Well I suppose I had to find at least one fault with the car.
Until today, I have been using the radio and the iPod as the music source in the car, and these have been fine.
However today the family was in the car, and one of the children wanted to play a CD they had been given for Christmas. So simple task, press the CD button on the dash and load the CD. BUT - the CD wouldn't load into the player. The slot didn't want to grab the disc - so you ended up pushing it harder only to hear a grinding noise !! Pressing the eject button didn't do anything either.. I tried several times, I read the manual, I gave the task to other people - and we all failed to get the CD to load into the slot.
The only thing I can think of is that there is a pre-delivery inspection needed for the CD player and that there maybe is a piece from the factory still inside the CD player - which the dealer didn't remove. However right now.. we are without a CD player.. and not very happy kids.
A bit of a shame such an expensive car doesn't have a comprehensive delivery inspection - because clearly this is a fault from the factory - it is the first time the CD has been used so it could have been spotted before the car was delivered to me.
It is now going to take a call to the dealer, arrange for a pick up and get it fixed.. all because they didn't check it worked before leaving the dealer ship.
I really hope this is the only minor problem we will face with the car.
Tuesday 25 December 2007
Wednesday 19 December 2007
VOLVO XC70 4C Dynamic Chassis
I can't really find a lot of information about this.
Clearly the dealer - who know in general little about their cars become woeful when you start asking techy questions such as this. Even the word Chassis.. what does this mean.. ??
I am confused about the term Dynamic Chassis.. surely it means dynamic suspension system.
Anyway, so far I have not really played with the system in an organised way. If you are driving, the position of the button is a bit hidden so you need to take your eyes off the road, so better to anticipate needing to change a setting when stopped.
The other thing is that when you change the setting, you don't really notice anything.. so it gives a so what feeling.. why did they bother with this?
Anyway yesterday I was able to demonstrate the difference.
I was driving about 60mph on a motorway.. and the motorway was made in sections.. probably concrete underneath..so it was far from smooth. Switching between comfort, sport and advanced demonstrated the suspension (not chassis) differences very clearly.
I have a Honda S2000 which has a fully adjustable damper suspension, and the changes between sport and advanced etc.. felt the same as when I have been playing with the "bump" and "rebound" settings on the dampers.
The frequency of oscillations changed..to the point where advanced was quite uncomfortable on that section of motorway - but you can feel the response of the suspension being so much sharper..
So I suspect all they are doing, is a small electrical adjustment on the damper valves. Seems a lot of money to do this, since you can buy an aftermarket system such as TEIN damper set which has this feature... with complete set of dampers etc for less than the option cost.. so when volvo does this on a mass scale at the factory.. you know the cost is much lower to them.
However still not clear why it has been put on the XC70..? wouldn't something that adjusts ride height be more appropriate?
On subject of ride height, I recently read the XC70 has better ground clearance than a Cherokee jeep, can you believe that?
Clearly the dealer - who know in general little about their cars become woeful when you start asking techy questions such as this. Even the word Chassis.. what does this mean.. ??
I am confused about the term Dynamic Chassis.. surely it means dynamic suspension system.
Anyway, so far I have not really played with the system in an organised way. If you are driving, the position of the button is a bit hidden so you need to take your eyes off the road, so better to anticipate needing to change a setting when stopped.
The other thing is that when you change the setting, you don't really notice anything.. so it gives a so what feeling.. why did they bother with this?
Anyway yesterday I was able to demonstrate the difference.
I was driving about 60mph on a motorway.. and the motorway was made in sections.. probably concrete underneath..so it was far from smooth. Switching between comfort, sport and advanced demonstrated the suspension (not chassis) differences very clearly.
I have a Honda S2000 which has a fully adjustable damper suspension, and the changes between sport and advanced etc.. felt the same as when I have been playing with the "bump" and "rebound" settings on the dampers.
The frequency of oscillations changed..to the point where advanced was quite uncomfortable on that section of motorway - but you can feel the response of the suspension being so much sharper..
