2017 Volvo V40 T3 R-Design Pro Review - I wanted to love this hatchback like my other Volvo's but...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- The Volvo V40 has been around for a long time, but is it still a good used car buy when so many hatchbacks have moved on so much? I've driven this for a few months so can give a thorough long term review of this car and why I think it's got some great features, but some major flaws too.
Thanks to www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music for the tunes played in this video.
If you enjoy the review, don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL to not miss another video as I have a lot of different car brands coming up on the channel...
You don't have to have your keys in the dashboard, they can be in your pocket and not annoyingly knocking about on that metal trim. I absolutely love my V40. Best car I've ever owned.
Hi there. Thanks for the comment, however, I can assure you my model did not allow keyless drive so they have to be plugged in.
You can take the key out once the engine is started is was Hilary was getting at.
@johnsmith-ke9uk Agreeded I have accidentally left HD engine running while getting out as I forgot to stop the engine before removing ghe key
@@johnsmith-ke9uk You can do that but some models have genuine keyless start where the key never has to go in the slot.
I've got a T3 R Design V40 and its great on country roads,..it tucks in nicely, unless you over egg it big time., where it starts to understeer slightly then tucks in again. Mine is a manual that also helps. I've got Michelin PS4's on the front and recently a guy pulled out at a roundabout, then stopped in front of me, I braked from about 25-30mph and my car just gripped and turned past the front of their car very easily. I was amazed at how well it steered and gripped so quickly and how assured it was.
Thanks for the comment David. As I say, might be there was something wrong with the one I reviewed as definitely not my experience although it didn't have as good tyres as you're for sure, which won't help.
The V40 was built Belgium, not Sweden. Believe it's a Ford Focus platform.
I had a D4 as a company car (2014) and I loved it. The one thing I found was the poor visibility due to the high waste line and the small rear window. Having just been made redundant I purchased a late 2019 T3 auto R Design with 23K miles. The spec is well in excess of most BMW or Audi for 10K less, and it's like putting an old pair of shoes. It doesn't have the winter pack, sadly, but it has enough power for what I need after driving diesel cars for over 20 years. Bit thirsty being an auto, but I drive it ECO around town and don't need sport mode. It's got 'flappy paddles' if you want manual. I find it corners well with adaptive steering. Incredibly comfortable. I love it.
Thanks for the comment Marc. The V40 was indeed built in Belgium. I'd say the V40 in the D4 would be the best all-round package. It is extremely comfortable. Like I say, might've been a problem with the one I have in terms of its driving characteristics but, but it was not an improvement on my diesel S60, which I expected.
I've been driving the 2015 v40 D3 automatic for about 2 years. It is without a doubt one of the best driving car I've driven! The suspension can be a little firm at times, but it makes the car more responsive. On highway and country roads it is so so stable. One thing i don't like is the turning radius it is way too big compared to other bigger and longer cars. Love the video though!
Thanks for sharing!
I have a top spec 2015 and I'm amazed with the technology it has. The pan roof is probably the best thing that adds to the cars look, it adds so much character and light to the car from the inside and from the outside, especially if you have a white v40, it really adds to the black and white contrast making it look a lot more sporty and premium. I do unfortunately only have the standard sound system and my opinion on it is that its better then standard sound systems on other cars like Nissan's, fords or Toyotas where you either have no bass what so ever or the bass is through the roof which I hate in music.
You do get very good EQ options with the standard system to so you can tweak it to how you like.
The biggest difference (comparing to my dads v60) is that centre speaker. It makes the audio sound much more central whereas without it, if you listen closely, you tell the sound is coming from the drivers door or the passenger door if you're the passenger. Sound quality itself I wouldn't say there's much difference, just that central speaker that adds to the fullness/surround of the audio.
I will add that the v60 is generally a quieter car so that will help with the audio quality as well.
Having the older (better) D3 with the 5cylinder engine it sounds amazing and pulls even better with its 350Nm 👌👌I can average 50mpg to.
