2017 Volvo V90 D5 R Design
Discussion
Hello everyone,
I recently changed cars from an MX5 NC to something a bit (a lot!) more practical. I've always loved the look of nice estate cars, just something cooler about them than equivalent SUVs in my opinion, so after having a look around I decided on the new V90. I never planned on going for the R Design model, but this particular one was the model inside the dealership and I fell in love a bit when I walked in and saw it. Especially on the 20" wheels!
There's two engine choices, both automatic, both diesel, either the 190bhp D4 or the one I went for, the 235bhp AWD D5. Both engines are effictivley the same as far as I know, only the D5 has "powerpulse technology" which according to the brochure "activates the turbocharger the moment you press the accelerator to give an instant boost of acceleration from standstill and at lower speeds. There's no delay, just the right burst of extra power exactly when you need it."
The differences in the R Design V90 over the other models is slightly stiffer suspension and a lower ride height, and "re-tuned" steering, but I never drove the Momentum or Inscription models enough to be able to notice.
Outside, it's the black grille at the front with a redesigned front bumper, 20" wheels, integrated tailpipes, and a wee badge on the back
The interior has sportier seats, which are amazingly comfortable, different steering wheel and interior trim.
The main options on the car are heated windscreen, washer nozzles, parking cameras with 360 degree view (very cool), tinted windows and dimming mirrors. Not many but you get a lot of equipment as standard with Volvo it seems. The best feature though is the Pilot Assist with the radar cruise control. It effectivley drives itself on motorways or dual carriageways, all it needs is the driver to touch the wheel every 20 seconds or so to make sure you haven't fallen asleep.
The gauges are all digital, you can change the style and colour of them and what gets shown in the middle of them.
This is the main centre console. There's hardly any physical buttons in the car which I imagine will be a love/ hate thing for some people. The screen really is as responsive as any tablet though and it doesn't take long to get familiar with it.
Of course the main part of an estate is the space in the back
The seats go down with a button on the inside right, the boot floor has a bit to split it, anchor points for straps, ski hatch etc. Having never owned an estate before, (and previous cars being Clio 182, 106, Corsa, Puma, Alfa 156, MX5) the amount of space here is amazing!
Another issue is the sheer size of the thing!
Glad I went for a red one though
I'll update the thread over time with running costs, issues, but for now I'm getting around 35-40 mpg just going back and forward to work which is around 8 miles each way.
Thanks for reading!
I recently changed cars from an MX5 NC to something a bit (a lot!) more practical. I've always loved the look of nice estate cars, just something cooler about them than equivalent SUVs in my opinion, so after having a look around I decided on the new V90. I never planned on going for the R Design model, but this particular one was the model inside the dealership and I fell in love a bit when I walked in and saw it. Especially on the 20" wheels!
There's two engine choices, both automatic, both diesel, either the 190bhp D4 or the one I went for, the 235bhp AWD D5. Both engines are effictivley the same as far as I know, only the D5 has "powerpulse technology" which according to the brochure "activates the turbocharger the moment you press the accelerator to give an instant boost of acceleration from standstill and at lower speeds. There's no delay, just the right burst of extra power exactly when you need it."
The differences in the R Design V90 over the other models is slightly stiffer suspension and a lower ride height, and "re-tuned" steering, but I never drove the Momentum or Inscription models enough to be able to notice.
Outside, it's the black grille at the front with a redesigned front bumper, 20" wheels, integrated tailpipes, and a wee badge on the back
The interior has sportier seats, which are amazingly comfortable, different steering wheel and interior trim.
The main options on the car are heated windscreen, washer nozzles, parking cameras with 360 degree view (very cool), tinted windows and dimming mirrors. Not many but you get a lot of equipment as standard with Volvo it seems. The best feature though is the Pilot Assist with the radar cruise control. It effectivley drives itself on motorways or dual carriageways, all it needs is the driver to touch the wheel every 20 seconds or so to make sure you haven't fallen asleep.
The gauges are all digital, you can change the style and colour of them and what gets shown in the middle of them.
This is the main centre console. There's hardly any physical buttons in the car which I imagine will be a love/ hate thing for some people. The screen really is as responsive as any tablet though and it doesn't take long to get familiar with it.
