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New Volvo S60 Press Release

  • 12-05-2010 10:38am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭


    PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ALL-NEW VOLVO S60

    • All-new Volvo S60 starts from €32,250* (D3 S)

    • Four luxury specification levels – S, ES, SE and SE Lux

    • Ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection technology including ACC with Distance Alert, Queue Assist and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake available as an option

    • 2 low emission diesel engines at launch, with additional engines added to the range in Q4 2010 and Q1 2011

    • Arriving in Irish dealer showrooms in August and available to order now

    Prices and full specification details have been announced for the all-new Volvo S60 models. Prices start from €32,250 for the D3 S (163PS) with the D5 SE Lux Geartronic (205PS) topping the range. Orders can be placed now ahead of the car's arrival in dealer showrooms in August, with first customer deliveries in September.

    The all-new S60 is a four-door coupé; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo and it promises excellent driving dynamics in its design. To deliver on this visual promise, and to give the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car's driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic driving characteristics ever seen before on a Volvo.

    The all-new S60 range will be available with a choice of two diesels at launch. The newly- developed five-cylinder 2.0-litre D3 engine produces 163hp and 400Nm of torque. With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption is 5.1l/ 100km (54.3mpg) (EU Combined, preliminary figure). At just 139g/ km of CO² the D3 falls into Band B, resulting in an annual road tax charge of €156 and a VRT rate of 16%.

    The now-familiar twin-turbo D5 powerplant produces 205hp and 420Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.8 seconds. In the guise of the new S60, the D5 engine delivers fuel consumption of 5.4l/ 100km (53.3mpg) (EU Combined). This equates to a CO² of 144g/ km and Band C (€302 Road Tax).

    Ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection technology with Full Auto Brake

    The all-new Volvo S60 features the ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system. Pedestrian Detection consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera's role is to determine what type of object it is. The full auto brake part of the technology also responds to vehicles in front of the S60 that are at a standstill or moving in the same direction.

    The camera has a higher resolution than the previous-generation auto brake unit which now makes it possible to detect the pedestrian's pattern of movement. In addition, the newly-developed dual-mode radar has a significantly wider field of vision so that even pedestrians who might be about to step into the road can be detected.

    In an emergency situation, the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. In order to generate an immediate, intuitive reaction, this warning resembles a brake light. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 kph. At higher vehicle speeds, the system's focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact, with the speed falling by up to 35 kph.

    Pedestrian Detection combined with ACC (adaptive cruise control) with Distance Alert, Queue Assist and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake is available as an option on the all-new Volvo S60 for €1,596¹.

    The highest levels of standard safety technology

    Standard features on new S60 models include all the safety systems customers have come to expect from Volvo, including City Safety. First seen on the XC60, City Safety automatically brakes the vehicle from speeds up to 30 kph if the car in front stops. In addition, DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control), WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and Inflatable Curtain airbags that protect the driver and occupants are all standard.

    S, ES, SE and SE Lux

    Customers can specify four equipment levels, including the new entry-level S trim. Although the entry point into the range, it still benefits from all the safety equipment listed above as well as Air Conditioning, Performance Sound Audio System and Textile upholstery.

    All new Volvo S60's from the ES specification benefit from standard features including Electronic Climate Control , Cruise Control, 5" colour screen as part of the new Infotainment system2, Information Centre, floor mats, Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch, steering wheel remote audio controls, alloy wheels and leather steering wheel and gear stick. It is priced at just €1,500 above the S specification, €33,750 for the D3 engine.

    The SE trim level is priced at €36,500 for the D3 engine and maintains all the standard equipment in the ES alongside Tylosand textile/Vinyl upholstery, Shimmer Graphite aluminium trim, watch dials, Auto Dimming rear view mirror, Autofolding Power Door Mirrors with Puddle Lights, rain sensor, High Performance Sound System, Bluetooth, Rear Park Assist and 17" alloy wheels.
    Starting from €39,050 (D3), the top-of-the-range SE Lux combines the ES and SE specifications and incorporates Power Drivers Seat & Memory, leather-faced upholstery, Active Bending Lights and headlamp cleaning.

