Sagalout

OK, time for a bit of an update, as requested earlier, on the Volvo S60 T5 whilst I have time on my hands. Not done many miles in the first 4 months. Approx 3K Fuel consumption on run around/traffic is between 30-35 mpg. On the motorway or smooth cruising at 50-70 is around 40mpg after a decent run of say 50 miles. Obviously if you hit the loud pedal that drops dramatically but then fun always costs money doesn't it? Comfort is amazing. Smooth, quiet and like sitting in your favourite armchair and yet very supportive. Can be a bit jittery at slower speeds on some surfaces but what modern car isn't? I would describe the cabin as a refined place. It just feels luxury apart from one error. The leather covering for the central tunnel/armrest doesnt cover the hard plastic fully especially on the passenger side. I am hoping I have found a solution which involves fitting parts from the T8 or the S/V 90. Car went for its 3 month post delivery check just before the lockdown and had a software update for the gearbox/transmission. It has improved the set up so that now the car doesn't hesitate or hunt for gears so much. Now it feels like the touring saloon with a sports edge that it is supposed to be. The difference in the brutality of the 220 Superb set up and the smooth application and availability of power in the Volvo is very noticeable. The suspension set up is brilliant and I can change the 'weight' of the steering wheel which overcomes the slightly out of touch feel on the standard setting. Wallowing around corners just doesn't happen. If pushing on a bit then the adjustable side bolsters on the seats provide great support for those lateral forces 'cos it does stick to the road ! The Sensus screen/infotainment is easy to use, voice control is much better than any other car I have had. You can speak normally and once you have the 'command' words to memory it is second nature. I can do most things I need without having to use the touch screen at all. However when I do use it then I find it nicely responsive to touch and quick enough with no noticeable lag. Sat Nav is much better than the VAG one. I don't get all the journos down playing of the system, I guess it is just that they can't be bothered to spend time sussing it out. Space inside. The front feels as roomy to me as the S3 but the rear is nowhere near it. There is enough room but I can't call it spacious. As a saloon the boot space is adequate for me, I can get a foldable walker in with no trouble plus other bits of luggage. I paid for the foldable back seats which means I can still carry larger objects if the need arises. So all in all, I am very very pleased with the car and also that I got in early. I see now that the retail price puts the car above the £40K range just for the standard no options car. Doh Volvo!

Yes ,yes, no. To counter qoute the legendary Jim Trott (Vicar of Dibley) Fitted them to both of mine and made a big difference to the splash on the sideand muck inside the door shut.

The real irony in such discussions is that many specialists in the traffic flow management business will tell you that systems like ACC and eventually self driving vehicles are the way forward for traffic flow management. However, of course, the measureable improvements won't be apparent until sufficient vehicles are so equipped and actually can only be in auto mode where required. An area of our lives where a machine will eventually be able to prove it is better at this sort of thing than the absolutely perfect human driver that we each are. Whether we agree or not !! The generation of dynamic flow waves in traffic is complex to say the least. It can start simply by one vehicle changing lanes for example or even your careful braking or slowing down in advance of the wave coming towards you could be starting a wave behind you. Fact is that we are just not consistent enough or have sufficient forward information to get it right enough of the time. Once ACC is linked to satnav/google traffic data and all drivers use the ACC the issue will become almost non existent where ACC is designed to function (motorways etc). However, given the nature of human independence and fear of loss of individual control it is likely going to be a long , long way down the road in coming. In the meantime perhaps best not to put the blame on and criticise all those other drivers because every one of us on the road is contributing to the next wave that swamps us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19S3OdK6710

Hi JackySi. I dont have the B&W in my volvo. Like you said the cost was prohibitive and given that we are talking about listening in a moving vehicle etc I just couldnt imagine it would noticeable to me. As the Volvo is so much quieter on the road than the Skoda I guess I might just be hearing a wider range which is leading me to make that comparison. My point however was that I couldnt appreciate a real difference twixt Canton in my L&K and the standard unit in the Superb SEL that I tested before buying first time around. Hope you enjoying your Volvo as much as I am enjoying mine 🙁

The OP posted little more than a rant against modern car control/safety systems which it is now clear the OP has little time for irrespective of which vehicle it is fitted to. Therefore it would seem reasonable that one would do research in detail about what, how and operating conditions before spending a large amount of money on a vehicle with multiple systems fitted. If we take the driver alert example. The OP has dismissed it as 'stupid vehicle electronics' when it could be no more than a fault with his specific vehicle or something about the manner of driving ( not saying unsafe but doing something that is triggering the condition). We cant know from here but to jump to dismissing it as stupid is just as unhelpful as some of my comments have been classified. I apologise if the manner of my flippant remarks were deemed not appropriate but I do not retract the implicit message within.

