Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test

45 messages, Last post on Sep 08, 2009 at 12:54 PM

You are in the Volvo XC90 / XC60 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Volvo XC60, SUV

2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test -
Bottom Line: A capable, compact premium SUV that handles well and steals looks.(more)

Outline

Messages Page 3 of 5: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; Prev; Next; Last

#16 of 45 Re: mag reviews [jtla] by qbrozen Jun 12, 2009 (10:29 am)
Replying to: jtla (Jun 11, 2009 3:22 pm) Yup. It was 1 point. All you need to do is eliminate the 2 categories I always eliminate in their data and the Volvo comes out on top by 3 points. The 2 categories are at the far right of their data listed under, I think, "subjective." Something like "Gotta Have It Factor" and "Fun to Drive." I'll never understand how you can put a number on such things. Fun to Drive is marginal, but the actual test data should flesh this out. One thing I noticed about that test, they didn't do lateral Gs or lane change test. Why not? Because they are SUVs? Well, then why have a "Fun to Drive" category in the ratings?? In any case, the Volvo still beat the Lexus and Benz in their ratings. Good for volvo! Replies to this message: volvomax (Jun 16, 2009 2:56 pm)
#17 of 45 Re: Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test [volvomax] by 10scoachrick Jun 14, 2009 (11:23 am)
Replying to: volvomax (Jun 10, 2009 12:56 pm) If I may...as the previous owner of the V70('04), RX330('06) AND the last '07 XC 70 sold by our dealer, I'll add a few comments. We lost our smug 'no SUV' status when we traded the XC 70 on the Electric Blue XC 60 but picked up the slightly higher riding position(mainly for DW) and quite a bit of technology-useful or not. REALLY enjoy the 1/3 increase in HP, not as crazy about the 6 speed tranny...hunts quite a bit in 30-60mph traffic--don't see any 'improvement' over 5 speed, certainly not at highway speed where it's darned tough to max out the mpg(unlike the XC 70). Don't know why they made the door handle a 'pass-through' rather than keeping the little cubby at the bottom(great for gum, lip goo, etc) AND the shallow tray in the console lid...another place for keys, gum, gate/pass card, etc. is also gone. I never disliked the handling on the XC 70...much sportier than the V 70...nowhere near as stiff as the 60. The XC 60 feels more like a C 30 going over 'sections' of highway or parking lot...very firm(owing to the wheelbase, no doubt). While the V 70 was cushy(comfy in a straight line), the XC 70 was a touch more responsive and firm while the XC 60 transmits just a touch too much of the road info, I believe...STILL a nice ride! The XC 60 feels like our '01 Tribute in that regard. I doubt we've enjoyed the AWD in either XC more than a half-dozen times...in the rain. Even when we go to BIL's ranch, we aren't likely to need the extra drive available to the rear wheels. MIGHT have come in handy during the last two hail storms but guess which vehicle is safely tucked in the garage during inclement weather??? No dings, thank you. We'll employ the AWD when we hit the mountains this summer...I likely would have opted for FWD but still with the T6 if that combo had been available. Gotta mention again the magnifying glass Volvo used for the windshield and front windows...good thing the A/C is excellent. I can't detect a hint of tint or screening in the front glass...MUCH hotter than the XC 70. Tint in the rear glass seems to be doing its thing. Regarding the value of packages, especially the 'convenience' pkg mentioned before, I think HomeLink, 12v outlet and grocery holder(had it in the V70, really missed it in the XC 70) in the rear, park assist front and rear AND power tailgate add up to over $1k. Pwr tailgate needs to be more like the Lexus...operable from key fob, dash and latch for BOTH opening and closing. It's really slow, BTW and try as I may, I can't find the 'manual' operation option mentioned. BLIS on the other hand could be renamed 'meh' IMO...unless someone is trying to sneak up on you. MIGHT be handy but I'll trust my eyesight, thank you. Most of the 'City Safety' and parking assist features(with the exception of