[Asuf]

I bought a used 2018 D2 R Design, I think the suspension isn't great, I feel all the bumps on the road, and I was expecting it to be a lot smoother.
do you think there is something wrong with the suspension? or does that sound normal? any thoughts are welcome.

 

[VeeForty Deetoo]

for me, it's the weakest point of the car. it's not firm enough to give it a performance advantage, it all works but I feel its under engineered with no ability to soak up Britain's crumbling roads. Hit the same pothole in an Astra SRi of the same age and you dont feel the need to see if youve cracked a rim! Harsh is the word to describe. Remember the suspension, even the turret's are sourced from the FORD parts bin which explains a lot

 

[Asuf]

I did expect better comfort but as you say it's not designed for Britain's roads.

 

[OldEngineer]

The Focus it's based on can be very compliant and comfortable and is the leader of the hatchback competition.
The failing here is the R Design set up that is a marketing special with tyres of too lower profile. On 17 inch rims the tyres are supple and the chassis works. The springs are too stiff on the R Design which means it just feels stiff without improving road holding.

 

[Alanr]

Unfortunately you have bought the R Design model which usually has 17inch or larger wheels with low profile tyres. This combination makes for a very rough ride in my opinion. Also it seems more prone to breaking front suspension springs. The R Design IMHO is unsuitable for UK roads! Not much you can do about this now you have the car though unfortunately, it is the way it is!
The above is the very reason that I went for a V40 Momentum Nav Plus which has 16inch wheels and more compliant larger profile tyres.

 

[Tony1]

Unfortunately it is the way of most cars fitted with sporty suspension and low profile tyres.
The D2 is approved for 16" rims with a higher tyre profile - you could see if you can find some on eBay and see if the ride improves for you.
TBH I preferred my D2 R-design on 17" wheels than a courtesy D2 momentum I had that was fitted with 16"s the ride was softer, but I felt it less precise. I suppose it all depends on what you are used to.

 

[jwilco]

I never thought the ride was way too hard but I agree it's just not necessary for it to be at all firm. It's not a hot hatch with or without the sports suspension so it seems pointless.

 

[Tony1]

I never thought the ride was way too hard but I agree it's just not necessary for it to be at all firm. It's not a hot hatch with or without the sports suspension so it seems pointless.

It is a design choice that the previous owner made. Some people like cars that look sporty but want the economy of a smaller engine. The same chassis is used from the 115hp 1.6 D2 to the 190hp D4 to the 250hp T5. People go for looks even if they don't need the performance.

IIRC the R-Design had much more equipment than the lower spec Momentum (for not much more money) including the digital dashboard instead of an analogue one and leather seats as standard rather than an option.

 

[jwilco]

It is a design choice that the previous owner made. Some people like cars that look sporty but want the economy of a smaller engine. The same chassis is used from the 115hp 1.6 D2 to the 190hp D4 to the 250hp T5. People go for looks even if they don't need the performance.

IIRC the R-Design had much more equipment than the lower spec Momentum (for not much more money) including the digital dashboard instead of an analogue one and leather seats as standard rather than an option.

I get that the looks are nice but I don't see why Volvo fitted a sports suspension on lower powered R design models. They could have given the same looks but with standard suspension. Audi used to offer an option to "downgrade" to standard suspension on some S line models. Would have been great if Volvo allowed that.

 

[Tony1]

I get that the looks are nice but I don't see why Volvo fitted a sports suspension on lower powered R design models. They could have given the same looks but with standard suspension. Audi used to offer an option to "downgrade" to standard suspension on some S line models. Would have been great if Volvo allowed that.

Probably because it simplifies production and keeps the costs down.

 

[jwilco]

Probably because it simplifies production and keeps the costs down.

I guess we'll never know.

 

[Driven]

The R-Design was never meant for a diesel. The original 2.5l petrol turbo was the gun machine in the T5
The all wheel drive V40 versions provided grip but they lost performance due to the extra weight of another diff and drive components. The lesser models filled up space and gave options for buyers
They stopped production of the V40 so they could make more XC40's

 

[HPsauce]

I recall looking at early XC40 and I think there was an R-design option then with lowered suspension, but that's long gone, they all seem to be the same now. And @Driven is right about the AWD performance, but that's only a top-end limitation, in real driving on UK roads it's very useful to have that extra grip and acceleration, especially married with the 8-speed box and tweaked by Polestar.

 

[Old codger]

I have just bought an R design with the 17 inch wheels and have the same problem has anyone actually tried the 16 inches on the R design chassis. Love the car but it's not smooth on anything but dead smooth surface, not much of that around in the uk.
Would be willing to swap with someone who want the 17 inches if it works.

 

[MichaelA]

I don't have the R Design, but the D4 non-R and the brakes look huge on the back. But I'm changing to 16" alloys myself. I ordered a set from pneus and have lined up 4 Michelin cross climates with the local dealer. I'll let you know how that goes. The 17" official alloys I have (which I'm going to throw up on donedeal or facebook marketplace or someplace) have Pirellis. While nice, they also have higher road noise and react more to the types of roads. Where live, going between here and work, I probably hit 6 different types of road surfaces and some are horrendously loud. Others are really quiet. I'll let you know how I get on with the 16" alloys and xclimates. For me, a smooth ride and low road noise are the top items, just.