    Options and Accessories

    The all-new Volvo S60 is available with a wide variety of options and accessories including Satellite Navigation, heated front seats, 6 x CD Player, sunroof, Rear Seat Entertainment and Geartronic transmission.

    Some options have been conveniently grouped together to provide a cost-effective option package. The Driver Support Pack includes Pedestrian Detection combined with ACC (adaptive cruise control) with Distance Alert, Queue Assist and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, plus Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert, Autofolding Power Door Mirrors with Puddle Lights and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). This pack costs €2,250.

    Pricing

    All-new Volvo S60 Prices *
    S
    D3 (163 PS) S €32,250
    ES
    D3 (163 PS) ES €33,750
    D5 (205 PS) ES €37,750
    SE
    D3 (163 PS) SE €36,500
    D5 (205 PS) SE €40,500
    SE Lux
    D3 (163 PS) SE Lux €39,050
    D5 (205 PS) SE Lux €43,050
    Ends


    Volvo have harmonised the Irish specification with the rest of world, which means the SE will no longer have full leather - you'll have to go up to the SE LUX for that.

    It looks to me that the pricing is above where it needs to be to make a serious dent in the sales of BMW / Audi - perhaps Volvo aren't aiming to take them on directly preffering to pick up orders from people looking for something different.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Disappointed with the spec to be honest. S model looks very poor value imo when you consider that previous Volvo models even basic ones were generaoursly equipped which was a big plus compared to similar German offerings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,158 ✭✭✭✭Berty


    Its supposed to be an in between to the S40 and the S80 but it has too many versions that it becomes slightly lost within the Volvo Range.

    Im dissapointed to be honest. I was thinking that it could be a runner and a nice car but the spec and prices are not enough to convince me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    The new S60 is replacing both the old S60 and current S40. The new S60 is roughly the same size as a 3 Series and A4 now. The current S80 is similar in size to a 5 Series and A6. Volvo are alligning their models now with their rivals.

    The S40 is being phased out of production at the end of this year, I don't think there are any plans to replace it at present though it probably would make sense to fill the void with a C30 based 5 door hatchback to compete with the likes of the A3 and 1 Series.

    On the plus side in two years time a second hand new shape S60 D3 or D5 SE Lux could be bought for a fraction of the new price as Volvos generally suffer huge depreciation in the first couple of years, of course that is assuming someone stumps up the cash for a new one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    bazz26 wrote: »
    it probably would make sense to fill the void with a C30 based 5 door hatchback to compete with the likes of the A3 and 1 Series.

    that would be quite interesting. I'd think they would bump up c30 sales if they made it available in 5door. Its a cracking looking car


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,812 ✭✭✭mailforkev


    Lex Luthor wrote: »
    that would be quite interesting. I'd think they would bump up c30 sales if they made it available in 5door. Its a cracking looking car

    One of the reasons I bought one is that there isn't a 5 door version, I like the non-ubiquity of my C30, think they only shifted about 80 of them last year.

    I do agree though that a C30 based 5 door would probably make sense to put up against the 1-series, A3 et al.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    There was talk a couple of years back of a 5 door C30. Must have been canned with the sale of Volvo and all that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,158 ✭✭✭✭Berty


    I was looking at the spec a bit more this morning and Im dissapointed that the leather face seating is only standard on the high priced SE Lux.

    That was one of the selling points of the S40 SE that for Mondeo money you could have lots of buttons and leather.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Anyhoo - back to the S60 ;)

    The car is being launched to invited guests only, on Tuesday 18th May at the Avivia Stadium.

    It does state that Guests must be over 18 to attend, so I'm hoping for Hot Swedish strippers to do the unveiling of the car (among other things :D). Although it's more likely just Matt Cooper and the Boss of Volvo Ireland :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Berty wrote: »
    I was looking at the spec a bit more this morning and Im dissapointed that the leather face seating is only standard on the high priced SE Lux.

    That was one of the selling points of the S40 SE that for Mondeo money you could have lots of buttons and leather.