Great feedback on the audio, thanks! I think you are dead right about the centre speaker. I'm considering a V60 with the HK sound so that will be interesting to compare... 😊
I own a v40 had it now for 3 years, it's been brilliant nothing has gone wrong with it which is amazing ,it's a T2 so now as powerful as your one but dose the job and stops me speeding, oh yes and has the standard speakers 🔊 and they sound great 👍
That's great Mark! What sort of mpg are you averaging from the T2? Good to know about the standard speakers!
@@car_babble best I can get doing 55 mph is 39 mpg ,is that good ?
@@marklawrence855 it's definitely more acceptable for sure!
@@marklawrence855 that's a joke, my old 2.0tdi gets 63mpg on a run and can get 70+mpg if driving like a granny.
I appreciate the detail but I feel like you’re exaggerating the negative points as most of what you said were nitpicks. As a used buy and used finance you can’t get another 18/19 plate for the price of this in the hatchback segment that is also of this quality and reliability. Never driven one, but many reviews say that they are good to drive for what they are so I think yours has some issues as you’ve been the most critical of its drive that I’ve seen while researching. Overall useful and informative video thanks, it’s good to see someone be unhappy with a car so we get to know the minor gripes. I like your channel and other Volvo videos.
Hi there, thanks for the comment and feedback. I'm definitely not exaggerating the issues I found, but they may be more specific to the car I had as you are right, the majority of reports on driving the V40 suggest it drives well enough, albeit steering in all Volvo's is usually pretty lifeless. I have owned so many Volvo's, though, and part of my opinion is based on that comparison. The S60, S90 and even XC40 all drive better in my opinion. Otherwise, nitpicks are subjective and I can only share what I found to bother me. The dash facing the other way bothers me more on principle than anything.
@@car_babble fair deuce. I'll definitely keep your advice in mind, thanks for the reply.
@@car_babble I guess the XC40 is a fair comparison, but I dont think teh V40 should quite compare with an S60 let alone an S90. Then I vager most of us watching this arnt actually UK based so we kinda ignore the complaint about the dash facing :D
Sold a company D2 to a mate, clocked it up to 215k before getting rid of it. Solid and reliable!!
Amazing!
I've got a 2019 R design T3 and can honestly say it is one of the best car's I have owned and on a good run on the motorway I have got 52 mpg (petrol) and I have not any bad things to say about the V40 It drives how I like a car to drive just to cruise at 70 on the motorways
Glad you love it! It's a great cruiser that's for sure.
Thanks Dave. I'm looking at a 2019 T3 R-Design manual and was interested in the 70mph cruising potential because that's a lot of what I do. I was worried about the 2.0 in the manual if the 1.5 in the auto is that thirsty, so I'm glad to hear it's capable of 40-50mpg!
Great review! We basically have the same colour and spec as you but a D4 plus a few other options.
We have been impressed with the HK sound system but like all of them, the sound will only be as good as the media you use. Unfortunately the V40 system won't play FLAC files but an easy way around this is to copy your flac collection and then use a converter to change the ID tags from flac to mp3.
The files play perfectly and sound fantastic but it's the only time the HK system really comes alive when playing these or a CD as everything else sounds average at best.
I can recommend the Star Wars sound track with Dolby PL II switched on if you really want to hear the HK at its best.
Despite the shortcomings you mention, the V40 definitely has that big Volvo feel in a small package and nothing in this class, of the same generation, comes close for comfort & specification. Especially so if you get a Pro spec with a few options and even better with one of the more powerful engines. Enjoy!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a big comment. Interesting points about the HK. Wish I'd tried it with my old CDs!
Really love my Volvo T2 2018.
Has been very reliable so far with a great interior & exterior, unfortunately a bit slow but.
I stage 1 chip tuned my T2 from 122 hp & 190 torque up to 225hp & 400 torque, it's a beast now with lower fuel consumption even (est 5 - 7%)
T2 T3 & T4 all have the same engine but different programs, hence the power difference.
That's an amazing performance improvement! 😍
Really? :O All up to T4 has the same engine just the software different? Holy sh*t!
@@Raisen1992 yes that's true, went to a Volvo specialist and he told me, only difference is the software..
If you can get a T2 for the cheapest price out of a T3 or T4, get it and chiptune it, my T2 is more powerful than a stock T4.
