RE: Volvo V40 'optimised by Polestar': Driven

[dukebox9reg]

telecat said:

What's the point of an "automatic" sports option in this size of car? If you haven't got a DCT then go Manual. Volvo are producing some pretty pointless vehicles these days.

Have you actually tried this box? Is shifts properly quick. Not as quick as the VW DSG but its a hell over a lot smoother on the flip side. I'd say from experience its not quite as good as the ZF but I think that's due to limitations with package space of an 8 spd transverse.

Its the same Aisin 8 Spd that is fitted to the Mini Clubman. Its will shortly no doubt be filtering to the rest of the range.

Yes its a tq convertor but like the ZF 8 spd has a physical lock up feature so you have direct drive. The paddles are responsive so it is a good box.

[telecat]

dukebox9reg said:

telecat said:

What's the point of an "automatic" sports option in this size of car? If you haven't got a DCT then go Manual. Volvo are producing some pretty pointless vehicles these days.

Have you actually tried this box? Is shifts properly quick. Not as quick as the VW DSG but its a hell over a lot smoother on the flip side. I'd say from experience its not quite as good as the ZF but I think that's due to limitations with package space of an 8 spd transverse.

Its the same Aisin 8 Spd that is fitted to the Mini Clubman. Its will shortly no doubt be filtering to the rest of the range.

Yes its a tq convertor but like the ZF 8 spd has a physical lock up feature so you have direct drive. The paddles are responsive so it is a good box.

The same box described in many installations as "irritating" and Always "hunting for the right gear". In many situations. It's a great solution to the now pointless hunt for lower CO2 emissions but rather pointless in normal driving.

[dukebox9reg]

telecat said:

dukebox9reg said:

telecat said:

What's the point of an "automatic" sports option in this size of car? If you haven't got a DCT then go Manual. Volvo are producing some pretty pointless vehicles these days.

Have you actually tried this box? Is shifts properly quick. Not as quick as the VW DSG but its a hell over a lot smoother on the flip side. I'd say from experience its not quite as good as the ZF but I think that's due to limitations with package space of an 8 spd transverse.

Its the same Aisin 8 Spd that is fitted to the Mini Clubman. Its will shortly no doubt be filtering to the rest of the range.

Yes its a tq convertor but like the ZF 8 spd has a physical lock up feature so you have direct drive. The paddles are responsive so it is a good box.

The same box described in many installations as "irritating" and Always "hunting for the right gear". In many situations. It's a great solution to the now pointless hunt for lower CO2 emissions but rather pointless in normal driving.

Though I didn't try it in a V40 but a V60 I didn't find it hunting at all. Driven plenty of different products with the 8 spd ZF aswell and not really found hunting an issue. Much less so than the previous gen 6 spd autos in fairness. If your also driving in auto with the paddles hunting isn't obviously an issue.

[fuchsiasteve]

The auto gearbox is fine in the v40 (shifts quick). I don't find ours hunts about.

That said I can see if you had come from a dsg box it wouldn't feel as good and comparisons would be drawn (thankfully I haven't one so I'm non the wiser)

I'm considering the polestar ecu remap but wonder if it's worth the £800+ for the gains to be had?

£4K+ for the polestar bolt on bits does seem a tad steep mind.

[ewenm]

Good that Volvo are marketing the Polestar options across their cars.
Bad in this case that the changes somewhat pointless and poor value.

[TNH]

I'm not one for chasing headline power figures, but what a waste of money for 8bhp.