    The line-up has been harmonised across Europe. Seemingly it was only Ireland where full leather was standard on the SE.

    That decision alone, without their silly pricing structure would have cost sales, but as it is they are going to shift a few to start with, then have to discount it heavily to move any at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,972 ✭✭✭patrickc


    R.O.R wrote: »
    Anyhoo - back to the S60 ;)

    The car is being launched to invited guests only, on Tuesday 18th May at the Avivia Stadium.

    It does state that Guests must be over 18 to attend, so I'm hoping for Hot Swedish strippers to do the unveiling of the car (among other things :D). Although it's more likely just Matt Cooper and the Boss of Volvo Ireland :(

    any spare invites:)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,812 ✭✭✭mailforkev


    I saw one in the metal in Brussels last month and thought it was very good looking.

    That S spec does looks pretty feeble though, 32k for a car without audio controls on the steering wheel or alloys?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    patrickc wrote: »
    any spare invites:)

    Sorry - already promised my +1 to someone
    mailforkev wrote: »
    I saw one in the metal in Brussels last month and thought it was very good looking.

    That S spec does looks pretty feeble though, 32k for a car without audio controls on the steering wheel or alloys?

    They don't expect to sell many S models. That's really there so they can say "Volvo S60 from €32,250".

    Should be a decent mover with 163ps from that 2.0d lump.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,812 ✭✭✭mailforkev


    R.O.R wrote: »
    They don't expect to sell many S models. That's really there so they can say "Volvo S60 from €32,250".

    Well they'll never sell one to you or me, but you can never underestimate how stingy the average Irish motorist is. Paddy spec models still have a fair market I'd say.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,158 ✭✭✭✭Berty


    R.O.R wrote: »
    They don't expect to sell many S models. That's really there so they can say "Volvo S60 from €32,250".

    Should be a decent mover with 163ps from that 2.0d lump.

    Stupid really considering the S80 is from €34,360.

    Also the big lump of an S80 comes with a 1.6 Diesel. WOW :eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,102 ✭✭✭✭Drummerboy08


    R.O.R wrote: »
    It does state that Guests must be over 18 to attend, so I'm hoping for Hot Swedish strippers to do the unveiling of the car (among other things :D).

    Here's hoping buddy...;):D
    Berty wrote: »
    Also the big lump of an S80 comes with a 1.6 Diesel. WOW :eek:

    Its actually not that bad. I was surprised when I drove one first a few months ago. The gearing has been changed so it's not as slow as you might think. Its no 2.0d mind you, but its adequate for the job.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    I presume the 1.6 will be added to the S60 at a later date.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,102 ✭✭✭✭Drummerboy08


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    I presume the 1.6 will be added to the S60 at a later date.

    I'd imagine so, as its already available in the S80 and V70.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Think there are more engine options due later in the year, but then again they are moving away from the Ford engines and have brought the emissions right down on the new engines so that might go altogether.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    What are the 1.6 and 2.0 petrols only Ford engines;)?

    The "Ford" 1.6 diesel(which will be coming in a while as a Drive version in the S60) engine is a Frenchie.

    Great that the 2.0 is a 5 pot and not a boring old 4 pot, Volvo 5 cylinder engines sound great when extended(well maybe not the diesels but the petrols definitely do), even better that they managed to get it into VRT band B, and the D5 is now in band C:).

    My God is the S spec basic, that's more basic than the original one was in 2001:eek:. FFS no leather on SE models, S40 SEs had leather back in 98. One of the big appeals of a Volvo over their German rivals is that although they are not a whole lot cheaper to buy on paper, once you spec up a German car to the spec a Volvo has(even basic S models) they are thousands cheaper, and a German car with the same spec as an SE Volvo could be 10 grand more.

    No alloys or even a trip computer in 2010 on a 3 series rival:eek:? Are Volvo taking the p!$$?

    At least its got a decent engine with plenty of power, it's still a fair bit cheaper than a 320d with similar spec but not by as much as I was hoping.

