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coastal
12-04-2003, 01:15 AM
Checked all the other major sites and we're first with the detailed info and new photos http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

Read the articles here: http://www.volvoxc.com/v50/

See the photos here: http://www.xc70.com/pics/thumbnails.php?album=137

http://www.xc70.com/pics/albums/userpics/10001/1758_1.jpg

jthorsen
01-09-2004, 07:29 AM
After reading more about this car and looking at the Detroit show pictures, I love the look of the wagon.  We already have an 04 XC70 but will want to replace my wife's 99 Civic in the next year or two.  The XC70 will be our primary car, so we just need something for the daily commute.  At first, I was thinking of the new S40 T5 AWD, but after seeing the wagon I'm not sure I could resist.  We don't really need another wagon, but buying a sedan kind of seems like a waste!  All the wasted space in the back that could be a cargo area!!

On the other hand. did anybody see the specs on the Subaru Legacy GT?  AWD (of course) and 250hp/250tq!  0-60 in 5.5 seconds!  Lots of standard features for most likely under $30.  I love Volvo but I'll definitely have to check that one out too...

ifnt420
01-10-2004, 06:28 AM
is it just me, or does the back bumper on the V50 above looks like its missing?? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif

jthorsen
01-12-2004, 09:08 AM
Wow, it certainly does look that way, doesn't it!

AWD*V70XC
03-23-2004, 11:05 AM
It's on the new V50 so I would expect it on all releases shortly, auto dimming mirrors that is, I know we have it on the XC70 but it looks like a compass is going to be added as well. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif


Gentex auto-dimming mirrors automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear. The brighter the glare, the darker the mirrors become, making nighttime driving safer.

V50 vehicles sold in the United States will be equipped with a Gentex auto-dimming interior mirror that features a built-in electronic compass display utilising Johnson Controls' PathPoint® Digital Compass System. All V50 models shipped elsewhere worldwide, excluding base vehicles, will come with a base Gentex interior auto-dimming mirror.

The Gentex V50 mirrors comply with new, international, End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directives that seek to prevent waste and potentially hazardous substances from entering the environment. ELV legislation, which is currently being enacted in many European and Asian nations, bans some potentially hazardous materials while encouraging the reuse, recycling and recovery of various automotive components on vehicles reaching the end of their useful life.

"Gentex's ability to meet European market requirements is what helped us secure the V50 business, and since this is only our second vehicle program with Volvo Cars, we look forward to growing our relationship," said Gentex Executive Vice President Garth Deur.

Gentex Corporation is an international company that provides high-quality products to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fire protection market.

Gentex Car Products (http://www.gentex.com)

You saw it here, first.

TrueBlue
03-23-2004, 11:37 AM
If anyone is really, really, busrting to find more details about the V50, you can configure a car to your requirements  here (http://www.volvocars.co.uk/_Tier2/BuildPrice/) and get a feeling for its specifications here (http://www.volvocars.co.uk/Showroom/V50/)

These are UK details of course, but they may give you a guide. There were no details on the US site when I wrote this post.

Perhaps the blue colour is not to US tastes http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif (certainly not mine) or the car is too small http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I didn't notice anthing about auto dimming mirrors, but it's early days yet.

TrueBlue
03-28-2004, 06:09 AM
I took some pictures of the V50 at a dealer "park and ride" event at Hickstead (Home of British show jumping?) yesterday. They aer in the guest upload area - I may move them here if Coastal makes a folder for them.

The pictures have comments attached to them, so there is no need to repeat them here.

I drove the 2.4 and T5 models, both of which were quite rapid. The trim specs were both SE - which means leather and other extras. Both had GT automatic boxes which worked well, my Minder commented on the smooth upward gear change when I used the GT mode.

The interiors show great similarity with their larger brothers, but one is very aware of very much less room all round, even to the extent that their was no centre speaker and the front door tweeter speakers looked like an afterthought.

There was not enough time - 15 minutes was the allotted time for a test drive and a look - to look at all aspects in detail, but overall I was impressed by what had been done.

Having seen the car I could not see how Volvo could produce an XC version - there is not enough room tor the extra transmission conponents (but I'm probably wrong) and any major changes would make it look less like a '50 - if you see what I mean.

slender
03-28-2004, 08:45 AM
Just had a look at your photos, TrueBlue - excellent. I've seen loads of shots of the so-called floating centre console but none show it off for what it really is as well as yours. A What Car? review of this model mentioned the fact that the headrestraints had to be removed to drop the rear seats but (as far as I can recall) did not mention the excellent looking purpose built storage for them.

