I did it...

[vtie]

I ordered a new XC70, with a manual 6-speed gearbox to replace my current geartronic (which I couldn't get used to).

It will have the upgraded D5 engine (with particle filter and Euro 4 compliant). 185 Hp, 400 Nm torque (same as V70 R...) 7.6 liter/100km average consumption (=only 68% of the fuel consumption of the XC70 2.5T!). Lava sand color, sand leather interior. Delivery mid July. I'm really looking forward to driving it!

Compared to my current car, I dropped the bi-xenons (worse than the halogens imho), the 6 disc CD changer (will be replaced by an iPod link), and the heated seats (work too slow)

Concerning the laminated glass, the jury is still out on this one. Should I take it or not? What other options would you recommend? Opinions welcome, and I can still change the configuration for a week or so...

[Filibuster]

Man you will need those heated seats. I would seriously consider ordering them. I would never get a car without heated seats. slow or not. And of course you can get a VADIS download if you think they are too cold.

[vtie]

Man you will need those heated seats. I would seriously consider ordering them. I would never get a car without heated seats. slow or not. And of course you can get a VADIS download if you think they are too cold.

To be honest, I don't see the point of the heated seats. I had them for 6 months on my current XC70, and I rarely used them, although my cars remains outside and we had some cold wheather in the winter (-9 deg Celcius). The reason why I originally ordered them is because I thought they would fill the cold time when the engine wasn't heated up (a diesel engine heats slower). It turned out that, by the time the seats start to feel warm, there engine is already heating up the cabin anyway. Of course, that is just my personal opinion...

[gary]

To be honest, I don't see the point of the heated seats. I had them for 6 months on my current XC70, and I rarely used them, although my cars remains outside and we had some cold wheather in the winter (-9 deg Celcius). The reason why I originally ordered them is because I thought they would fill the cold time when the engine wasn't heated up (a diesel engine heats slower). It turned out that, by the time the seats start to feel warm, there engine is already heating up the cabin anyway. Of course, that is just my personal opinion...

vtie,

congratulations on your new purchase....concerning the heated seats....I tend to agree with you....they take too long to heat up. That said though, I love them and I don't think I could or would ever have another car without them. I do wish that they would heat up just a bit quicker though. I also agree with your decision to drop the bi-Xenons - I don't have them, but enough users of this forum have complained about them that I'm less than impressed (I loved the Xenons on my BMW though).

[John@CdnRockies]

Vtie - Congratulations . I think you have made all the right decisions.

Drop the bi-xenon - I have them and have a very low opinion of their road illumination. Drove home a month ago and stayed in a hotel overnight instead of proceeding because of the darned things. They are a safety hazard!

Afraid I would stay with the heated seats. Again, not nearly as efficient as those in our Jeep or Mercedes, but still worthwhile on those long trips from the ski hills.

The diesel - what can I say? I'd love to have one whenever we are towing our boat.

6 speed manual - you know my thoughts on that one as well. A fine choice indeed .

Overall, well done! Sure hope this car runs to your liking.

John

[Pasi]

Is there different types of heated seats for different markets? Mine is heating fast and I have to turn the heat of after 3...5 minutes at 0 celsius ambient temperature.

[XC70Geo]

Heated seats
The temperature (high and low) can be set by Volvo's VADIS system at your dealer. The factory settings differ for different markets.

[vtie]

Heated seats
The temperature (high and low) can be set by Volvo's VADIS system at your dealer. The factory settings differ for different markets.

Yes, but the temperature isn't the problem.
The highest settings is actually too high for my taste, and I don't think it's very good for certain organs in that neighborhood .
It's just that it doesn't really fill te gap until the engine starts heating, which was the only thing I expected from them.

Anyhow, I think that I just don't really like the concept of heated seats!

[XC70Geo]

I see your point of view, but what about the same leather seats without heating? This winter shows me, it's a good option, may be not the best on the market, but IMHO worth it's price.

[Pasi]

About engine warming up

It's very common here in Western Siberia that cars have electric heating element (roughly 500W, 230VAC) in the engine plus cabine heater (1500W). Preheating time is 2hr in -20C and 30 min in 0C. Preheated engine warms up much faster and preheated interiors are also very nice. Easier to remove ice from windshield too