So I suspect all they are doing, is a small electrical adjustment on the damper valves. Seems a lot of money to do this, since you can buy an aftermarket system such as TEIN damper set which has this feature... with complete set of dampers etc for less than the option cost.. so when volvo does this on a mass scale at the factory.. you know the cost is much lower to them.
However still not clear why it has been put on the XC70..? wouldn't something that adjusts ride height be more appropriate?
On subject of ride height, I recently read the XC70 has better ground clearance than a Cherokee jeep, can you believe that?
Sunday 16 December 2007
VOLVO XC70 2008 D5 Sport - Ventilated Seats
The weather today was pretty cold.. hovering around freezing all day.
The car had been parked outside, so with the leather seats, the heated function is a must.
They seem to take longer to heat up than I remember from other cars with heated seats - however the last car I had with them - an Audi A4 - was only used in spring and summer so I never got to try in winter.
Anyway - once hot, the seats warm nicely - seem to be heated on the base and back of the seats.
However - during the journey home - having switched off the heating more than an hour before, I actually felt hot in the seat - but didn't want to turn the cabin temperature down. So I tried the ventilated seats for the first time.
I was a bit surprised - the effect was quite powerful and cooling. With the cabin temp set at 22Centigrade.. the cooling feeling was good. I can imagine in summer this is going to be an excellent feature.
The car had been parked outside, so with the leather seats, the heated function is a must.
They seem to take longer to heat up than I remember from other cars with heated seats - however the last car I had with them - an Audi A4 - was only used in spring and summer so I never got to try in winter.
Anyway - once hot, the seats warm nicely - seem to be heated on the base and back of the seats.
However - during the journey home - having switched off the heating more than an hour before, I actually felt hot in the seat - but didn't want to turn the cabin temperature down. So I tried the ventilated seats for the first time.
I was a bit surprised - the effect was quite powerful and cooling. With the cabin temp set at 22Centigrade.. the cooling feeling was good. I can imagine in summer this is going to be an excellent feature.
Volvo XC70 D5 Sport - longer trip
Made a 250mile round trip today - and the XC70 D5 Sport was faultless.
One thing I find strange is that the outside temperature gauge isn't so significant warning - as compared to other cars.. it's just another blue led message. My last Ford Mondeo was yellow in cold conditions and then went red in freezing conditions.
The extra bit of tyre pressure seems to have helped the road noise and fuel consumption on the round trip was ending up as 40mpg.. that is with 2 people on board, and making reasonable progress along the roads (some cruise control at 70mh). The car was sure footed despite the frost conditions.
The car has almost 1000miles on the clock and is doing very well so far.
Now needs a good clean.
One thing I find strange is that the outside temperature gauge isn't so significant warning - as compared to other cars.. it's just another blue led message. My last Ford Mondeo was yellow in cold conditions and then went red in freezing conditions.
The extra bit of tyre pressure seems to have helped the road noise and fuel consumption on the round trip was ending up as 40mpg.. that is with 2 people on board, and making reasonable progress along the roads (some cruise control at 70mh). The car was sure footed despite the frost conditions.
The car has almost 1000miles on the clock and is doing very well so far.
Now needs a good clean.
Saturday 15 December 2007
VOLVO XC70 Tyre Pressures
Decided to check the tyre pressures today -
from the gauge, they were set at 34psi or just below.
The manual isn't that specific about the size/tyres and pressures. However it suggests a higher pressure for "economical" driving.. well who doesn't want that? It didn't mention the disadvantages..
Anyway, put 36psi into each corner.
I will be having my first longer journey tomorrow - 250miles round trip. So we can see what the fuel consumption has improved and if the noise from the tyres is less.
from the gauge, they were set at 34psi or just below.
The manual isn't that specific about the size/tyres and pressures. However it suggests a higher pressure for "economical" driving.. well who doesn't want that? It didn't mention the disadvantages..
Anyway, put 36psi into each corner.