Of course the main part of an estate is the space in the back
The seats go down with a button on the inside right, the boot floor has a bit to split it, anchor points for straps, ski hatch etc. Having never owned an estate before, (and previous cars being Clio 182, 106, Corsa, Puma, Alfa 156, MX5) the amount of space here is amazing!
Another issue is the sheer size of the thing!
Glad I went for a red one though
I'll update the thread over time with running costs, issues, but for now I'm getting around 35-40 mpg just going back and forward to work which is around 8 miles each way.
Thanks for reading!
Edited by percymk4 on Wednesday 15th February 16:28
MajorMantra said:
As I commented on the cool estates thread, that is a great looking car. Volvo have got the lines absolutely spot on.
I can't help thinking it's a shame there's no manual option, but then I don't imagine they'd sell many if there were one. How do you like the gearbox?
Yeah it's unfortunate, they don't offer any petrol engines just now on it either, although I think there's a T8 hybrid coming later on. Aye the gearbox is alright but it's not as responsive as I'd like. More than once I've been caught out when pulling out of a junction but I'm slowly learning to drive around it. This is my first auto though so I'm not sure if it's just how they are or if it's specific to this car. I can't help thinking it's a shame there's no manual option, but then I don't imagine they'd sell many if there were one. How do you like the gearbox?
Krikkit said:
MYOB said:
percymk4 said:
More than once I've been caught out when pulling out of a junction but I'm slowly learning to drive around it. This is my first auto though so I'm not sure if it's just how they are or if it's specific to this car.
Wow, the red really suits this car. A lovely motor, the R-Design is a good choice.As for pulling out of a junction quickly, don't hesitate, just press the accelerator fast and hard. The big Volvos are very heavy! So don't be shy using the auto!
Lovely car OP, I've not seen one in red, really suits it!
There's a dark blue one in the dealership next door to the office which looks absolutely smashing with the light interior.
Yeah that definitley helps things putting it in Dynamic mode, keep forgetting about it though Powerpulse isn't really noticeable, however I've never owned a turbo or diesel car before so I wouldn't be the best to answer, sorry.
Yeah sorry should've said, there is petrol engines, but not in the UK. Most of the reviews I watched online were from Europe and all had the top petrol engine.
The T8 does sound like a laugh
If I'm honest the ride is on the firm side for a car like this on bumpy roads. Not mega firm by any means but you can tell the wheels are 20". Most reviews, as always, say the bigger wheels make a noticeable difference but it's not that big a problem in the real world to be honest. On motorways, dual carriageways, and big A roads, it's totally fine.
Yeah sorry should've said, there is petrol engines, but not in the UK. Most of the reviews I watched online were from Europe and all had the top petrol engine.
The T8 does sound like a laugh
If I'm honest the ride is on the firm side for a car like this on bumpy roads. Not mega firm by any means but you can tell the wheels are 20". Most reviews, as always, say the bigger wheels make a noticeable difference but it's not that big a problem in the real world to be honest. On motorways, dual carriageways, and big A roads, it's totally fine.
Hello everyone, just an update on the car after owning it for a month and a bit now.
Getting used to the size of the thing now, although turning left out of tight 90 degree junctions still makes me wince!
On the driving side of things I have learned to adjust to the automatic gearbox delay when pulling away or overtaking, and automatically switch it into dynamic mode when coming up to a busy junction or roundabout. Really helps nip into a gap. It's also quicker than I expected it would be, especially for a 2 ton car!
The luggage space has been a huge plus, a couple of bikes go in the back with no problem. Three snowboard bags, luggage, and one rear passenger also no problem, plus trips to the tip without having to take the roof down on an MX5 is nice. We're planning a road trip to the Alps for snowboarding late this year/ early next year which I'm looking forward to, it really is a pleasure to drive it long distances.
I took some pics of the main display tonight, just to give an idea of how it looks.
This is the 360 camera. Four cameras around the car use computer magic and make a composite real time video from a birdseye view. Never realised how helpful this would be when parking, it's not clear in this pic but in daylight with normal parking lines its easy as anything to get it bang in the middle. Another nice touch is that you can touch any side of the car on screen and it'll just show that camera. It can be activated at any time but turns off above something like 5mph.