the camera) are 'nice' add-ons but I certainly don't want to trust them with the safety of my family or my new vehicle...I think many folks who drive somewhat aggressively will defeat some or all of these 'safety' measures...too many bleeps and flashing lights for some, I believe. BTW, my 'BLIS' shows 'limited' status fairly frequently, especially in the rain(I guess raindrops can confuse it but the error message shows during perfectly clear weather on occasion). Money-wise, it pained me to pay within $1k of sticker on a vehicle after getting between $8-13k off our last two purchases. If I could stand the truck-like ride of the XC 90(compared to the XC 60) OR if DW had wanted to stick with the lower seating position(XC 70), I would have pounced on the mega-deals offered on both '08 and '09 models this spring. I might have opted for the Lexus 350 if I could have found the $9k discount on the previous body style...one disadvantage to moving to Austin from Atlanta...ONE Lexus dealer, ONE Volvo dealer(two locations) vs multiple options in ATL(makes for lower inventory and fewer 'bargains'). There's more but I'll sign off for now...gotta go check on potential for hail today!!! Replies to this message: blckislandguy (Jun 14, 2009 5:43 pm) 10scoachrick (Jun 15, 2009 3:56 pm)
#18 of 45 Re: Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test [10scoachrick] by blckislandguy Jun 14, 2009 (5:43 pm)
Replying to: 10scoachrick (Jun 14, 2009 11:23 am) NIce comparo review, thanks. I think that most of us are in agreement that the XC70 is a great all weather suburban/highway cruiser. We've used the AWD a lot in New England and some nights wouldn't have gotten home without it. The XC70 also has great seating and just eats up the highway miles on a 5 hour trip to Maine or Montreal. It just lacks a little power but the new T6 XC70 might cure this. The XC60 has been criticized for a rough ride. Look carefully at the reviews though. I have seen three reviews (Motor Trend, C & D, and Automobile). In at least one the XC60 they tested was riding on the $3900 optional 19" wheels. That has got to have a lot to do with it. Not only was the ride rough because of the decrease in sidewall witdth, the owner, at least in the northeast and midwest, runs a risk of ruining expensive tires and wheels in potholes. Replies to this message: 10scoachrick (Jun 15, 2009 3:56 pm)
#19 of 45 Re: Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test [blckislandguy] by 10scoachrick Jun 15, 2009 (3:56 pm)
Replying to: blckislandguy (Jun 14, 2009 5:43 pm) I guess I would characterize the XC 60 ride as 'stiff' rather than rough...no vibration like our old '04 C70 'vert...just not very compliant over uneven pavement. Back in the old days(2005), we swapped the 17" wheels/tires off the 'vert and put them on the V70...helped the C 70 vibration and added a little 'something' to the wagon. Not sure why anybody needs 19" wheels??? The XC 70 had the power at the right speeds(40+mph) but the XC 60 has power all throughout the power band...at the expense of some petrol, I might add. We don't miss the extra length of the 70, although our visiting 13y/o nephews might disagree...just a little tight for the bicycle length-wise. I do like that the cargo cover is placed higher in the 60 as compared to the fairly low position in the 70. I'm personally not crazy about the styling on the new 70...the whiz bang stuff seems to fit the new 60 but looks 'forced' on the 70 IMO(I will say the black 70 looks fantastic but the other colors just don't seem to fit). The pano-roof in the 60 is of more benefit to the rear passengers...not so much for the driver. Man, the heat really beams through during a Texas day...I'd go for the solid shade in a flash if it were available...it wasn't broke, no need to 'fix' it! This would have been a seamless transition from our '06 RX330...the vehicles are quite similar. I enjoy the turbo compared to having to put 'my foot in it' with the RX(including the 350 loaners) and the petrol penalty is only 10% or so(for all that extra fun). Still prefer the tailgate of the RX, would enjoy the 'auto-down' outside rear-view mirrors in reverse(even though we have the excellent back-up camera) and surely wish Volvo memory key fobs were as effective as on the Lexus. Can't get either the XC 60 or C 70 fobs to talk to the seats consistently...never a problem with the Lexus( or the XC 70, for that matter). We're certainly pleased overall...spent just a few grand more than we should have...didn't get a 'deal' like we did before but DW's happy, therefore, I have a chance to be happy. I would still be interested in hearing from the audio buffs out there regarding the super premium sound system...I'm still not impressed...nice system but nothing special IMO.