I will be having my first longer journey tomorrow - 250miles round trip. So we can see what the fuel consumption has improved and if the noise from the tyres is less.
Electric Handbrake... AGAIN
Re-read the manual for the electric handbrake..
It doesn't like setting off automatically in reverse.. without you touching the front brake?
There is nothing in the manual about this and the dealer didn't know anything. His response was weak - "we don't sell many manual cars.. 99% of the large cars are auto".. actually I don't have an auto and since you sell the manual.. it would be good to know how it works.
I also didn't buy a Volvo auto.. as the geartronic had a reputation for poor reliability and slow response from starting..
It doesn't like setting off automatically in reverse.. without you touching the front brake?
There is nothing in the manual about this and the dealer didn't know anything. His response was weak - "we don't sell many manual cars.. 99% of the large cars are auto".. actually I don't have an auto and since you sell the manual.. it would be good to know how it works.
I also didn't buy a Volvo auto.. as the geartronic had a reputation for poor reliability and slow response from starting..
Wednesday 12 December 2007
2008 VOLVO XC70 iPod System
One of my previous cars was equipped from the factory with an iPod connecting sound system.
This was the audi A4 with the MMI system. What a disaster - you could not see any of the iPod information - such as artist and song information - you just got a track number - which on my iPod was hundreds. Also since the iPod had to be placed in a hidden slot in the glovebox - you had no chance of viewing the iPod screen itself. The only thing you could do is slect the iPod track and then put the iPod back into the glovebox - not very efficient.
However the Volvo iPod system overcomes this problem that the Audi A4 had.
The iPod sits in the large closeable middle storage box that is forming the centre front arm rest. Inside the box are two connectors, one of the connectors is the iPod connector. The cable is flexible and actually quite long - so positioning the iPod isn't exactly neat. I have the standard video iPod, version 5. The other lead connects a USB device.
The iPod is selected on the sound system by the mode button - you can select AUX, USB and iPod. Once iPod is selected - you go into a menu system.
The menu is pretty much standard iPod and you select tracks in a similar way.
The only thing which isn't easy is the rapid searching for tracks. I have got many artists - so scrolling through takes time.. you don't have the rapid thumb wheel that the iPod has. This is a shame. Maybe there is another way, I tried the keypad and this doesn't work.
Any hints - please let me know.
This was the audi A4 with the MMI system. What a disaster - you could not see any of the iPod information - such as artist and song information - you just got a track number - which on my iPod was hundreds. Also since the iPod had to be placed in a hidden slot in the glovebox - you had no chance of viewing the iPod screen itself. The only thing you could do is slect the iPod track and then put the iPod back into the glovebox - not very efficient.
However the Volvo iPod system overcomes this problem that the Audi A4 had.
The iPod sits in the large closeable middle storage box that is forming the centre front arm rest. Inside the box are two connectors, one of the connectors is the iPod connector. The cable is flexible and actually quite long - so positioning the iPod isn't exactly neat. I have the standard video iPod, version 5. The other lead connects a USB device.
The iPod is selected on the sound system by the mode button - you can select AUX, USB and iPod. Once iPod is selected - you go into a menu system.
The menu is pretty much standard iPod and you select tracks in a similar way.
The only thing which isn't easy is the rapid searching for tracks. I have got many artists - so scrolling through takes time.. you don't have the rapid thumb wheel that the iPod has. This is a shame. Maybe there is another way, I tried the keypad and this doesn't work.
Any hints - please let me know.
4x4 Tyres Pirelli P Zero Scorpion
The XC70 comes with Pirelli P Zero Scorpion's.
These are advertised as a sort of 4x4 tyre.. typical on the soft roaders.. such as the BMW X5.
So far the car has stayed on normal roads, but with plenty of water, mud etc.
In large pools of standing water, the tyres readily clear the water away and the steering is barely tugged one way or the other.
Pulling away from junctions, you don't feel the 4WD being activated, so plenty of grip.
The only downside - which feels quite a big one is the tyre noise at cruising speed on motorway - at 50mph it's quiet enough in the cabin, by 70mph the noise is starting to build and 80mph brings quite a bit.