Just one question; would you buy one, whether they offered an XC variant, or not?

ifnt420
03-28-2004, 08:51 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (TrueBlue @ Mar. 28 2004,05:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Having seen the car I could not see how Volvo could produce an XC version - there is not enough room tor the extra transmission conponents[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I&#39;m pretty sure about this, I think the new V50 T5 are already available with the Haldex AWD in Europe. &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

TrueBlue
03-29-2004, 03:03 AM
Slender,

Would I buy a V50 (etc)? As a concept (i.e. all things being equal and other prevarications), Yes, I would - If I wanted a smaller, more economical car, and to be honest I could probably live with the smallness right now. I (we) rarely carry passengers and organising my junk would make better use of the load space.

However, I like to think I am a practical man and buy my cars with an eye on the price. Some while ago I looked at replacing &nbsp;Management&#39;s car (440) witha V40. That was not really an estate, more a saloon &nbsp;with a tailgate - not even a hatchback, but more importantly a moderately specified s/h V40 was nearly as much as much as a higher specified V70. That&#39;s the way we went. She complained about the large size - for ten minutes. Yesterday when prompted to go for a test drive - she said; &quot;No, I loooove my V70 I don&#39;t want to change.... &quot;

For me, it all comes down to the prices on the market when I want to purchase; I certainly don&#39;t have any issue with the V50 as a car. It&#39;s got all the bits of a V70 on a smaller scale.

Thanks for your kind words about the photos. I&#39;m not an experienced photographer and just pointed and clicked at the same time as being pushed by the demonstrator. I wish I&#39;d taken more.

BTW - on price - I notice that a top end V70 is now slightly more (£100 ish) expensive than an XC70, if the configurator is to be believed, with the &nbsp;Awd thrown in for free.

Ifnt420,

Yes, you are quite correct; in shame I looked at the VCUK site this morning, &nbsp; Here and previous pages (http://www.volvocars.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E2C3AC58-0F2D-46B9-A63C-42A5F93EA869/142460/V50MY04Pricelist.pdf) and found the price list and more details (I swear they were not there last Friday when I looked - well at least the price list wasn&#39;t. In the UK the price list also shows options and specifications, so it&#39;s worth downloading. The general V50 webpage mentions awd, but I can&#39;t find any further reference to it. Probably a feature for later in the year when they can get it to work..... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Both cars I drove had DSTC as standard, but I don&#39;t know how effective DSTC would be on a two wheel drive car, or indee how it works without the Haldex system, indeed perhaps the car comes with Haldex as standard.

Watch this (or other) spaces.

8553
03-30-2004, 01:01 AM
Please post this info somewhere else &#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;

This forum is for XC50 only &#33;

Can anyone now finally tell me if there is going to be an XC50 or small Volvo SUV http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??

Please help, because I am considering buying an SUV.

AWD*V70XC
03-30-2004, 12:48 PM
Quote (8553 @ Mar. 30 2004,08:01 Please post this info somewhere else !!!!

This forum is for XC50 only ! This is a little harsh, considering that the XC50(??) will be based on this model, so as far as looks go etc, this will be the premise for any new model

Can anyone now finally tell me if there is going to be an XC50 or small Volvo SUV http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??

Please help, because I am considering buying an SUV. read below
As I have stated before, on another thread (and I have money riding on it) VCC are aiming their cars at a younger market, both XC models have taken the market/world by storm with the exception of the mph on the 90 to a level VCC did not expect.

I have heard that a new XC, possibly a XC50 will be launched in October 2005, as you know Ford are the parent company and with Ford sales down at present they are trying to boost their market. They are going to try and acheive this with the Ford Focus as a platform model, which the V50 is also built on. Volvo has no trouble selling cars but Ford will stiffle sales to their own advantage.

If you are hanging on for a quick XC50 don't hold your breath.

BTW VCC have just signed an agreement with Toyota to supply engines for future cars, but I guess this will be for the electric/gas models of the future as Toyota hold all the patents worldwide.

My advice 8553 to you is wait until the middle of next year and see, if you can. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

TrueBlue
04-01-2004, 03:34 AM
8553,

I find your post somewhat curt - it follows my post and so I assume it is directed at me. Be that as it may it might be whorthwhile to consider the following:-

1. &nbsp; &nbsp; It is often said that &quot;nature abhors a vacuum&quot;, and this is what we have at the moment. There have been various rumours about a possible small XC for some time - but there is no hard information available. It is not unreasonable, therefore, &nbsp;for members to conjecture that it may be based on the V50; the more so because the V50 is said to be available with Haldex awd. As you may know &nbsp;Haldex provides the transmission for the XC70 and XC90, both of which can be considered to be SUVs. That being so a discussion on V50s to fill the gap, whilst not being perhaps 100% appropriate, is not too off beam. Indeed this forum is not so active that this topic takes up too much space.

2. &nbsp; &nbsp;As a member with some 8 posts behind you I would consider it disengenuous of you to lambast more senior members fot valuable off-forum material.