2017 D4 RDesign Manual - I find it heavy on a country road, but very planted. You wouldn't describe it as nimble around the corners, but it does have buckets of grip. I have the standard suspension setup, rather than the optional "sport" suspension, every review I've seen of that setup was that it was just harsh, and not any real driving difference.
Thanks for the comment. I really would've loved to drive the D4 for comparison. I don't think sports suspension in a Volvo rewards the driver enough to be worth the sacrifice in ride quality.
Ah, Thanks. A meaningful review of this car, FINALLY! I love the design, of the V40, especially the Polestar blue - looks just gorgeous! But as you said its not for corners (maybe due to its weight), so I think stick to my original plan: 3rd gen Mazda 3.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, it's got it's merits but a Mazda 3 will drive better in a bend!
That color is not Polestar blue. And good luck with your Mazda!
Aren't the Focus, V40 and Mazda 3 on the same platform?
Great honest review Mark. Thanks !
Thanks Mark!
I own a 2019 T3 R Design and love it. Not perfect in some details, but definitely a great car for the price. Drives amazingly well, it’s a safe car and the design is great, unlike boxy German cars that all look the same. I don’t find the gearbox slow at all (at least in sports mode) and I have no understeer issues, but then again I don’t drive my car like I’m in a race 😂
Yeah I'm wondering if the one I drove had issues as a lot of comments suggest that folk have enjoyed driving it 🤔
I have an automatic volvo v40 cross country 2017 T3...i believe the drive experience is very good...nice handling ..breaking.. good in corners..it amazed me that you find it harsh to drive...i had a mercedesw204 c200 and a bmw 320gt diesel 2017 model and i find volvo better in the driving experience
Thanks for your comment. You're not the first person to disagree with my assessment of the driving so it's very possible there was something wrong with my particular car.
@@car_babbleIt's not you, it's the rims.
My 18 plate T2 momentum is low spec - doesn’t even have parking sensors. It is however smooth, handles well very well built - if anything over engineered. In summer caressing the loud pedal I get an indicated 50mpg although I quickly get bored and lose the will power to stay off the …power.
Health problems mean that I am house bound, and am only doing about 5k a year.
I really like the car particularly in the Amazon Blue colour I chose. I do struggle to work the infotainment system particularly because the ‘my car’ features don’t seem to work without the radio or cd player. It’s definitely a keeper.
50mpg is blooming great out of a petrol! Honestly, in D4 Diesel is just about perfect barring the major driving pleasure of say a BMW.
Decent review and finally someone discussing the centre armrest in cars, shame it doesn't stretch further forward or height adjustable, possible deal breaker for me that. Also I wasn't aware that its non adjustable in the V60 and XC60?
The crashy ride is not acceptable, and tyre noise is not good. I read about this all too often from owners. What a disappointing car overall.
Those moaning that it's not that bad, clearly haven't driven/owned or been in comfortable cars.
Much difference with the V40cc?
Thanks for the comment! I've not driven the CC but assume it's better over bumps. R design just too harsh.
Yeah, from memory, the arm rest situation is not the same across the Volvo range of this generation.
I own a 2016 2.0 litre turbo, 4 cylinder " Drive E" engined, 6 speed auto T4 Lux V40. It has all the upgrade package options with the exception of TPMS and a Sunroof. The car has 17 inch wheels and a softer suspension than the "R Design" models.
Negatives? The lack of air vents in the passenger compartment and the horrible " space saver" spare tyre. Plus my car does not have the "Thor's Hammer" headlights, so the high beam throw could be better. I did improve it by putting in better globes than the OEM ones and fiddling with the ( limited) adjustment settings. The stop/start system is annoying, but since the secondary battery is now flat, that system no longer works, so that is a problem solved. 😂
For my use as a round town shopping cart with the occasional long distance highway run, it's a wonderful car. Highway fuel economy runs between 46-50 mpg, depending on load and route, but around town, 29-32 mpg, is not so good, but on par with most SUV type cars in the same engine class. But I have owned cars with far worse economy, so it is what it is.
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you've had a really good experience with it!
