money no object then my spec would be
D5 Geartronic R-Design SE Sport
Black Sapphire
Comms Pack
Winter Pack (on the assumption that Xenons come as standard now but if not the Winter + Active)
Midir Wheels (onto which my winter tyres would go) and I'd get a set of black aftermarket wheels for summer tyres.
and yet tbh after all that my nose is still hanging over that spec but maybe a substitution of the 2.0D engine and PS box just on economic grounds because the D5 is a fine engine.
Fence being firmly sat upon, sorry.
The geartronic as I understand it is a conventional torque converter type box with the option of fully automatic and a "manual" option. The powershift is as you say the PAG version of the VW DSG box, though the box is by Getrag and the clutches by Haldex. Essentially it is the same in principle as the DSG though, gears 1-3-5 on one shaft and 2-4-6 on the second shaft.
I have only driven the VW DSG type box once briefly in a Skoda and it seemed OK but not driven it for long enough and in sufficiently varied conditions to form an opinion.
I would say that from a very broad perspective the Geartronic and Powershift appear to give a very similar driving experience, with two exceptions.
Firstly, the geartronics I drove when in "manual" shifted down as you slowed but did not shift up, you just hit the rev limiter. Maybe they have changed this on the latest models I don't know, it was about a year since I drove the last geartronic.
Secondly, the GT like all normal autos seem to lose the compression braking effect, and that is something I don't care for that much. It's OK when just wafting, but when having to get a wiggle on personally I don't like it as it means I'm on the brakes more. Maybe that is just me that is rubbish at driving autos though and should be in manual mode. The powershift totally cured that problem for me though, totally felt at home either wafting or pressing on in D, and of course pressing on in manual was pretty good too.
My only reservation, as mentioned in the first post, is this business with the clutch sitting engaged at the biting point when sitting in traffic. I'm sure it will last three years ie typical life of a lease vehicle but another three years down the line?
If you are happy with a conventional auto then you'll be happy with either. As mentioned in one of the threads where I wrote about testing a D5, a lot of people said it didn't feel fast, and I agreed it doesn't. However it does gather pace in a very effective manner and you can very quickly be in licence losing territory without realising it. The 2.0D is slower but actually not that noticeably, would need a back to back to show how much slower.
Even though I have said I don't care for the GT gearbox, I was set for a D5 Geartronic as my next car. First auto because the doctor says the Mrs has to drive an auto now due to a dodgy knee. The intro of the 2.0D Powershift coupled with the hike in fuel costs made me think again. Don't get me wrong the D5 isn't that heavy on fuel, but I do recall punting a C30 D5 GT round the lanes one day and the passenger noted that he could physically see the fuel gauge going down. On the test I got very slightly better mpg with the 2.0D PS than my 2.0D manual, and adding in the consideration that yesterday I paid 33p+/gallon more for diesel than Shell V-Power!!
In summary I think I'm saying that both are quite good autoboxes with very slight differences, for me the PS is better, but equally I could live with the GT. Of the two engines the D5 is the better engine, absolutely no question about it, but it is thirstier.
But then the question of money comes into it as always.
Money no object then my spec would be
D5 Geartronic R-Design SE Sport
Black Sapphire
Comms Pack
Winter Pack (on the assumption that Xenons come as standard now but if not the Winter + Active)
Midir Wheels (onto which my winter tyres would go) and I'd get a set of black aftermarket wheels for summer tyres.
and yet tbh after all that my nose is still hanging over that spec but maybe a substitution of the 2.0D engine and PS box just on economic grounds because the D5 is a fine engine.
Fence being firmly sat upon, sorry.
Edited by F i F on Friday 27th June 10:33
FiF,
Thats a cracking review of powershift, best I've found on the web to date, many thanks.
Hoping my next wheels will have a diesel motor hooked up to a powershift box so interested in all reviews. In particular I have a towing requirement and research so far indicates that towing capacity of powershift box is being quoted as same as manual box. Traditional auto boxes frequently have a reduced towing capacity, this is looking good.
One feature of the V50 that really bugs me is that the handbrake is positioned for left hand drive, would you have any comment on how this plays out in 'real life'
Thanks
Thats a cracking review of powershift, best I've found on the web to date, many thanks.