3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Remember always that this a Board comtributed to by amateurs and enthusiasts who take pride in disseminating information to whoever cares to read it. You are invited to read and contribute if you wish. However, no-one is under any obligation to collect and collate information, members do because they enjoy their cars and want to communicate that joy with others. There is no (official) contribution form Volvo - perhaps a pity. What you see is what you get, but please don&#39;t attack because we can&#39;t give you what you want.

4. &nbsp;I notice from your posts that you are obviously keen on an XC50, and you have made most of the running in this area. The problem is that we have no information to hand.

5. Consider this:
i) &nbsp; &nbsp;Volvo have introduced two new cars this year, the S40 and V50.
ii) &nbsp; &nbsp; Volvo only have limited production capacity
iii) &nbsp; &nbsp; Althoug popular the SUV market is small in relation to all other passenger cars.
iv) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The market for awd drive cars is even smaller.

Given the above if you were Volvo management - what would you go for - replacements for the older S40, V40, which is what you now have with some interesting additions such as the T4 and T5 variants with awd to appeal to the younger non Volvo set,

or would you possibly dilute capacity with an XC50 with a limited scope?

My guess is that Volvo will see how well the awd and T* variants work and sell before committing themselves to an XC50. Apart from folk on this Board (US excepted) there is not a huge interest in a mid sized semi-off roader like the XC70, simply because people want a large car in which the do not feel intimidated by all the other SUVs, and where they can park on the pavement/ sidewalk when collecting their kids from school (this is not a sarcastic comment, just an observation on reality). Given that what sense is there in a small SUV (a contradiction in terms) such as a XC50, unless there is a totally new market to be created?

If you are bursting to get a SUV now, then go get an XC90, or if you want better value an XC70. XC50 will be a while coming.

If you would like to be a trail blazer for this vehicle, then I&#39;m sure other members will apperciate your efforts in collecting and publishing whatever you find, but perceived anger at us will not go down well.

respectfully,

slender
04-01-2004, 11:14 AM
I have to agree wholeheartedly with TrueBlue, 8553, and for someone seeking to solicit information you have a unique approach to doing so&#33;

This site really is a friendly place to hang out and it would be a shame for it to deteriorate to levels seen at sites I personally have long since finished frequenting due to a lack of tolerance or through ill-considered, perhaps wholly unintended, remarks causing offence.

kevi99
04-01-2004, 08:49 PM
If you are bursting to get a SUV now, then go get an XC90, or if you want better value an XC70
explain why xc70 is a better value than xc90

AWD*V70XC
04-02-2004, 12:26 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevi99 @ April 02 2004,03:49)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">If you are bursting to get a SUV now, then go get an XC90, or if you want better value an XC70
explain why xc70 is a better value than xc90[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
It all depends how much money you have to throw around, the XC90 is about 10-15000 whatevers (£ or &#036;&#39;s) more than the XC70 and for what, just a little extra ground clearance, you should have read elsewhere that other members are not getting the mpg&#39;s that are shown in the leaflets, not even an extra row of seats as you can get this with the XC70, and a comparision I did on another post showed that there was not much difference in the overall area inside the 90 against the 70. If I was watching the pennies I would opt for the 70, and also it will hold it&#39;s resale value better than the 90. Last year Volvo produced 80000 XC90&#39;s, considerably more than the XC70 a big glut of second hand cars brings down the resale value.

kevi99
04-02-2004, 03:04 PM
It all depends how much money you have to throw around, the XC90 is about 10-15000 whatevers (£ or &#036;&#39;s) more than the XC70

xc70 &#036;34,810 us dollars
xc90awd &#036;36,565 us dollars
xc90 fwd &#036;34,790 us dollars
3rd row seating free on xc90. On xc70 &#036;1,250 option

and for what, just a little extra ground clearance,
dimensions are about the same I agree

you should have read elsewhere that other members are not getting the mpg&#39;s that are shown in the leaflets,
My first road trip got 21.5mpg at 75mph average speed. I believe at about 60 mph would of been close to publish estimates. averaging about 17-18mpg in city with 2.5T

not even an extra row of seats as you can get this with the XC70, FREE 3rd row seating since last September offered in Florida

and a comparision I did on another post showed that there was not much difference in the overall area inside the 90 against the 70.
I agree

If I was watching the pennies I would opt for the 70, and also it will hold it&#39;s resale value better than the 90. Last year Volvo produced 80000 XC90&#39;s, considerably more than the XC70 a big glut of second hand cars brings down the resale value.
Dont Know about Glut Volvo could of sold more if they could of produced them

So why choose XC90 over XC70?
Higher seating position gives driver better view of the road.
5 star crash test results NHTSA (xc70 not tested)
motor trend SUV of the year for 2003 and numerous other awards
personal preference

AWD*V70XC
04-02-2004, 03:54 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevi99 @ April 02 2004,22:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">xc70 &#036;34,810 us dollars
xc90awd &#036;36,565 us dollars

So why choose XC90 over XC70?
personal preference[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Apart from sitting up a little higher let me show you some other prices. I don&#39;t know where you get your figures but I will assume that you are taking the base model so below I have compared the base model as you have done in England and Ireland verses what the US prople have to pay. Now you might understand why price of model and fuel economy and resale value mean so much on this side of the pond. I don&#39;t want to say something cheesy like &#39;wake up and smell the coffee&#39; but I think your jaw will drop when you see the difference in what you pay and what we have to pay in relation to how much closer we are to the manufacturing plants than you.