    Big -1 for no leather though, premium cars in particular look rotten without a leather interior.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RedorDead


    No alloys or even a trip computer in 2010 on a 3 series rival:eek:? Are Volvo taking the p!$$?

    BMW 1 Series didnt have alloys as standard up until this year and currently M-B C Class doesnt have alloys as standard.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    Autocar tested the T6(I'd have one if we lived in a more sane country but sadly the T6 will be clobbered with 2,100 road tax here:rolleyes:), and they think it handles quite well.

    Said it's a very good car actually, although there is no spare wheel and I don't think it has RFTs:confused:.

    http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volvo-S60-3.0-T6-SE-Premium-4WD/249963/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,812 ✭✭✭mailforkev


    Said it's a very good car actually, although there is no spare wheel and I don't think it has RFTs:confused:.

    It's the same with all Volvos I think. My C30 has a lovely can of goo and a compressor in the boot :(


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,790 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tabnabs


    mailforkev wrote: »
    It's the same with all Volvos I think. My C30 has a lovely can of goo and a compressor in the boot :(

    Nope, my S40 has a lawnmower sized spare wheel in the boot. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    Does anyone know how much the Rear Seat Entertainment option will be on the new S60?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Hop along wrote: »
    Does anyone know how much the Rear Seat Entertainment option will be on the new S60?

    No option like that listed on the options list.

    Couple of "Audio System" Multimedia options - High Performance or Multimedia but couldn't say if that includes Rear Seat Screens.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    I see the Volvo S60 is being fully launched to the public at an open weekend. Looks like an interesting deal where they are including the saftey pack for cars reserved on this weekend.

    http://www.volvocars.com/ie/campaigns/misc/Pages/VolvoOpenWeekend.aspx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,042 ✭✭✭Grimreaper666


    I still wouldn't though.......there really is more to life than a Volvo...;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    I still wouldn't though.......there really is more to life than a Volvo...;)

    Perhaps you should drive one, rather than thinking you know what you're on about :rolleyes:

    Safety pack is a nice piece of kit to get for free. I could do without the BLIS and the Lane Departure, but the active Cruise Control rocks my socks :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,042 ✭✭✭Grimreaper666


    R.O.R wrote: »
    Perhaps you should drive one, rather than thinking you know what you're on about :rolleyes:

    Safety pack is a nice piece of kit to get for free. I could do without the BLIS and the Lane Departure, but the active Cruise Control rocks my socks :pac:

    Had one from work for a week and I still have a pain in my back from the thing.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Had one from work for a week and I still have a pain in my back from the thing.

    Interesting.............

    Volvo dealers have only had their demo's for a couple of weeks at this stage so I'm surprised you've had a week in one already - unless you work for a Volvo dealership.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,042 ✭✭✭Grimreaper666


    R.O.R wrote: »
    Interesting.............

    Volvo dealers have only had their demo's for a couple of weeks at this stage so I'm surprised you've had a week in one already - unless you work for a Volvo dealership.

    Yes I do, service side of things.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    All the reviews are raving about the comfort of the seats but I guess all our backs are different.

    I am going to drive one at the weekend but at the moment, I am leaning towards an Opel Insignia Sportstourer Elite. They both have around the same powered engines but the Opel is better specced. Still have time to make up my mind as the car is not due for change until new year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Hop along wrote: »
    All the reviews are raving about the comfort of the seats but I guess all our backs are different.

    I am going to drive one at the weekend but at the moment, I am leaning towards an Opel Insignia Sportstourer Elite. They both have around the same powered engines but the Opel is better specced. Still have time to make up my mind as the car is not due for change until new year.

    How early in the New Year?

    Jan won't be an issue for the S60 (much better to drive than the Insignia), but you could be looking at late Jan at the earliest for an Insignia Sports Tourer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,039 ✭✭✭✭Kintarō Hattori


    What the hell, a 3 page thread without any images! I had no idea the S40 was being discontinued which is a shame, I thought it was a lovely looking car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    What the hell, a 3 page thread without any images! I had no idea the S40 was being discontinued which is a shame, I thought it was a lovely looking car.