Hoping my next wheels will have a diesel motor hooked up to a powershift box so interested in all reviews. In particular I have a towing requirement and research so far indicates that towing capacity of powershift box is being quoted as same as manual box. Traditional auto boxes frequently have a reduced towing capacity, this is looking good.
One feature of the V50 that really bugs me is that the handbrake is positioned for left hand drive, would you have any comment on how this plays out in 'real life'
Thanks
jeta1 said:
FiF,
Thats a cracking review of powershift, best I've found on the web to date, many thanks.
Hoping my next wheels will have a diesel motor hooked up to a powershift box so interested in all reviews. In particular I have a towing requirement and research so far indicates that towing capacity of powershift box is being quoted as same as manual box. Traditional auto boxes frequently have a reduced towing capacity, this is looking good.
One feature of the V50 that really bugs me is that the handbrake is positioned for left hand drive, would you have any comment on how this plays out in 'real life'
Thanks
Thanks for the positive commenst on the review. :shuffles feet in embarrassment:Thats a cracking review of powershift, best I've found on the web to date, many thanks.
Hoping my next wheels will have a diesel motor hooked up to a powershift box so interested in all reviews. In particular I have a towing requirement and research so far indicates that towing capacity of powershift box is being quoted as same as manual box. Traditional auto boxes frequently have a reduced towing capacity, this is looking good.
One feature of the V50 that really bugs me is that the handbrake is positioned for left hand drive, would you have any comment on how this plays out in 'real life'
Thanks
Handbrake position I find no problem actually, in fact when I drive a left hooker it feels wrong somehow maybe a bit too close or something, but anyway can only think of one situation where the handbrake position is a problem and it's when you've got a chubber in the passenger seat whose been outside too many cod & chips.
Tangentialy, the handbrake lever on the 09MY is a really strange design, when the lever is down it looks just like a normal lever, but when you pull it up the lever is actually the top of a sort of warped T handle. About 2/3rds back a rod descends into the centre "tunnel" at not quite 90 degrees from the lever that you are pulling on. Obvioulsy this connects to another lever down out of sight which then pulls the cable. Odd but the action feels entirely normal. So not an issue.
Only had a brief drive in the powershift so far and was very very impressed, totally seamless gearchanges and could not catch it out.
Personally dont like auto's at all but that gearbox would probably sway me.
Needs to be fitted to the T5 or D5 shortly.
Personally dont like auto's at all but that gearbox would probably sway me.
Needs to be fitted to the T5 or D5 shortly.
Edited by After_Shock on Monday 14th July 19:44
FiF, I owe you an apology. You were right about the autobox....it doesnt shift up when you hit the redline!!! I did a little experiment in my car at the weekend (which was a little unnerving) and it just revs straight to 5000rpm and then it went a bit jerky, it was like as I change gear it then tried to do a sort of fuel cut off. I wont be doing that again in a hurry!
On reflection, I think it was my old ford gearboxes that used to shift up
I know what you mean about holding a gear on a twisty road, but I think part of me is just used to driving an auto these days and so is used to riding the brakes a bit harder and doing the odd bit of left foot breaking. I have to say though, that for serious cross country work, I still prefer a petrol.
Do you know if there is a special reason why the v70 uses a 6 speed auto box and the v50 uses a 5 speed one (on D5's). What sort of differences in gear ratio's are there....I do quite a lot of motorway driving, so the higher the final drive (is that the right way to get lower reves?) the better.
I know what you mean about it being a gradual builder of speed, but every-so-often mine still makes me chuckle about how quick it is; especially for a big old bus.
My current leaning is towards a V50 D5 R-Design SE; although now mine is taking 90 quid to fill up, it makes me think a 2.0D would be better. Does anyone have real world economy figures for either?
On reflection, I think it was my old ford gearboxes that used to shift up
I know what you mean about holding a gear on a twisty road, but I think part of me is just used to driving an auto these days and so is used to riding the brakes a bit harder and doing the odd bit of left foot breaking. I have to say though, that for serious cross country work, I still prefer a petrol.
Do you know if there is a special reason why the v70 uses a 6 speed auto box and the v50 uses a 5 speed one (on D5's). What sort of differences in gear ratio's are there....I do quite a lot of motorway driving, so the higher the final drive (is that the right way to get lower reves?) the better.
I know what you mean about it being a gradual builder of speed, but every-so-often mine still makes me chuckle about how quick it is; especially for a big old bus.