Base Model XC70 USA US&#036; 34810 or GB£ 19044
Base Model XC70 England US&#036; 52853 or GB£ 28915
Base Model XC70 Ireland US&#036; 68765 or IR€ 56730
The exact same model in Ireland is twice as much as you pay in the USA.

Base Model XC90 USA US&#036; 36565 or GB£ 20004
Base Model XC90 England US&#036; 53292 or GB£ 29155
Base Model XC90 Ireland US&#036; 75754 or IR€ 62500
The exact same model in Ireland is over twice what you pay in the USA.

It is very bad to compare the base price of the English XC90 against the XC70 because you will find the base package very basic and will want to add something to it, when you add packages onto the XC90 you are talking £1000 per package, nice wheels, nice stereo, some A/C maybe Met paint. Couple this with GB fuel prices and servicing, you pay a pretty penny to drive such a nice basic car.

BTW I am getting 25/26mpg highway driving in my XC70 doing an average of 41mph according to the trip memory (max 80mph min crawling in grid lock)

Raynald
04-02-2004, 06:23 PM
And I might add:

Base Model XC70 Canada &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;US&#036; 35011 or CAD&#036; 45995
Base Model XC90 Canada &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;US&#036; 38056 or CAD&#036; 49995

These are MSRP, and while the difference is &quot;only&quot; US&#036;3045, better deals are available on XC70 than XC90. &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

kevi99
04-03-2004, 06:12 PM
&#036;34,790
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
&nbsp;
2.5-Liter, 5-Cylinder Light-Pressure Turbo Engine with Intercooler
208 hp
5-Speed Driver-Adaptive Automatic with &quot;Geartronic&quot;
Front Wheel Drive
Daytime Running Lights
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System - Dual-Threshold Air Bags
Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)
Side Impact Air Bags for Driver and Front Passenger
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
Inflatable Side Curtains (IC) (coverage for third-row occupants when ordered with seven seats)
Front Cross-Member for SUV - to - Car Impact Compatibility
Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)
Outside Temperature Gauge
Flat-Folding Front Passenger Seat
Leather Steering Wheel
Trip Computer
PremAir Treated Radiator
Power Adjustable Driver Seat, 8-Way with 3-Position Memory and Lumbar Support
17&quot; Alloy Wheels

Im in the U.S. this is the price in US dollars from Volvo web site considering the price difference in Europe the xc70 is a much better deal

However over here the price is almost identical considering for the last 6 months the versaltility package has been a no cost option here
Also, when I bought my xc90 last September the dealer took off 1200 dollars off msrp
At 50 to 70K us dollars I would not consider this vehicle

Art
06-04-2004, 10:17 AM
Checked all the other major sites and we're first with the detailed info and new photos http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

Read the articles here: http://www.volvoxc.com/v50/

See the photos here: http://www.xc70.com/pics/thumbnails.php?album=137

http://www.xc70.com/pics/albums/userpics/10001/1758_1.jpg

More Details here (www.canadiandriver.com/news/040604-3.htm) :)

AWD*V70XC
06-04-2004, 03:23 PM
Has anyone in the States/Canada seen the new V50 in person yet or is it still awaiting a big launch?

If they are available in July does this mean you can order one in July or can you walk into the showroom and drive it out in July?

I still think it is far too small to come down to after driving the V70. I think I would rebel if I got one as a loaner not even the floating consol attracts me to it. :mad:

Evlhrb4
07-05-2004, 11:04 PM
Hello. New to this forum. I test drove the V50 T5 for the first time today and I must say it was really fantastic. So in response to whether anyone in the states has seen one, yes. :-)

In response to who would be the market for an XC50, that would be me. I am looking for a wagon just big enough to fit a dog in the back and groceries mostly. On the occasions when more space is needed, I would much rather put a roof box on the top than suffer the lower gas mileage on a car that can fit everything at any given moment. I don't want or need an SUV to get to the store or pick the kids up at school. I want to spend less on gas.

However, there are the weekend trips to the river which concern me. An XC50, with just a bit better ground clearance than the V50 would seem the ideal solution. Just a matter of if and when there will be one. :-)