Passing of an era

[andyalan10]

I went to the Volvo website yesterday to see just what a new replacement for my V70 would cost.

No V70 listed in the new models section. Autotrader only lists about half a dozen pre-registered cars with less than 2000 miles on the clock.

And a quick look at the V90 seems to show it is automatic only.

So no more V70 badge, no more manuals, no more 5 cylinder engines and no petrols at the moment. I know the latter two have been true for a while but even so, it made me feel quite nostalgic.

Andy

[wiliferus]

Tis a sad sign of the times indeed. One of the things I adore about my manual 2.4t, is that it can cruise along nicely whilst forfilling family duties, but also pick up its skirt and growl whilst maintaining a bit of driver involvement. When it dies I genuinely can't think of a compatible replacement.

[brenflys777]

We've got a 3 year old XC90, the base model replacement version is over 13k more than we paid for our high spec one 3 years ago.

It'll be the end of our Volvo era on replacement.

[mybrainhurts]

I run a 2008 V70 manual 2.4 diesel. Still smooth as silk at 338,000 miles. The V90 looks nice, but no manual...BOO.

[George111]

The lack of a 5 cyl engine is disappointing, if Jaguar/Merc/BMW can keep a top line 6/V6 diesel why can't Volvo manage a 5 ? VAG even have a V6 diesel in their Touareg. It's one of the trade mark features of Volvo, petrol or diesel.

But the V90 and S90 looks to be fantastic cars in every other respect so it's positive overall ! The XC90 hyprid also gave the BMW X5 hybrid a proper bloody nose in Autocar magazine which just demonstrates how far Volvo have come in the last few years as the X5 is hardly a lame duck and Autocar do like BMWs.

[iSore]

My time with a five pot Volvo diesel is coming to an end. To me, the only reason to buy a Volvo was the five pot engine and the famed (and wholly justified) reputation for toughness.

So now a Volvo is the same as any other front drive four cyl transverse engined car, with no real distinguishing features................?

[George111]

iSore said:

with no real distinguishing features................?

I'm not sure that's true. The S90/V90 will probably be safer than the E class and 5 series, certainly more stylish inside if the press photos are anything to go by and the driving feel with be more comfort oriented than M-Sport or S-Line harshness.

But I agree, a 5cyl engine would be very nice to see.

[iSore]

George111 said:

I'm not sure that's true. The S90/V90 will probably be safer than the E class and 5 series, certainly more stylish inside if the press photos are anything to go by and the driving feel with be more comfort oriented than M-Sport or S-Line harshness.

But I agree, a 5cyl engine would be very nice to see.

They don't do anything for me. They're part of the morass underneath BMW/Audi etc - not worse cars per se but not much image. Volvo did well to transfer from the boxy 240/740 to the S80 and S60 15 years ago but seem to have lost their way.

[ChocolateFrog]

mybrainhurts said:

I run a 2008 V70 manual 2.4 diesel. Still smooth as silk at 338,000 miles. The V90 looks nice, but no manual...BOO.

Same, mine passed 275000 today. I don't like the way the V90 tailgate slopes. It should be flat.

[Skyedriver]

Nostalgia for these cars is high but personally, I am a 940 man. the vertical tailgate and near vertical sides means I can get two dog cages in the back. Something you cannot do with a V70 etc.
RWD is another bonus, tighter turning circle than the FWD cars and altogether a better car for day to day "utility" purposes than later cars.
Now however they are just more boring bland "white goods" for people with no interest in driving as a skill and a love of engineering. Just something to get from A to B.
Rant over