My current leaning is towards a V50 D5 R-Design SE; although now mine is taking 90 quid to fill up, it makes me think a 2.0D would be better. Does anyone have real world economy figures for either?
I've recently acquired a 2.0D SE Powershift. I surprised myself with my choice, having previously been a 7,500 rpm 16v sort of idiot. I tried a C30 on a whim and the demonstrator happened to be a Powershift. 45 minutes in it left me sufficiently impressed to buy one.
My own vehicle has now done about 1,000m. Fuel consumption it says here is 38 mpg so far and the average has been climbing steadily as I use it.
FIF's discussion of the behaviour of the transmission is accurate. In fact, it's the best report anywhere and that includes the magazines. The owners' handbook tells you nothing.
90% of the time I leave it in D. It does not behave like a conventional automatic. For example, if you go downhill on a closed throttle it holds the gear rather than changing up and leaving you with no engine braking. Bear in mind that as it has a conventional clutch, or clutches, there is a theoretical risk of it stalling and the gremlins have to prevent that. There is of course no torque multiplication.
I've also found the occasional low speed "hesitation". It happens for example when you approach a main road roundabout or may-not-have-to-stop junction. The 'box is programmed to change down at about 1,100 rpm on a shut throttle and you can sometimes catch it not being sure whether it wants 2nd or 3rd. I've found it helps to knock the selector into manual just as you approach the junction and put it back in D after you've set off.
You can't hold it to the red line - as is said by FIF it changes up. In manual it won't always change up when you tell it to - it needs about 1,700 - 1,800 rpm. It is noticeable that if you're trickling along in urban traffic at 35-45 mph the 'box holds 5th or even 4th although you can manually persuade it into 6th.
Very high gearing - 6th gives you over 30mph per 1,000 revs.
In the last few days I've done about 350 business miles on mid Wales A-roads and found that manual is not needed for brisk overtaking most of the time. A bit of right hoof makes it change down and there is BIG turbo boosted torque in the mid rev range which means 40-70 acceleration is just what's needed to get past those mimsers/lorries/caravans. The instantaneous change-up with no interruption of power means a gearchange in mid manoeuvre doesn't matter. It also means the turbo boost doesn't disappear. You just go on getting quicker.
All in all a very pleasant, quiet, vehicle. Slight gripes - a bit of a lack of cabin storage space. That boot is very shallow. Getting in the back is a bit of a scramble. The passenger seat seat-belt sensor is VERY sensitive and a small bag of groceries on the seat will set the chime and then the hooting off. You can't mute the radio with one touch - you have to turn it down.
My own vehicle has now done about 1,000m. Fuel consumption it says here is 38 mpg so far and the average has been climbing steadily as I use it.
FIF's discussion of the behaviour of the transmission is accurate. In fact, it's the best report anywhere and that includes the magazines. The owners' handbook tells you nothing.
90% of the time I leave it in D. It does not behave like a conventional automatic. For example, if you go downhill on a closed throttle it holds the gear rather than changing up and leaving you with no engine braking. Bear in mind that as it has a conventional clutch, or clutches, there is a theoretical risk of it stalling and the gremlins have to prevent that. There is of course no torque multiplication.
I've also found the occasional low speed "hesitation". It happens for example when you approach a main road roundabout or may-not-have-to-stop junction. The 'box is programmed to change down at about 1,100 rpm on a shut throttle and you can sometimes catch it not being sure whether it wants 2nd or 3rd. I've found it helps to knock the selector into manual just as you approach the junction and put it back in D after you've set off.
You can't hold it to the red line - as is said by FIF it changes up. In manual it won't always change up when you tell it to - it needs about 1,700 - 1,800 rpm. It is noticeable that if you're trickling along in urban traffic at 35-45 mph the 'box holds 5th or even 4th although you can manually persuade it into 6th.
Very high gearing - 6th gives you over 30mph per 1,000 revs.
In the last few days I've done about 350 business miles on mid Wales A-roads and found that manual is not needed for brisk overtaking most of the time. A bit of right hoof makes it change down and there is BIG turbo boosted torque in the mid rev range which means 40-70 acceleration is just what's needed to get past those mimsers/lorries/caravans. The instantaneous change-up with no interruption of power means a gearchange in mid manoeuvre doesn't matter. It also means the turbo boost doesn't disappear. You just go on getting quicker.
