[PeteS]

I got THE call from my dealer today! Delivery will be next tuesday as they are going to install the engine heater and I'm going to be out of town for a few days.

I was a bit worried about the interior as I haven't seen a real car with this configuration but I have to say I'm very pleased so far! Only thing I slightly regret is the standard 16" rims as I was on the limit of my budget but at least they should be comfortable and it's easy to replace them some day.

 

[GusGecko]

Yeah can always get some nice aftermarket rims!!

 

[Andytech]

Looking great Pete. Good interior combination. Bit jealous really as us Brits could not specify that two colour dash and white center console

 

[Harfin]

Almost there Pete...the end is in sight for you.
Love the lttle protective bag on the gear stick!

 

[GusGecko]

Bit jealous really as us Brits could not specify that two colour dash and white center console

Mmmmmmm you sure?

 

[Andytech]

I tried on the British configurator last night. Top door card inserts can be specced in blond. But not lower half dash and center console. We don't get the option of 'Expresso' leather either.

 

[mrlazy]

Congrats Pete

Fab looking car & I just love the interior colours you have chosen - Another jelous Brit here

 

[London_2012]

That's really great, congrats! Enjoy the drive.

 

[cemi]

Hey man, no worries on the Rims, it still looks great. I ordered the same color with 16" rims but the interior is opposite, with light seats and dark foot wells.
Congratulations.

 

[raytint]

Hi PeteS ! A nice external colour, and I envy your Multimedia and 7'' display! Wish you many happy kms!

 

[PeteS]

I brought her home today and drove around in a pouring rain for about 150 km. I really loved how stable the car felt in difficult conditions. The suspension was just to my liking, firm but comfortable enough even on cobblestones. A huge improvement to the Toyota Auris :blush: I drove previously. Parking camera with radar is clearly going to be one of my favorite pieces of equipment but it’s going to take a few days to get full confidence in the system.

All in all, I can't wipe the smile off my face . I had one minor issue though and I started a new thread about it.

 

[PeteS]

After being extremely dirty for a couple of days my car is shining again after wax treatment. Got studded tires with aftermarket rims suitable for winter use installed. I changed the wheels myself using tools that came with the car and got the job well done.

 

[Andytech]

Still loving that interior combo
Thanks for reminding me that mine needs its first wash tomorrow.

 

[kidu]

Nice! Cant wait until I get mine! Wonder how this car handles on snow : O

 

[PeteS]

I must once more brag how pleased I’m with the interior of my car. Especially the white Centre Court trim is something I really can recommend (too bad it’s not available everywhere). Combined with mood lights it creates a really nice effect when it’s dark outside. The whole console changes color according to which ambient light you choose.

 

[jens-peter]

Combined with mood lights it creates a really nice effect when it’s dark outside. The whole console changes color according to which ambient light you choose.

It's one of those things, where when you look at the options list you think 'that's useless', but then when you sit in the car, and see it, it's really a nice feature!

 

[Yellowbelly]

Love the lttle protective bag on the gear stick!

And the protection on the steering wheel.

 

[PeteS]

It’s been four months since I got my car and I wrote down my thoughts now as the initial excitement had settled down. All in all, the car’s been well above expectations without any significant negative surprises . It’s still gives a good start for the day when driving to work early in the morning. I’m planning making a longer road trip next summer possibly to Central Europe and can’t wait for it!

I’ve had a few issues of which the non functioning CD/DVD-player was quite annoying as it took three visits to the dealer and four days of work to get it fixed. I’ve also had the alarm going off a few times when opening a locked door by touching the handle. My dealer told me it’s a known problem and Volvo is working on a solution.

Negative stuff:
- Rear end and parking camera gets dirty really fast. Also the sides do get dirty quite easily in bad weather. I had mud flaps installed this week and hopefully they will help a bit.
- Somewhat cramped backseat (which I of course knew beforehand). Mostly my backseat passengers have been surprisingly happy
- Biggish turning circle

Positive:
- I have only positive things to say about driving characteristics. Solid but sensitive steering, firm but comfortable enough suspension.
- The car behaves very well on slippery roads and it’s not overly under steering. DSTC works consistent and saves the day if trying too much.
- No extra noises or any other problems in -25 C weather, excellent winter car :thumbup:
- Noise level is ok even at high speeds. I haven’t had any problems with any rattles.
- Great parking camera + accurate rear parking assistance system (when they aren’t dirty).
- The TFT driver display still feels both stylish and practical.
- Very stylish and high quality interior that doesn’t get boring. No signs of wear in the “blonde” parts of my charcoal/charcoal/blonde interior.
- Very good seats. I’m 192 cm tall and can get a very comfortable driving position.
- Stylish exterior. Especially the low nose stands out quite nicely in a parking lot.

Misc:
- In the beginning I was a bit worried by the small rear window, overall visibility and low seating position. It was easy to get used to them and now these things don’t bother me at all.
- I haven’t calculated the real fuel consumption as I’ve mostly been driving in winterly conditions in a city. I have the impression that the car has been a bit thirstier than expected in these conditions.
- It took some time to get used to all the menus. At this point I have no problem finding what I’m looking for but still feel the logic could be better.