JR RS says i his post that he bought it from here http://www.superskoda.com/

I recall a phrase from my engineering apprenticeship days when the foreman would loudly proclaim across the workshop that 'a p88s poor workman will always blame his tools'. Usually after some hapless apprentice had committed some heinous crime against engineering practice. (often me of course!) Seems strangely appropriate for the thread. 😜 Just like any new tech you just need to learn how to use the systems. My dear old Dad had problems when they put more than 4 forward gears in cars. Couldn't get on with it until I explained to him that 5th gear was not like the overdrive button he had on his previous car. He hadn't used fifth gear at all in the first 3 months he had the car. I seem to recall he had some choice Celtic words about 'modern bl***y technology'. He couldn't blame Brussels though; that was still just in a foreign country somewhere close to where he ended up fighting a war.

I was not impressed with the Canton system in both my L&K. I certainly wouldn't have paid for it as an extra. It lacked the ability to present any sort of premium dynamic range and as said above the rear speakers are a non-event. If I recall correctly I couldn't determine any REAL difference between the standard and Canton when doing my first test drives back in 2015. What I can say is that the standard sound system in my Volvo blows the Canton out of the water. (through my ears anyway) But, as we all know, when it comes to sound is that one man's headbanger is another man's headache. I do empathise with you though; you were expecting to get something that was billed as premium and then you didn't get it so you are bound to be a bit miffed.

The root cause is that the design of spaces and flow thru these car parks hasn't kept up with the increasing size of vehicles. Make them wider and the accessways wider as well and you reduce the risk of door banging, bumper bashing significantly. But of course that reduces income from paid parking and available spaces for shopping malls/supermarkets so there is no incentive to improve things. I never park next to SUV/MPV/pick ups, never park on the corner ends and gave up parking at the extremities after realising that I would usually come back to someone parked directly next to me often on both sides. 😒

I guess then that the best approach would be to research some cushions. There are literally loads of them available but best from recognised sources. Prices from as low as £20 to £150 for a full back and bottom adjustable. Have you thought of seeking advice from an ergonomist or other practictioner to get some specific/focused advice for your personal situation? They should be able to advise the best form of additonal support for you and your wife.

@DB72 Apologies, you posted as I was typing.

Check thru this for how the ergonomics people recommend you adjust your seating position. You would have to get a specialist interior guy to advise on what could be done to change the seat padding etc or if going for some form of cushion please make sure you check out the anti-submarining factors. The Skoda seats do feel more like 'sitting on' than 'sitting in' IMO but I found it possible to set a comfortable position. In particular side support can be less than satisfactory and thgat can lead to extra pressure on those bits that take the weight 😉. https://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/Physiomed_Sitting_Guide_-_Driving_Digital.pdf

I would suggest that a large proportion of rejected claims are based on the defence that if the Authority is unaware of the damaged surface then they cannot be found negligent and thus no valid claim. That defence also contains a reasonable time frame, based on the extent of damage to and location on the highway, for repairs to be completed. To balance earler comments about not paying claims, recent figures actually suggest that over 50% of claims are successfull nationally. There are significant local differences. Similarly, drivers have a duty to drive with due care and attention but I doubt that not spotting a pothole would count. On the other hand either swerving quickly and/or braking sharply might well count especially if damage to third party property or injury is caused as a result. If you suffer damage, the first thing is to report the damage together with the total area, depth and location to the Authority then consider whether you want to claim. If you are rejected you should be told why. Sadly the system is not generally in favour of the average person claiming from an Authority. It means a degree of effort is often required to pursue any claim beyond a first rejection. I had a case of a broken edge of a country lane rejected because 'it was not part of the highway'. I was able to show that it had been maintained as part of the highway previously. Claim paid.

Do a search on "boot opens" and you will find several threads about the boot or hatch opening.

Lost in translation. 😅😅😅

Ooh look, just over two feet diameter. ( I'll get my coat). Nice looking wheels.

Go to their website www.eurocarparts.com and order 'click and collect' from there. You can see the price etc and always get their best offer price. If you go to the branch then the price can be very different (sometimes).

It was first reg in Sep 2016. Last change of registered keeper was in June 2019. That and the disclaimer mentioned by Danny 57 confirms it was a 'business' probably lease car until June 2019. So first question is why is it for sale now in Feb 2020. Maybe an auction or business purchase by AC that they havent been able to shift? Although it has an NI plate that doesnt mean it has been reg'd and used there. You can private plate these numbers in England. Someone else may know whether there are any spec differences between NI and UK models which might be a way to confirm. The screen is correct for a 2016 car. The internal pix show the original 9" screen with physical buttons. It doesnt have excessive mileage for the age so it could just as easily have been a reasonabl one user business car and treated well with all mtce etc sorted as required. So proceed with usual due diligence if you are interested would be my thought. e.g. what wzrranty and can you use a skoda dealer close to home if you need to claim on the warranty. Good luck

SuperSkoda show them here. http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/Wheels/SUPERNOVA-19´-original-Skoda-Autoas-4pcs-set-of-rims

