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New S40/V50 - READ ONLY
1117 messages, Last post on Jul 19, 2004 at 11:10 AM
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What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Volvo V50, Sedan
#692 of 1117 All Access drive by jchagtdi
Apr 05, 2004 (9:12 pm)
I was at the All Access Drive event in Foxboro on Saturday, and I'd like to share my impressions of the 2004.5 S40.I found the best powertrain combination was the 2.4 with manual transmission. The power delivery was much more linear than the T5, and the engine/exhaust note was more mature and refined compared to the manic tone of the T5. The T5's sport suspention makes the car much more nimble than the standard setup, and it seemed to communicate fewer road irregularities into the passenger cabin. I was truly suprised how the sport suspention could improve handling AND improve overall ride quality.
I was expecting better from the Geartronic cars. The 2.4i with g'tronic was acceptable, although the absence of low RPM power could make it a handful in stop and go traffic. The T5 was truly awful, though in full auto mode. The turbo lag is similar to that in a tiptronic 1.8T Passat, abysmal. At one point in the "joy of driving" course. The tranny got confused after I slowed to enter a turn and accelerated to exit the turn. The motor revved to redline before crashing into gear in a manner that made the entire car shudder. It was scary. I hope this can be attributed to the less than gentle treatment it has received at the All Access drive events.
I'm 6'1" and easily found a comfortable driving position. The controls are typical Volvo, not intuitive, but easy after you read the owner's manual. The ergonomics are superb as is the Premium sound system.
There has been a lot of comparison of the S40 to the Acura, Audi and BMW. While I don't think the S40 is superior to these cars, I think it is the best overall package. For those looking for a fun, safe, stylish and unassuming vehicle, the S40/V50 are super.
#693 of 1117 AWD T5 by gambit293
Apr 05, 2004 (10:22 pm)
Hope this hasn't been discussed to death already here...Did any of you read the review of the VW R32 in Car and Driver?
Apparently, the AWD system adds so much heft that the R32 is only about as fast as a Golf/GTI 1.8 turbo(estimated). The R32 has 240 hp. The 1.8T has 180 hp.
I hope the AWD S40 doesn't suffer from the same problem. Isn't the future AWD system in the S40 very similar to VW's?
#694 of 1117 Re: 691 Lev_berkovich by camina
Apr 05, 2004 (10:32 pm)
1. I'm a little curious as to how Volvo benefits from OSD.2. If the new S40 isn't eligible until August there is a chance that Volvo will be offering rebates like they always do. From what you are saying you cannot combine OSD prices with other discounts. So, by the time August rolls around the OSD may be a moot.
3. It looks like Volvo only pays for one night hotel. Do you have to stay there for a certain period ?
4. Do you get to watch the factory workers like a hawk while they work on your car
5. I remember I have the Ford X-Plan discount. Is this worth anything or is it negligible ?
#695 of 1117 by robr2
Apr 06, 2004 (4:37 am)
jchagtdi - "The tranny got confused after I slowed to enter a turn and accelerated to exit the turn. The motor revved to redline before crashing into gear in a manner that made the entire car shudder."I was at the same session and I had the same thing happen. I slowed entering the 180 turn towards the end and upon accelerating I felt the tranny finally slam itself into the lower gear. That suprised me.
camina - I'm no OSD expert but many times if Volvo is offering rebates in the US they will sweeten the OSD deal with side trips to compensate.
#696 of 1117 by qbrozen
Apr 06, 2004 (5:16 am)
the thing is that you still negotiate an OSD deal through a normal dealer here in the states. So, yes, as far as I've seen in the past, all discounts still apply. A factory rebate is a factory rebate is a factory rebate.#697 of 1117 qbrozen by robr2
Apr 06, 2004 (5:33 am)
My understaning is that the pricing for OSD is fixed and rebates do not apply. The selling dealer gets paid a set amount by Volvo to handle the paperwork. If they want, they can discount that. But I was under the impression that rebates and OSD are mutually exclusive.#698 of 1117 OSD by jchagtdi
Apr 06, 2004 (6:14 am)
"I'm a little curious as to how Volvo benefits from OSD."They do not have to pay an import tarriff which saves them 10-15% right off the top. They also do not pay a dealer holdback fee to the dealer. That's another 3% or so. It would not suprise me if Volvo made a greater profit on OSD cars compared to regular cars it imports to US dealers.
Voilvo does not have a minimum stay, but they only pay for 1 night's hotel, and they require a Saturday stayover. Their travel packages are reasonably priced and include most meals, so they make planning an extended trip VERY easy.
#699 of 1117 robr2 by qbrozen
Apr 06, 2004 (6:55 am)
there is a specific OSD forum on swedespeed.A particular dealer over there who sort of sponsor's it doesn't exactly say "come in and negotiate," but he doesn't deny that it can be done, either. At least, that's what I've seen.
#700 of 1117 qbrozen by robr2
Apr 06, 2004 (7:03 am)
That's where I read about it as well. I guess I'll need to reread it.#701 of 1117 by ateixeira
Apr 06, 2004 (7:38 am)
gambit: the R32 was alot quicker once going, in 30-50 and 50-70 passing.You can use wheelspin on the FWD 1.8T to obtain a quick 0-60 time, while the AWD grips too much too allow much of that. That probably explains it.
-juice
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