My new V40 D2 SE Lux
Discussion
Just had confirmation that my new V40 SE Lux is built and will be with me the 1st or 2nd week in July. I'll follow this up with photos but spec is:
Volvo V40 D2 (115bhp, 88CO2) SE Lux
Volvo V40 D2 (115bhp, 88CO2) SE Lux
- Passion Red
- Lux Winter Pack (heated windscreen, heated seats and illuminated gear-knob)
- Active TFT Instrument Display
- Flexible Load Floor
- High Performance Multimedia System
- Rear Park Assist
Finally arrived and I'm very pleased! I think it looks great and it drives just as I'd hoped. It's never going to set the world on fire... but that's what the other cars in my garage are for 
A couple of exterior photos first:
Interior shots:
This is the TFT Instrument display, looks really slick!
A couple of exterior photos first:
Interior shots:
This is the TFT Instrument display, looks really slick!
You know those moments, at first glance you look at a car and you don't like it that much because something seems a little off with the proportions/shape (the 'face' of the car looked a bit 'long', something to do with the headlights and grille), then you look in more detail and you start to like it?
I just had that when I looked through the photos in sequence. I like the interior a lot, the exterior isn't that bad - I think the red paint helps!
Having taken a moment to look at the pics, I will say 'Nice car' - because I mean it!
I just had that when I looked through the photos in sequence. I like the interior a lot, the exterior isn't that bad - I think the red paint helps!
Having taken a moment to look at the pics, I will say 'Nice car' - because I mean it!
Great looking cars and the interior looks amazing, great place to spend a lot of time! How much do these cost?
Also, you say you have an Elise so performance for a daily isn't of concern, but 115bhp Diesel in a car that I'm guessing weighs 1300/1400kg will be painful! Even just accelerating to speed on slip roads will be hard work. I've had similarly powered modern diesels in smaller cars and they were hard work when you needed to overtake or just get up to speed.
Also, you say you have an Elise so performance for a daily isn't of concern, but 115bhp Diesel in a car that I'm guessing weighs 1300/1400kg will be painful! Even just accelerating to speed on slip roads will be hard work. I've had similarly powered modern diesels in smaller cars and they were hard work when you needed to overtake or just get up to speed.
zedx19 said:
Great looking cars and the interior looks amazing, great place to spend a lot of time! How much do these cost?
Also, you say you have an Elise so performance for a daily isn't of concern, but 115bhp Diesel in a car that I'm guessing weighs 1300/1400kg will be painful! Even just accelerating to speed on slip roads will be hard work. I've had similarly powered modern diesels in smaller cars and they were hard work when you needed to overtake or just get up to speed.
I've driven loads of these as they accelerate fine. Horsepower is of little relevance for a diesel, it's torque that they major on.Also, you say you have an Elise so performance for a daily isn't of concern, but 115bhp Diesel in a car that I'm guessing weighs 1300/1400kg will be painful! Even just accelerating to speed on slip roads will be hard work. I've had similarly powered modern diesels in smaller cars and they were hard work when you needed to overtake or just get up to speed.
I DO think the looks are initially 'challenging' but I kind of like the quirkyness of it. Pity Volvos have an 'old man' image. My friends can't understand why I've bought it... however they don't have a Lotus in the garage
The performance is acceptable, nothing more. I certainly wouldn't say poor or significantly lacking though. I took it to work today and did a 94 mile round trip, it was perfect for that journey which involves cruising at motorway speeds (70-80).
First 100 miles and I've got 62mpg so far (according to the OBC), that's inline with my expectations
The performance is acceptable, nothing more. I certainly wouldn't say poor or significantly lacking though. I took it to work today and did a 94 mile round trip, it was perfect for that journey which involves cruising at motorway speeds (70-80).
First 100 miles and I've got 62mpg so far (according to the OBC), that's inline with my expectations
JimPetrol said:
Fantastic cars - I have to admit, I'd have gone for the D3 if I were you, as I really don't like the Ford / Pug 1.6 diesel.