#20 of 45 Re: Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test [jtla] by volvomax Jun 16, 2009 (2:38 pm)
Replying to: jtla (Jun 10, 2009 1:05 pm) 3.2 FWD is coming in 30-60 days. Price starts under $33,000(plus Destination) AWD probably $2000 more. Less std equipment than the T6. Leather and the sunroof are an option. Replies to this message: jtla (Jun 16, 2009 6:42 pm) volvomax (Jun 17, 2009 8:08 am) blckislandguy (Jun 20, 2009 7:25 pm) and 3 more...
#21 of 45 Re: Article Comments - 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test [blckislandguy] by volvomax Jun 16, 2009 (2:43 pm)
Replying to: blckislandguy (Jun 10, 2009 5:32 pm) Yeah, the XC70 guy really is a Buick guy LOL. Options are cheaper on the XC60 because Volvo can sell more of them in the US. The more of something you can sell, the cheaper it becomes to build it. Volvo is trying to limit their option pkgs because it is cheaper to do it that way. Eventually, they may go to a one size fits all car like the Japanese do.
#22 of 45 Re: mag reviews [qbrozen] by volvomax Jun 16, 2009 (2:56 pm)
Replying to: qbrozen (Jun 12, 2009 10:29 am) Mag testers are human and lets face it, BMW has more cachet than Volvo does. As for driving, no one is going to autocross any of these cars so how hard they corner is almost irrelevant. Most of these testers are either race car driver wannabees or former drivers. What they want versus what the general population wants are very often two different things.
#23 of 45 Tranmission on XC60 T6 by jtla Jun 16, 2009 (6:42 pm)
Replying to: volvomax (Jun 16, 2009 2:38 pm) Thanks for the info, Volvomax. Hmmm, let me do the math: 3.2 FWD starts at approx. $33,000, add $2,000 for AWD, probably $3,000 for leather and sunroof (most likely in a Premium Package, not allowing a la carte), that is $38,000. All of a sudden, the $37,200 T6 seems like such a bargain, not to mention the extra HP. However, the "T6" moniker reminds me of the early XC90 T6 models (2003-2005) which are known for serious transmission problem. Any insight/comment on which transmission is used in the XC60 T6 will be appreciated. Replies to this message: volvomax (Jun 17, 2009 8:08 am) blckislandguy (Jun 20, 2009 7:25 pm) volvomax (Jun 22, 2009 9:31 am) and 2 more...
#24 of 45 Re: Tranmission on XC60 T6 [jtla] by volvomax Jun 17, 2009 (8:08 am)
Replying to: jtla (Jun 16, 2009 6:42 pm) Well, the $37,000 T6 is really $38,000 once you add the freight. Avg T6 MSRP is $41,000. Personally, i'd rather have the T6 because the power makes it a fun car to drive. The XC60 T6 uses the same 6 speed automatic that Volvo has used since 2005. No real issues with that Transmission. It is not a GM unit. More importantly, the 6 speed is more than capable of absorbing the torque of the Turbo 6 and V8 motors. The old 4 speed GM tranny was up against its limit in the old XC90 T6. Replies to this message: blckislandguy (Jun 20, 2009 7:25 pm) volvomax (Jun 22, 2009 9:31 am) blckislandguy (Jun 22, 2009 5:15 pm) and 1 more...
#25 of 45 Re: Tranmission on XC60 T6 [volvomax] by blckislandguy Jun 20, 2009 (7:25 pm)
Replying to: volvomax (Jun 17, 2009 8:08 am) Ah, the wonders of the internet. Now we learn that the XC90 which at that time had the highest residual value of any car in its class, had a lousy, GM sourced four speed automatic. So, here we have Ford which has a real stump puller of an automatic in the C6 letting Volvo outsource the XC90 tranny to GM and GM palms off on Volvo one that won't do the job?? When Volvo first came on the scene their rep was safety and durability. Sure sounds like brand MIS-management to me. Replies to this message: volvomax (Jun 22, 2009 9:31 am) blckislandguy (Jun 22, 2009 5:15 pm) volvomax (Jun 24, 2009 1:30 pm)