I also noticed some booming noise from the back. Not sure if that was the road or the car.
my XC70 website is now up and running www.carfun.org
Monday 10 December 2007
Fuel Consumption of XC70 D5
With 500miles on the clock - lets consider the fuel consumption.
Perhaps not the most important factor on such a price of car, but something to consider.
The car is nearly 2 tonnes.. and it shows at the pumps. The average seems to be settling around 34-35 miles per gallon.. remember this is a manual car as well!
It's hard to see how you can get close to 40mpg unless you make very sedate progress.
When you put the computer into instant readout.. you can see the problem. The bulk forces the engine to gulp down the diesel if you want to get any form of rapid acceleration.
The car also struggles to achieve good cruise consumption - as the extra bits of plastic, higher ride height and tyres add plenty of drag compared to the standard V70.
So compared to my previous 3 diesels.. all of which were 2.0l engines.. A4, Ford Mondeo, BMW 320d... these cars easily achieved mid 40's mpg.
Perhaps not the most important factor on such a price of car, but something to consider.
The car is nearly 2 tonnes.. and it shows at the pumps. The average seems to be settling around 34-35 miles per gallon.. remember this is a manual car as well!
It's hard to see how you can get close to 40mpg unless you make very sedate progress.
When you put the computer into instant readout.. you can see the problem. The bulk forces the engine to gulp down the diesel if you want to get any form of rapid acceleration.
The car also struggles to achieve good cruise consumption - as the extra bits of plastic, higher ride height and tyres add plenty of drag compared to the standard V70.
So compared to my previous 3 diesels.. all of which were 2.0l engines.. A4, Ford Mondeo, BMW 320d... these cars easily achieved mid 40's mpg.
Sunday 9 December 2007
Load Carrying of the 2008 VOLVO XC70 - Amazing.
So 500miles up with the new 2008 edition Volvo XC70 - and everything going smoothly.
Have now tested the load carrying capability of the car.
I knew that the XC70 was big car - but I had't realised how practical it was compared to my previous car, an Audi A4 Avant.
The key point about the Volvo XC70 is the load area is very square/cubic.. which means you can put really large single objects in, such as furniture - without the sides or rear door intruding into it.
The rear seats of the Volvo are very easy to fold down, one switch and the seat folds completely flat and the headreasts neatly get out of the way, so you don't need to mess around with taking these off.
The cover is also very easy to remove - it is also quite light. Again the Audi A4 took a lot longer to prepare the load area and to also get it back.
Overall - outstanding and does exactly what you would expect from a large Volvo estate. So the Volvo XC70 is really living up to expectations.
Have now tested the load carrying capability of the car.
I knew that the XC70 was big car - but I had't realised how practical it was compared to my previous car, an Audi A4 Avant.
The key point about the Volvo XC70 is the load area is very square/cubic.. which means you can put really large single objects in, such as furniture - without the sides or rear door intruding into it.
The rear seats of the Volvo are very easy to fold down, one switch and the seat folds completely flat and the headreasts neatly get out of the way, so you don't need to mess around with taking these off.
The cover is also very easy to remove - it is also quite light. Again the Audi A4 took a lot longer to prepare the load area and to also get it back.
Overall - outstanding and does exactly what you would expect from a large Volvo estate. So the Volvo XC70 is really living up to expectations.
Tuesday 4 December 2007
XC70 Sport Gadgets
The car comes with quite a few gadgets as standard, and then some more with the options list.
The 4C chassis has 3 settings to play with, Comfort - Sport - Advanced (more about this on another day)
The Sport model has 3 settings for steering weight.
There are 3 heat settings for the driver and passenger seats
There are 3 ventilation settings for the driver and passenger seats
The front seats are electric with 3 memory - activated by button or by simply opening the car with the specific key.
Front and rear park assistance.
Ipod connection - shows the song and artist information
Blue tooth for phone
Navigation system.
