Finally got the nod to get a new car to replace my vRS. Had a look yesterday and today at the new estate and really disappointed with it. It doesn't stand out and grab me like the mk2, its gone all euro like a Passat, bland and just boring. I wanted to like it, having owned three vrs's since 2007 as well as having a bit of brand loyalty, but no, it ain't the car for me.

 

Currently erring toward a Volvo,, yep you read right,.. a Volvo.. In contrast the new V40 R Design is a revelation, everything the vRS isn't, the interior is such a nice place to be, sporty quality without being pretentious and the exterior has just enough to distingush it from the lesser models, without it looking like a barryboys dream. Same power and money at £24000, better car (imo of course) I think Volvo have got it so right for a change and Skoda haven't quite hit the mark this time, disappointing..

Did you drive it or just look at it out of interest?

Did you drive it or just look at it out of interest?

 

I didn't drive it as I really didn't want to waste the salesmans time as the driving would not compensate for, or add anything to the overall package.

Doesnt the Volvo start at 30 grand for the sporty one?

Oh it will be a revelation... 

 

The old Mk2 was good, this is even better! I can't find enough superlatives to describe it and I'd probably get banned if I tried to describe the handling & ride without an expletive or three! 

Sorry to hear that pal but I hope you enjoy the Volvo.

I really like the vRS mk3 styling with (for me) a excellent balance between sportiness and understatement but then I suppose I should considering I'm spending £27k on one. Also I found it a wonderful car to drive.

Switched from a Volvo to Skoda last year, albeit from a V50 R Design. 

 

When compared to my current (and future) VRS, I have to agree that the Volvo has a much better quality interior in terms of materials used / switch gear and an awesome stereo (hopefully Canton will be up to the job)... the Pole-Star ECU upgrades are also a nice touch, and I adore the new shade of blue paint that is on the V40 R Design billboards. 

 

Unfortunately, poor residuals, very high servicing costs (plus lower fixed intervals between service when compared to VAG variable servicing and a DPF that required 'catalyst' every 3 years/36K and a DPF replacement at 6 years/72K), poor fuel economy, leaking A/C condenser, a host of electrical/software gremlins, splitting leather seats (on a full leather option) topped off by very poor customer service has put me off looking at another Volvo for a while.  Many of my friends are very loyal to Volvo and haven't suffered any such problems... I guess I was a little unlucky.  Good luck in choosing your new chariot.

Doesnt the Volvo start at 30 grand for the sporty one?

 

I was surprised at the cost, which goes from £22k to £30k.  The variance is due to a number of engine choices from 115bhp to over 250bhp. The trim is essentially the same R Design sports spec. The 177bhp diesel is £24k

 

Switched from a Volvo to Skoda last year, albeit from a V50 R Design. 

 

When compared to my current (and future) VRS, I have to agree that the Volvo has a much better quality interior in terms of materials used / switch gear and an awesome stereo (hopefully Canton will be up to the job)... the Pole-Star ECU upgrades are also a nice touch, and I adore the new shade of blue paint that is on the V40 R Design billboards. 

 

Unfortunately, poor residuals, very high servicing costs (plus lower fixed intervals between service when compared to VAG variable servicing and a DPF that required 'catalyst' every 3 years/36K and a DPF replacement at 6 years/72K), poor fuel economy, leaking A/C condenser, a host of electrical/software gremlins, splitting leather seats (on a full leather option) topped off by very poor customer service has put me off looking at another Volvo for a while.  Many of my friends are very loyal to Volvo and haven't suffered any such problems... I guess I was a little unlucky.  Good luck in choosing your new chariot.

 

 

Thanks Black sheep, sadly I've had a similar experience with Skoda, (cam chain tensioner and engine failure at 36000 miles) which didn't do much to endear me to the brand. The message is keep your mind and options open if you are contemplating a vRS, there are other excellent choices out there.

I've had a good look around the new Vrs, cheap looking and those awful exhaust trims. looks like they ran out of money when it came to the rear.

 

Not for me, the FL MKII is just my cup of tea.  Time for a remap me thinks

 

 

Just my opinion

Im glad im not the only one who doesnt like the mk3 ,i dont like the look of it & the interior,the seats look nice though,I thought id like it in the flesh but sadly no,I cant afford to change cars but if i could my money would not be going on a mk3 vrs. Gutted as i was looking forward to its release. The mk2 is staying with me for a good few years yet. 