    Rumours of the S40's demise have been greatly exagerated - it's not going anywhere for a while.

    I'll post a pic of our demo model next week, as it went out to replace a breakdown yesterday.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    ROR, I should be changing in Late January/ start of February at the latest. Interested to hear your views on the differences between the 2 cars. I have driven the Insignia saloon and it seems nice (steering was a little light) so dont know if the estate is much better / worse (I am chosing it because I prefer the stying over the Saloon). It would also be a lot better specced.

    I had an S40 before and liked that. Currently drive a Mondeo 2L which I have been happy with but I would like a change. The S60 could still be an option. I just haven driven it yet. I have a budget of approx €38k to spend so other viable suggestions would be good if you could think of any??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    Ultimately the S40 will be replaced by a hatchback similar in size to it, and the rumour was they were going to call it the V30.

    The S40 is an oddball in that it is a small saloon whereas the likes of the 1 series, A3 etc are all hatchbacks, and the next generation of the car will be competing directly with these.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Hop along wrote: »
    ROR, I should be changing in Late January/ start of February at the latest. Interested to hear your views on the differences between the 2 cars. I have driven the Insignia saloon and it seems nice (steering was a little light) so dont know if the estate is much better / worse (I am chosing it because I prefer the stying over the Saloon). It would also be a lot better specced.

    I had an S40 before and liked that. Currently drive a Mondeo 2L which I have been happy with but I would like a change. The S60 could still be an option. I just haven driven it yet. I have a budget of approx €38k to spend so other viable suggestions would be good if you could think of any??

    If you are after value for Money rather than a badge on the front of your car (which it sounds like you are), then it falls to either the Volvo S60 D3 SE or a Skoda Superb Elegance - €38k will get a lot of one of those.

    Insignia isn't a patch to drive compared to the Volvo, and I actually prefer the Insignia to the Mondeo. ecoFLEX version of the engine has robbed some driveability from the Insignia, but I'd still take that over the Mondeo.

    Skoda Superb has excellent seats and an unbelievable amount of kit and space for the Money. Is a great Motorway cruiser with the 2.0Tdi 170 engine, but wouldn't match up to the Insignia or Volvo on the twisty stuff.

    If you can handle the badge, like your toys and generally drive Motorway then the Superb is the smart choice. If you like a decent level of comfort and occasionally push on a bit, then it sounds like the Insignia is for you, but if you aren't that fussed about leather and want something that is great to drive on Motorway and back roads, go for the S60.

    Is your budget of €38k cost, or retail?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    The Volvo is likely to be more reliable than the Skoda, it uses mostly Ford parts whereas the Skoda is largely VW Passat derived, one of the least reliable cars in the world after the Renault Laguna.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    With a budget of €38k, for another €4k/5k you could probably have a new BMW 520d although it would be the manual version.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    Budget is €38k retail (ie SIMI list price) this sets the guide for what we are eligible for and the purchasing dept negotiates best price after that.

    Would love a 520D but not going to put my own money into a company car.

    Thought of the Skoda. Might give that a drive to see what it is like. Again I think I prefer the estate to the standard version.

    To be fair, I think the Mondeo was a lovely car to drive especially on the twisty roads. I think it was the interior which let the car down badly. It felt cheap and dated even though the spec was fairly generous.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    There is a facelifted version of the Mondeo on sale shortly, which will have amongst other things a higher quality interior.

    For your budget it should easily be possible to get a nice Titanium 163 PS.

    THe Mondeo is a fantastic car, in spite of the badge it is a better car IMHO than the 3 series, A4, C-class etc, which are way too close in price to the 520d, E220 CDI etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    If you are not spending your own money then the Mondeo Titanium makes alot of sense but if were your own money then I would not spend €38k on a Mondeo. They depreciate too much to justify spending that sort of money on a new one. Great used buy though.

    OP did you look at the Honda Accord? You will probably get a 2.2 DTEC Type S or Executive within budget. Other suggestion would be the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi Elite.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    It's a company car, so the OP doesn't have to worry about that;)!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    It's a company car, so the OP doesn't have to worry about that;)!