We can post comments about each of these systems in future pages.
The 4C chassis has 3 settings to play with, Comfort - Sport - Advanced (more about this on another day)
The Sport model has 3 settings for steering weight.
There are 3 heat settings for the driver and passenger seats
There are 3 ventilation settings for the driver and passenger seats
The front seats are electric with 3 memory - activated by button or by simply opening the car with the specific key.
Front and rear park assistance.
Ipod connection - shows the song and artist information
Blue tooth for phone
Navigation system.
We can post comments about each of these systems in future pages.
Monday 3 December 2007
Pedal Layout
Perhaps my only first gripe on this car at the moment is the pedal layout for the manual version.
The clutch pedal does not have space to the left of it.. in order to rest your foot. You need to lift it off..and then place under the foot. Also if you have large feet..you can actually feel the steering wheel shaft touch your shoes at the base of the floor.. strange feeling.
Somehow you wonder if the right hand drive version has been a bit compromised in the design and conversion.
The clutch pedal does not have space to the left of it.. in order to rest your foot. You need to lift it off..and then place under the foot. Also if you have large feet..you can actually feel the steering wheel shaft touch your shoes at the base of the floor.. strange feeling.
Somehow you wonder if the right hand drive version has been a bit compromised in the design and conversion.
Sunday 2 December 2007
First Driving - Electric Handbrake
I had driven the XC70 during a test drive, however that was an automatic. This new XC70 is a manual car.. and therefore has something you need to learn, handbrake is electric.
The other point is the electric seats and electric mirrors need to be set for the first time. The mirrors seemed to have a life of their own, as each time I put the car into forward or reverse gear, the mirrors were changing position.
Coming back to hand brake. The handbrake (english expression) is controlled by a switch. Pushing the switch engages the brake with an electric motor. As soon as the brake is activated..you feel the foot brake goes soft.. at this point you know the brake is on. The brake light also appears in the dashboard. To disengage the brake, you need to pull the switch.. and the brake light flashes and the brake is disengaged. I was then concerned on how you would time this disengagement, particularly if you are parked on a hill. It seemed to be a system suitable for an automatic car and not a manual.
Luckily I was not parked on any hills, so I was able to check the manual.
The manual explains the function - and it has a very useful feature, which is to automatically disengage once the car starts moving. So to set off on a hill start, put the car in gear and release the clutch, the automatic system then releases the brake automatically. Fantastic !
However I have still had to go back to the manual again. The electric parking brake does not automatically release unless you are wearing a seatbelt.
The other point is the electric seats and electric mirrors need to be set for the first time. The mirrors seemed to have a life of their own, as each time I put the car into forward or reverse gear, the mirrors were changing position.
Coming back to hand brake. The handbrake (english expression) is controlled by a switch. Pushing the switch engages the brake with an electric motor. As soon as the brake is activated..you feel the foot brake goes soft.. at this point you know the brake is on. The brake light also appears in the dashboard. To disengage the brake, you need to pull the switch.. and the brake light flashes and the brake is disengaged. I was then concerned on how you would time this disengagement, particularly if you are parked on a hill. It seemed to be a system suitable for an automatic car and not a manual.
Luckily I was not parked on any hills, so I was able to check the manual.
The manual explains the function - and it has a very useful feature, which is to automatically disengage once the car starts moving. So to set off on a hill start, put the car in gear and release the clutch, the automatic system then releases the brake automatically. Fantastic !
However I have still had to go back to the manual again. The electric parking brake does not automatically release unless you are wearing a seatbelt.
Saturday 1 December 2007
Oooops.. VOLVO Recall
Check on this website for recalls on cars.. unfortunately it seems VOLVO XC70s are already getting a recall - the airbags might not work as intended.. and considering volvo sells on Safety.. this is a bit of a blooper.
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp
apparently the sideairbag software needs to be updated in order to ensure the timing is correct during a sideimpact collision.
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp
apparently the sideairbag software needs to be updated in order to ensure the timing is correct during a sideimpact collision.
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