Emissions on autos are shocking, though, which is a real shame as it'll be a blocker to a large number of fleet sales.
I read a number of times that the D2 was the pick of the 'lower down the range' engines. I didn't drive the D3 to be honest and I considered that for an extra £2.5k then it simply wasn't worth it, the only reason would be for the extra performance though and I simply don't need it. Don't get me wrong, the extra performance would be lovely but I don't need it.Emissions on autos are shocking, though, which is a real shame as it'll be a blocker to a large number of fleet sales.
I'm actually enjoying pootleing up and down the motorway at a more sedate pace, I'm arriving at work more relaxed and happier.
MagicalTrevor said:
I read a number of times that the D2 was the pick of the 'lower down the range' engines. I didn't drive the D3 to be honest and I considered that for an extra £2.5k then it simply wasn't worth it, the only reason would be for the extra performance though and I simply don't need it. Don't get me wrong, the extra performance would be lovely but I don't need it.
I'm actually enjoying pootleing up and down the motorway at a more sedate pace, I'm arriving at work more relaxed and happier.
I have read that - but having experienced that engine, I discounted it. I had enough in my budget for a D4 R-Design Lux Geartronic, but those emissions killed the idea in the end. I'm actually enjoying pootleing up and down the motorway at a more sedate pace, I'm arriving at work more relaxed and happier.
Keep us updated on how you get on with it... because my mind may be swayed next time around. Very low emissions and lots of toys seems to be the way forward these days.
JimPetrol said:
I have read that - but having experienced that engine, I discounted it. I had enough in my budget for a D4 R-Design Lux Geartronic, but those emissions killed the idea in the end.
Keep us updated on how you get on with it... because my mind may be swayed next time around. Very low emissions and lots of toys seems to be the way forward these days.
Exactly, during rush hour it's nice to have the toys and comfort Keep us updated on how you get on with it... because my mind may be swayed next time around. Very low emissions and lots of toys seems to be the way forward these days.
Just given it a good clean and she's looking like new... Even though it is. Done around 800 miles now within nearly two weeks, the lower than expected mileage is actually to do with having found a lift share.
My thoughts so far; I'm really pleased with it, more so than I expected to be. To recap on the main points that made me buy this car:
Economy - the claimed mpg for this car is 84mpg. An impressive figure, if only the claimed economy was even reasonably close! As you can imagine, it's not. I'm expecting to reach 70mpg ish once it's all loosened up but right now I'm getting 62mpg. Pretty good in itself but I have higher expectations. This is 2-up, cruise control set to 70mph with occasional 'sprints' north of this figure, albeit nothing significant. I guess the hot weather will also affect the mpg. It's unusual that I'm so interested in the MPG and its interesting that I've talked about this first... says a lot!
Safety - nothing much to say about this really, I hope to never have to discuss this! I read somewhere that this car has the highest ever NCAP rating and that reassures me when doing such high mileage. The colour was also a nod to safety, I wanted a bright colour to make me more noticeable on the motorway. A little thing but, again, with the high mileage I want to remain safe. Finally, the LED DRLs make the car more noticeable.
Comfort - this is any Volvo's trump card (IMHO), the seats are amazingly comfortable and I'm able to make a comparison with my mates '07 Passat. Ordinarily I'd find the Passat seats to be good (comparable to my old mk5 Golf) but the Volvo is way better. I imagine the bigger cars have even better seats (if they're different at all?). Black leather adds a luxurious feel to the cabin.
Tech/Toys - this car has loads. You've seen the TFT instrument display, it's brilliant! I've seen comments about it being too bright at night... there's a dial to turn the brightness down... It's really not a problem. I went for the upgraded sound system (the middle option rather than the very top of the range), I like my music and it has a larger screen on the centre console. I'm glad I upgraded, it looks great although I'm not able to compare the sound system, it plays music well enough and doesn't disappoint.