    If his company have any sense, then they will worry about the resale value. From a TCO viewpoint, a €35,000 Mondeo Titanium 160ps doesn't make as much sense as a €36,500 163bhp S60.

    Interior changes to the facelifted Mondeo are minimal. Improved colour harmony for the surrounds on the air vents, slightly different design on the plastics next to the radio (no longer look like cupholders) and new release handles. Hardly awe inspiring.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    I drove the S60 this evening and I was very impressed with it. Plenty of power and overall a very nice drive. The 5 cylinder engine sounds great (really unusual but great) The dirver pack offer free is supposedly worth €2,400 but in reality it looks like they are giving you the discount in another way. He seemed flexible enough about giving me the SE Lux trim instead as an option. If the company went for this, I would seriously consider this motor.

    Only downside is the boot. Compared to the mondeo, it is very small. Also, it doesnt have a spare wheel.

    The Insignia would win out on practicality but I dont think it performs / handles as well as the Volvo. I was thinking it would be a good car to buy for the family after 3 years. I will make up my mind next week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    Going to have to make a decision this week. Leaning towards the Insignia for practicality reasons. I tried to drive a Skoda but the dealer (Newport Motors) tells me he is all out and wont have one until the new year. Pity because I think this would have ticked a lot of the boxes although I think Tax band C would have made me think twice about buying it in 3 years.

    So Insignia Sports tourer it is. I think I can stretch to the towing pack option (retractable hitch plus self levelling suspension) and sat nav for the budget (the screen makes the interior of the car a lot nicer in my opinion). Now all I have to do is ensure the dealer can get me one by February. Thanks to all for you inputs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Hop along wrote: »
    Going to have to make a decision this week. Leaning towards the Insignia for practicality reasons. I tried to drive a Skoda but the dealer (Newport Motors) tells me he is all out and wont have one until the new year. Pity because I think this would have ticked a lot of the boxes although I think Tax band C would have made me think twice about buying it in 3 years.

    So Insignia Sports tourer it is. I think I can stretch to the towing pack option (retractable hitch plus self levelling suspension) and sat nav for the budget (the screen makes the interior of the car a lot nicer in my opinion). Now all I have to do is ensure the dealer can get me one by February. Thanks to all for you inputs.

    Wrong choice in my opinion, but not a bad second choice.

    Don't forget to spec the Bluetooth in the Insignia - it's only €325. Sat Nav does make a big difference to the interior, but isn't that great to use. Towing pack at €866 isn't too bad if it is self levelling and removable (electrically retractable), but if you don't use it too often, you could get a retro fit removable one for around €400 + VAT.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    Yeah, I think if I didnt have a young family, the volvo would have won the day.

    Thanks for the pointer on Blue tooth. I will add that also although I think it is a bity stingy of Opel not to include it. Seems to have beecome the standard inclusion in this segment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Hop along


    I postponed ordering the car last week and instead took a drive down to Tarrents Skoda dealer in Banteer. Excellent expereince there. Sales guy couldn't have been more helpful. Drove the Skoda Superb Elegance and I have to say I thought it was an excellent car. I drove on to Cork and drove the Insignia Estate in Douglas.
    There is no comparison between the 2 cars . The Superb is superior in almost every aspect. The space inside is incredible. I sat in the back when my wife drove it and I could strech out my legs fully in the back seat. I am 6' tall. On the road, it is very comfortable and quiet. You would not know this was a diesel. It is also a very nice car to drive. The car handles surprisingly well. The Spec is fantastic and the interior of the car is really well laid out. This feels like a much more expensive car.

    The Insignia is a nice car but my first impression was the engine was very loud and harsh. It also feels small compared to the space in the Superb.

    It has changed my mind. Think I am going to go with this now. The challenge now is to actually spend the budget I have as the car is so well specced. A very nice gimmick is the park assist. It is surreal to watch the wheel turn and see the car park itself. This car is seriously underestimated. I know I will get a few comments when I show up in work in this but I would be happy to take the Pepsi challenge with any other car in its price range and plenty above it...


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