Are these what you arte looking for? They show a part number but whether it a SuperSkoda or OEM one I don't know http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/Wheels/SUPERNOVA-19´-original-Skoda-Autoas-4pcs-set-of-rims

Go onto a supplier of bulbs like autobulbsdirect.co.uk and enter your vehicle details. The site will list the bulb tyypes for your car and then you can buy them where you like. However, you only need carry those that are easily replacable and from memory they are simply the rear indicator, brake and reversing lamps. Dont woprry about it beyond that as the law simply hasnt been updated to match modern systems and the gendarme isn't going to bother you about it as long as you have those few replaceable bulbs. Another case are your HID headlamps, you dont have to mask them as you did with older headlamps. They should adapt to right hand driving automatically based on your GPS position but you can also do this manually if you prefer, it is somewhere in the infotainment settings. The adaptive lighting systen deos not work as long as you are driving on the right. You will have normal high and low beam. Hope this helps.

You have all forgotten the reality of the 'spaceship'. 🤣🤣🤣

That's the trouble when you see red. 😁 Makes you do things that are not helpful. On a more serious note, the problem is that most people simply dont know their brake lights are on and probably sit there thinking what is that idiot behind on about. So unless they get out and ask you the action isn't going to change anything except perhaps increase your risk of physical injury. My pet hate is the large 4x4 (SUV) that sits there with their headlamps directly in my rear view mirror as they are either driving too close or have simply stopped in just the wrong spot. Still I suppose it helps to reduce the impact of the tail/brake lamps in front. 🤣🤣 First world problem right enough.

@2wheelsgood The slush box is anything but these days. There are some videos around that outline the engineering design and technology that is now used in these transmissions. A bit different from the old Borg Warner auto boxes I had in some Jags all those years ago! Volvo use the Aisin 8 speed in the S60 (and probably all other models as well), In everyday driving it is much smoother on both up and down changes. I am not really aware of most changes. I also think it pulls away from a stand not only smoothly but also is a bit quicker into its stride; no evidence of slip and it certainly feels a lot less aggresive than the DSG set up. To be fair 8 gears in the box against 6 in the DSG will have something to do with all that but the end result is much more comfortable You can't spec paddles on my model but the push to the left on the gear lever puts it into sport semi- manual gear mode for when you feel the need for more direct control. However, at the moment I am finding that the box reacts quickly enough for all overtaking, acceleration etc. The other noticeable benefit is that I no longer have to fight the in/out jerk when maneouvring at slow speed, simply creep back or forward. I have to declare an interest though. I have never been a devotee of dual clutch transmissions in everyday cars. There may be an advantage for out and out sports/track cars but otherwise they are mismatch. Aston Martin use the Aisin transmission so thats a good enough indicator for me.

Title for those who remember the jokes about looking in your rear view mirror to see the word OVLOV on the front of a large lorry about 6 inches behind you.😁 I promised some regular readers a quick review of the Volvo S60 T5 that I transferred into recently so I hope others will not be annoyed by the post. I have now put 1000 miles on the car mostly local run arounds where I am averaging about 32mpg with a couple of longer runs up/down the M5 where at times the trip was showing 39mpg for a 50 mile section. So as good as I expected for a car that is about 100-150 kg heavier than the Superb and with a few more horses and those torque thingys. The ride is as close to perfect for me as possible. Planted tightly on the ground, almost no roll on corners and not too fidgety at lower speeds and on poor roads. I hear the potholes but dont feel many ! The interior is a long way above the S3 in terms of design and quality but then you pay more so it should be! Only strange thing is the plastic used on the edges of the central console, why it isnt softer or leather is a mystery. The seats are Volvo magically comfortable. It has taken me all this time to find the best position because of the variations in adjustments inc extending seat cushions and side bolsters. All vented and heated nappa leather. The infotainment system is good with better resolution and speed than the 9" screen I had in the S3. It's easy to use despite what all the journos say about it. Voice control works much better than the S3. Virtual cockpit is nice and clear with 3 theme options and a choice of what data you can show, (e.g. satnav) Performance I would describe as smooth and refined. It's quick and has plenty of mid range. 0-60 is something around 6 seconds I think .The S3 (220) was a bit brutal by comparison. Likely as the Volvo has an 8 speed 'slush box' not a DSG and the suspension set up is more sorted. I didn't spec Adaptive Cruise as I rarely used it on the S3; all else is pretty much the same as the L&K. I am adding an OEM rear view camera after market as if I had specced it the retail price would have been £150 North of £40K. Downside. Volvo have their software pretty much locked down so no VCDS society. Android auto is a £300 extra!!! Back to bl***y Pirelli tyres. Also the Volvo forums are not a patch on this one for involvement and information. Anyway time fo me to sign off and leave you Briskodians to your superb Superbs. Yep they are a great car and I may return one day. Thanks for all the help and banter along the way.