All connectivity is there, I have FM, DAB, USB, Bluetooth iPod, CD and DVD (technically I'm missing a 3.5mm jack but really? Who needs that!?). I generally stream Spotify via Bluetooth and it works great, all song titles appear in the centre console and the controls on the steering wheel allow me to skip tracks. Ideal and means I don't have to bother with CDs or loading things onto memory stick.
Performance - it's not a fast car... And it's all the better for it! I'm happy to relax and drive a bit slower than I might do otherwise, not significantly so but enough to feel rated relaxed when I reach my destination
Niggles - fortunately very few and I'm being picky!
The lumbar support knob is difficult to access as it sits on the left hand side between the seat and the arm rest, but once I've found the perfect position then it'll never be touched again.
The nearside mirror doesn't dip when the car is in reverse. I've become used to that since both my 1 series and Golf had that feature. Just means that I have to be more careful when parking as I don't want to wreck my alloys.
All in all, this is a great car for its purpose. Everything I wanted it for it does very well. I don't regret not buying the D3 (or higher) and I'm not just saying that... Besides, it's £2.5k more and I can't see the difference being worth it.
My thoughts so far; I'm really pleased with it, more so than I expected to be. To recap on the main points that made me buy this car:
Economy - the claimed mpg for this car is 84mpg. An impressive figure, if only the claimed economy was even reasonably close! As you can imagine, it's not. I'm expecting to reach 70mpg ish once it's all loosened up but right now I'm getting 62mpg. Pretty good in itself but I have higher expectations. This is 2-up, cruise control set to 70mph with occasional 'sprints' north of this figure, albeit nothing significant. I guess the hot weather will also affect the mpg. It's unusual that I'm so interested in the MPG and its interesting that I've talked about this first... says a lot!
Safety - nothing much to say about this really, I hope to never have to discuss this! I read somewhere that this car has the highest ever NCAP rating and that reassures me when doing such high mileage. The colour was also a nod to safety, I wanted a bright colour to make me more noticeable on the motorway. A little thing but, again, with the high mileage I want to remain safe. Finally, the LED DRLs make the car more noticeable.
Comfort - this is any Volvo's trump card (IMHO), the seats are amazingly comfortable and I'm able to make a comparison with my mates '07 Passat. Ordinarily I'd find the Passat seats to be good (comparable to my old mk5 Golf) but the Volvo is way better. I imagine the bigger cars have even better seats (if they're different at all?). Black leather adds a luxurious feel to the cabin.
Tech/Toys - this car has loads. You've seen the TFT instrument display, it's brilliant! I've seen comments about it being too bright at night... there's a dial to turn the brightness down... It's really not a problem. I went for the upgraded sound system (the middle option rather than the very top of the range), I like my music and it has a larger screen on the centre console. I'm glad I upgraded, it looks great although I'm not able to compare the sound system, it plays music well enough and doesn't disappoint.
All connectivity is there, I have FM, DAB, USB, Bluetooth iPod, CD and DVD (technically I'm missing a 3.5mm jack but really? Who needs that!?). I generally stream Spotify via Bluetooth and it works great, all song titles appear in the centre console and the controls on the steering wheel allow me to skip tracks. Ideal and means I don't have to bother with CDs or loading things onto memory stick.
Performance - it's not a fast car... And it's all the better for it! I'm happy to relax and drive a bit slower than I might do otherwise, not significantly so but enough to feel rated relaxed when I reach my destination
Niggles - fortunately very few and I'm being picky!
The lumbar support knob is difficult to access as it sits on the left hand side between the seat and the arm rest, but once I've found the perfect position then it'll never be touched again.
The nearside mirror doesn't dip when the car is in reverse. I've become used to that since both my 1 series and Golf had that feature. Just means that I have to be more careful when parking as I don't want to wreck my alloys.
All in all, this is a great car for its purpose. Everything I wanted it for it does very well. I don't regret not buying the D3 (or higher) and I'm not just saying that... Besides, it's £2.5k more and I can't see the difference being worth it.
Edited by MagicalTrevor on Sunday 21st July 17:51
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