Ahh fair enough each to their own.

I've actually fallen in love with my wife's CitiGo

There's definitely a pattern that Mk2 vRS owners don't like the Mk3 vRS.

 

Disclaimer: This is a very general observation made by one person based on a number of posts on one specialist forum and is not intended to suggest that no Mk2 vRS owners like the Mk3 vRS. It is also not intended to make disparaging remarks about their manhood or womanhood, wife or husband or their children. No disrespect is also intended to anyone's grandparents.

I have a mk2 and carnt wait for my mk3 the ride is alot better and better inside too.

Theres no contest between my Mk2 VRS estate and the mk 3 - mk3 is just so much better engineered and built imo, especially in terms of handling and ride. More road presence also imo but each to their own.

Volvo is an interesting alternative choice, let us know how you get on, I quite like them.

There's quite a few people who haven't been impressed with the Mk3. There's just something about it that failed to excite me.

I would love a V40 Cross Country diesel, but with AWD. Which doesn't exist. Smart one Volvo :wonder:

 

Still have high hopes for the new Scout when it finally gets released. All the MQB goodness puts it miles ahead of a Mk2 (as a wannabe gadgety technophile). Better to drive by all accounts. adaptive cruise, drive select, better economy, lower VED to name but a few of the many improvements.

 

Niall

I've actually fallen in love with my wife's CitiGo

I have never heard it called that before! Ooh ahhh missus

There's quite a few people who haven't been impressed with the Mk3. There's just something about it that failed to excite me.

Yeah, mostly Mk2 owners justifying their version is better (which it isn't).

 

I went to test a V40 D4 but the salesman said there were non in the uk, did I want a D3? 

 

No.

 

Next best engine, the VAG 150TDI unit.  (At the time - the VRS didn't exist except on paper and the Leon FR was still 2 months away).

 

Very happy with my Mk3 but will look at Volvo in 3 years time.

There's definitely a pattern that Mk2 vRS owners don't like the Mk3 vRS.

 

Disclaimer: This is a very general observation made by one person based on a number of posts on one specialist forum and is not intended to suggest that no Mk2 vRS owners like the Mk3 vRS. It is also not intended to make disparaging remarks about their manhood or womanhood, wife or husband or their children. No disrespect is also intended to anyone's grandparents.

and also a pattern of mkii vrs owners who've ordered a mkiii vrs

I don't get your logic sheldon, a D3 has the same power as your final choice...and 5 cylinders as well..

 

I'm not saying the mk2 is better. I'm saying the mk3 hasn't improved significantly in the areas that are important to me, build quality and styling being two aspects. In fact the styling has taken a step backwards as I mentioned in my first post. Overall it doesn't offer a major improvement over the previous model, the estate only option at the moment doesn't help. With the competition offering real and viable alternatives there's choices to be made.

Yeah, mostly Mk2 owners justifying their version is better (which it isn't).

 

I went to test a V40 D4 but the salesman said there were non in the uk, did I want a D3? 

 

No.

 

Next best engine, the VAG 150TDI unit.  (At the time - the VRS didn't exist except on paper and the Leon FR was still 2 months away).

 

Very happy with my Mk3 but will look at Volvo in 3 years time.

 

As a MkII Blackline owner I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. For me the MKIII needs to be equal or better in every department compared to the MKII to justify the extra cost. It isn't and that's our collective point.

 

I sat in one at my dealers the other week and didn't even ask for a test drive as I was rather underwhelmed TBH. Sitting in it the there was no wow factor, it didn't feel that different to other MKIIIs where as in the MKII there's a big difference ( I speak from exterience as prior to the BL I had a MKII FL SE+).

 

Don't get me wrong I really want to like the MKIII, but at the moment it just doesn't float my boat, especially as to get the bits and bobs the BL has the price would be the wrong side of £25k.

 

I have no doubt that the performance will be better than the MKII, but that alone isn't the whole story for me as you're not using the difference all of the time. :think:

As a mk2 owner I've never once said the mk3 is bad, nor have I said the mk2 is a better car. What I have said it the mk2 was better valie. The mk3 didn't wow me like the mk2 did.

This is purely down to price.......I expected more.

I'd like to trade "up" but I cannot justify the cost at the moment.

I like all 3 versions of the Octy if I'm honest.

Even if they are a bit on the big side for my needs.

But Mrs G doesn't like any of them.

Her words ' Maybe... IF we have little ones....' 

So thats that then...