All in all a very pleasant, quiet, vehicle. Slight gripes - a bit of a lack of cabin storage space. That boot is very shallow. Getting in the back is a bit of a scramble. The passenger seat seat-belt sensor is VERY sensitive and a small bag of groceries on the seat will set the chime and then the hooting off. You can't mute the radio with one touch - you have to turn it down.
So, did you test any car other than the powershift version?
Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
I'm currently toying with getting a V50 and have to decide between the D5 auto and the 2.0D powershift.
It seems like you're getting decent economy so far, to say it's brand new. I do quite a lot of motorway miles, and so the idea of under 2,500 rpm at motorway speeds sounds attractive from a economy and noise perspective. Espcially as the D5 auto is "only" a 5 speed box
Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
I'm currently toying with getting a V50 and have to decide between the D5 auto and the 2.0D powershift.
It seems like you're getting decent economy so far, to say it's brand new. I do quite a lot of motorway miles, and so the idea of under 2,500 rpm at motorway speeds sounds attractive from a economy and noise perspective. Espcially as the D5 auto is "only" a 5 speed box
Just to update, currently waiting on delivery of my V50 2.0D Powershift, in theory will be delivered on my birthday in November but that is just a coincidence, definitely an unplanned present.
Strangely have eventually decided against the R-Design as the ride was just that bit too harsh with the sport suspension and the bigger rims. I must be getting old.
Strangely have eventually decided against the R-Design as the ride was just that bit too harsh with the sport suspension and the bigger rims. I must be getting old.
mondayo said:
So, did you test any car other than the powershift version?
Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
Yes I tested some other manual makes but not any manual Volvos. Previous cars have been hot hatch Fords and Renaults various including (a long time ago) two magical R5 Turbos. Fastest A-road car ever. But 22 mpg when you wellied them. So my credentials are or have been boy racer. Maybe I'm just getting old. Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
Those who know me were incredulous when I turned up in a Volvo. My 18 year old son was rubbishing me - you've bought an automatic diesel Volvo you plonker - until he drove it and decided it was acceptably cool to drive. But only acceptably cool to be seen in because it was a C30 and not an S40 or a V50.
I note what's said above about delayed delivery. I ordered my C30 on 29th July. I was told it would appear by mid September and I collected it on 19th September.
dingbat said:
mondayo said:
So, did you test any car other than the powershift version?
Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
Yes I tested some other manual makes but not any manual Volvos. Previous cars have been hot hatch Fords and Renaults various including (a long time ago) two magical R5 Turbos. Fastest A-road car ever. But 22 mpg when you wellied them. So my credentials are or have been boy racer. Maybe I'm just getting old. Overall you sound pretty pleased with the engine/gearbox combination; would that be right? You seem to like the performance, what car did you used to drive (as a comparison)?
Those who know me were incredulous when I turned up in a Volvo. My 18 year old son was rubbishing me - you've bought an automatic diesel Volvo you plonker - until he drove it and decided it was acceptably cool to drive. But only acceptably cool to be seen in because it was a C30 and not an S40 or a V50.
I note what's said above about delayed delivery. I ordered my C30 on 29th July. I was told it would appear by mid September and I collected it on 19th September.
I just wanted to check, as I drive a D5 (in a v70) and dont want to drive anything slower, or at least not markedly so.
Yours actually arrived quite quickly...I've never been quoted less than 3 months on a V50!
...and another thing. The lights are getting on my case. I hate those Volvo idiot lights.
Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
dingbat said:
...and another thing. The lights are getting on my case. I hate those Volvo idiot lights.
Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
Go to dealer and they will disable the DRLs. No idea of cost.Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
dingbat said:
...and another thing. The lights are getting on my case. I hate those Volvo idiot lights.
Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
I'm not sure if I'm understanding the question properly. However, if you turn the lightswtich to "on" then it doesnt affect the headlights as such, as they're always on and then you can use the main beam facility. That's what I used to do in my V50Last motor was an M-B which had proper automatic lights which went on in the dark and you can dip and main beam them. And if you get out and leave them on, it goes BUZZZ.
The idiot lights can't be main beamed as I'm sure we all know. If I drive round on sidelights I keep leaving them on and there's no reminder.
Suggestions anyone?
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