This is just an overview of the cars functions, and where you can turn them on or off.
This is the entertainment screen, apps, DAB etc. Plus any updates needed, and car status (tyres, oil, mpg). The maps needed an update the other day, it was too big to download directly to the car though. Had to download it from Volvo to a USB stick then transfer it to the car from there. 60Gb update so pretty sizeable.
Owners manual is pre-loaded, won't let you open it when you're driving though.
Door sills all light up and say Volvo, tarty but nice
The key is the same leather as the interior and just needs to be anywhere in the front of the cabin to start the car.
To answer the questions, no this one doesn't have the full electric seats, just up and down, and lumbar adjust is electric. Back and forward and tilt is still manual. It would've been nice to have full electric but in reality it's only really me who drives it.
The R Design only has the black interior, I beleve the only options to change are aluminium or carbon fibre bits of trim inside. The light wood trim in the press photos looks lovely though.
I think the sloping rear roof is where the space is lost slightly. It's actually surprising how much it does rake from the vertical, especially inside.
Thank you all for the comments by the way
Getting used to the size of the thing now, although turning left out of tight 90 degree junctions still makes me wince!
On the driving side of things I have learned to adjust to the automatic gearbox delay when pulling away or overtaking, and automatically switch it into dynamic mode when coming up to a busy junction or roundabout. Really helps nip into a gap. It's also quicker than I expected it would be, especially for a 2 ton car!
The luggage space has been a huge plus, a couple of bikes go in the back with no problem. Three snowboard bags, luggage, and one rear passenger also no problem, plus trips to the tip without having to take the roof down on an MX5 is nice. We're planning a road trip to the Alps for snowboarding late this year/ early next year which I'm looking forward to, it really is a pleasure to drive it long distances.
I took some pics of the main display tonight, just to give an idea of how it looks.
This is the 360 camera. Four cameras around the car use computer magic and make a composite real time video from a birdseye view. Never realised how helpful this would be when parking, it's not clear in this pic but in daylight with normal parking lines its easy as anything to get it bang in the middle. Another nice touch is that you can touch any side of the car on screen and it'll just show that camera. It can be activated at any time but turns off above something like 5mph.
This is just an overview of the cars functions, and where you can turn them on or off.
This is the entertainment screen, apps, DAB etc. Plus any updates needed, and car status (tyres, oil, mpg). The maps needed an update the other day, it was too big to download directly to the car though. Had to download it from Volvo to a USB stick then transfer it to the car from there. 60Gb update so pretty sizeable.
Owners manual is pre-loaded, won't let you open it when you're driving though.
Door sills all light up and say Volvo, tarty but nice
The key is the same leather as the interior and just needs to be anywhere in the front of the cabin to start the car.
To answer the questions, no this one doesn't have the full electric seats, just up and down, and lumbar adjust is electric. Back and forward and tilt is still manual. It would've been nice to have full electric but in reality it's only really me who drives it.
The R Design only has the black interior, I beleve the only options to change are aluminium or carbon fibre bits of trim inside. The light wood trim in the press photos looks lovely though.
I think the sloping rear roof is where the space is lost slightly. It's actually surprising how much it does rake from the vertical, especially inside.
Thank you all for the comments by the way
CB2152 said:
That is very smart, I do like the new generation of Volvos and it's interesting to read an owners view and see "normal" pictures rather than press photos.
I think even the key is nice, and well designed too. I haven't seen any others with the buttons on the side like that.
Couple of questions if I may:
The 360 degree parking camera seems to have blown the mini somewhat out of proportion. Is it still useable in a car park due to the way it works, or does it seem mainly designed for walls/kerbs?
Not quite as importantly, do you always have the heating on 27deg? You must be roasting!
Yeah the side cameras work well for walls, kerbs and lines. Other cars and objects get really skewed. This is good though incase there's a half height bollard that you've missed with the mirrors.I think even the key is nice, and well designed too. I haven't seen any others with the buttons on the side like that.
Couple of questions if I may:
The 360 degree parking camera seems to have blown the mini somewhat out of proportion. Is it still useable in a car park due to the way it works, or does it seem mainly designed for walls/kerbs?
Not quite as importantly, do you always have the heating on 27deg? You must be roasting!
I like a toasty car
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