VAGCF

What about my predicament! My TT has a CD/DVD but only single player and even worse than that for the sat nav you have to leave the disc in so can't play a CD at the same time! Fortunately, even though I have a decent Hi Fi in the house and play CDs I'm happy with the quality of music copied from CD to USB when I'm driving, phew! The XC40 doesn't even have a CD/DVD! Chris

Surprised at the comment that the difference in 10 years is huge. I don't think cars have moved on that much in that period as they were refined then and I think it comes down more to the model/trim level. Surprise for me is that when I drove home after test driving the XC40 is that my Yeti still felt good! And that isn't a negative for the Volvo as that is a nice drive. Only car I've owned that is a cut above the rest was my 2013 Audi A6 Avant Black Edition. That was lovely to be in and very quiet even though it was a diesel. Thing is that you soon get used to a different car as long as they come from the same market segment. Chris

Yes, buying a new car can be more of a headache rather than a joy. Was considering a Karoq at the time but due to the 1.5 engine problems kicked it into touch. The XC40 is more expensive but by the time I'd specced up a Karoq with reasonable extras including a tow-bar it was well over £30k. and an XC40 2.0 petrol similarly specced wasn't that much more. And parked side by side it's no contest! We've had the Volvo for 2 years now and love it. It's bigger and rear visibility not as good as a Yeti but you get used to it, though I did spec. the rear camera. I think we bought at the right time as the closest petrol in now mild hybrid (and fuel consumption isn't that much better) and prices have gone up. Also they have removed some of the details from the R Design and are using them on the electric variants now. If I was changing the Volvo I don't think I'd have another one now as it would be over £40k. and I wouldn't know what else to go for. So will probably pay it off and keep it for a few years as it is just what we want. May return to the VWG at some point when forced to go all electric as there won't be their engines and gearboxes to worry about! Chris

They will obviously wait until there is a greater take up of EV but I keep wondering how the government is going to recoup the massive amount of duty currently collected from petrol and diesel? Chris

Hi - to be honest I try and avoid situations like that as I did with the Yeti but still managed to pick up some scratches and dings. Both cars don't leave much room either side in most of our outdated car parking spaces. Excluding mirrors the Yeti is 1793 and the XC40 is 1851 so not a great difference, even the Karoq is 1841 but looks small compared with the Volvo because of the higher bonnet line etc. Like many cars the rear view is more restricted than the Yeti. I specced the rear view camera as a check but mainly use the side mirrors for reversing. The Yeti certainly is a hard act to follow! Chris

That sort of use will be right up the T3's street. Mine had only done 4k. odd miles when serviced recently which is lower than expected even though retired and allowing for Covid. I put £40 of BP Ultimate in and it lasts for weeks! I think I read somewhere as well that Volvo are bringing out a smaller SUV, that will be interesting. I do like the size of the XC40 though. Chris

Certainly have, that's not going anywhere! Even that will do 40 plus on a run with a bit more power but less weight. They compliment each other nicely on the drive! Chris

Hi - average from when bought is 33.3 mpg (mainly short journeys) according to display and will exceed 40 mpg on a run which for a 2.0 litre petrol with a torque-converter auto and a heavy SUV body is fine for me as not doing the miles anymore. Didn't try the T3 as was already set on the 4 cylinder (I'm still old school!) but from what I've read the T3 would be fine for our use. Glad we got the T4 though as it's effortless. The hybrids are now being picked up by customers (too expensive) and already there's been a couple of issues with power delivery when it switches between petrol/electric. If you haven't looked already XCForums has plenty of discussion on mpg with the diesels getting a bit of a slating. What sort of mileage do you do? Chris

Hi - have had the XC40 for just over a year now. Yes, it is a bit bigger than the Yeti but not a problem for us and the bigger boot is very useful as is the long flat load area when the seats are dropped which takes seconds. Like the Yeti absolutely love it and if it wasn't for the XC40 I don't know what we would have done, probably kept the Yeti longer, because as said there is no real alternative. I still look at Yetis with affection! Chris

Yes, that's true. I had a 58 Passat estate (one of three) where the alloys started to get white worm. When in for a service I asked the service guy to take a look at the alloys and never said why. When I picked up the car he said a new set of wheels had been ordered, no arguing etc. as it should be. Doubt that would be the case now not helped by the cost of dieselgate for VWG. I have diamond cut alloys on my Audi TT bought new in 2014 and they are still perfect as are the wheel centres. Unlike on my Yeti where the centres were replaced under warranty but had started to corrode again when I sold it at 4 years old along with the start of white worm on a couple of the wheels. Chris

I was only aware of problems relating to the 1.5 engine but when looking at the What Car website the other day they mentioned that a sister magazine had a Karoq 1.0 on test and that was exhibiting the kangarooing problems. This was in reply to someone who had ordered a new SEAT with the 1.5 engine.

Most of the time a smaller car would suit us fine but on occasions we have our two 6 foot sons in the back and I have made use of the long load area a few times, including carrying a number of RC model boats, so anything smaller would be a big compromise. Length of the car is fine, but it's the width of most cars nowadays. In a parking bay there is hardly any room either side and I have to be even more OCD about parking now! Yes, it's interesting what you say about the interiors. Recently read a report on the VW which said the interior was low-rent (their words) which is a little surprising. As is said, it seems that VW are trading on the past as regards perceived quality and nowadays are not really any better than other brands and in the case of the Kamiq worse! Forgot to mention the ride of the XC40. Despite it being on sports suspension being the R-Design and having 18" wheels it is better than the Yeti on 17" which is helped by the 55 aspect ratio tyres. The ride is very good and just how I like it.

Well, after a few weeks of ownership and just over a thousand miles this car is all that I hoped it would be. Very comfortable and quiet and on a run it will do an average of 40 mpg, which from a 2.0 petrol, 190 bhp with a torque-converter is pretty good and more than I was expecting. I like being able to just drop the rear seats and get a nice long, flat load area like estates I've had in the past. Very happy with the choice. I still look at Yetis on the road though! Chris

Not sure about that. To drive in a straight line both wheels would have to be at the same angle. That's why if the tracking is affected after say hitting a pot hole you can still drive in a straight line but it will be evident by the steering wheel no longer being straight and the tyres scrubbing.

Can't see it myself. It's one thing for a car to learn your driving style, whatever that amounts to, but it's another when there are fundamental faults, as in kangarooing and engine dying which shouldn't be there whatever your driving style in the first place.