@car_babble Correct. My car was a former Volvo Australia "program " car (a car used by a Volvo Australia Executive for around 9 months, before being sold at a discounted price, but with full warranty,) which I purchased in 2017. In my 6 years of ownership, it has been fault free. I have only had to replace tyres and brakes My wife and I find the seats super comfy, and after a long distance drive, we arrive relatively fatigue free. I would buy another, if the V40 was still made. ( I am not interested in owning an SUV type vehicle, so the XC 40 is not on the radar when it comes time to move our car on.🙂)
I've had my Beautiful Black V40R Design 2019 since new, one of the last ones they told me, I didn't even test drive it & turned out to be absolutely BRILLIANT, it's the smallest car I've had for 25 years (normally minimum 2litre sports coupes ) but V40 must the best car in its in class, comfort, build quality, the leather, performance, it's like glue on the road take bends as quick as you want & very quick off the mark
I'm glad you love it. Which engine did you get?
@@car_babble I didn't even test drive it, but Lady said they're stopping making them, So you'll have one of last ones so were only making them Top of the range RDesign T3.
For the ignition key, keep it on a quick release dog clip on main bunch.
Good idea, thanks! Shame I don't have the car any more.
Aye, keys in for the start, then once started, whipped out! 2018 V40 Cross country pro. 1.5 t3
I bet the ride was better in the cross country!
@@car_babble Defo!
i love the facelift V40!
I love the one in the red/dark red inscription with a T3 or T5 or the D3 or D5 Diesel! i am considering to buy one,theyre so simple and good looking and more interesting than the Golf :D
Hi there. Don't think you can get a D5 in the V40 but the D4 would offer an amazing blend of performance and fuel economy
I'm getting my 2018 V40 CC T3 tomorrow, so excited! Trading up from a 2008 Mazda 6 so the difference should be somewhat astronomical. Just hoping it will be reliable as well. During my test drive I didn't feel like it was numb or any noticeable body roll and that's coming from a higher suspension cross country model. And it's a manual as well so no automatic lag :)
Also, it's the 2 liter variant so a chip tune will give the car 236hp which is respectable enough!
Good luck with it mate! I am confident reliability will not be a problem 😁
Good review thx. Solution to your key rubbing against the dash, once the engine bhas been started, just take the key out :)
Thanks for the comment! I no longer have the car to check, but I'm pretty sure the key needed to be in the slot i.e. no keyless go on the particular car I had. I think they did bring it in, though.
@@car_babble you can take the key out even if it doesn't have the keyless go option fitted. It's ashame you didn't get on with it. I'm guessing your front shocks were needing replacing (or you had a broken spring) as mine handles really well (I fitted new front shocks as soon as I got it). Did you get it from a dealer? They could have covered that. What have you got now? I hope you didn't lose much on it?
@@car_babble also I'd say the automatic transmission oil and filter needs changing on it, again I did that as soon as I got mine. It's something people often overlook.
@@nurel-sobky2505 thanks mate. I barely lost anything on it thankfully and now have a BMW 3 series 320d be xdrive 😎
I have the 1.6 D2, it's really not quick but gets average 55mpg in town and can push 85/90 on a motorway run, so I don't particularly mind it being slow when each segment of the fuel meter represents 70-90 miles range. Mine is the SE Lux Nav so it doesn't have the firmer chassis the R-Design does, but its still quite firm. I'd say it handles really well though, almost like the Focus it's based on, with mainly the steering being the difference, mine has that Volvo heavy comfort-oriented steering. I think for me I really enjoy it, I'd just like the suspension to be more forgiving. I'll probably hang on to it for the foreseeable and transition into an XC40 when my budget allows.
Thanks for sharing 😊
I wonder if the automatic is particularly bad for mileage. I have a manual 2017 V40 in almost exactly the same spec (same colour, even) and I average mid-40s mpg pretty regularly.
That's a really interesting point, Glenn. Assume you have the T3?
@@car_babble Aye. The T3 R Design Pro.
I have a 2019 T3 auto, averaging around 30 MPG, but mine are mostly short journeys.
It's interesting to me as I got the car for the better mileage (not the only reason, ofc). I was driving a Celica before, which averaged about half my current mileage on the same mix of journeys 😅
I had the T3 inscription. Great car to drive. Effortless when overtaking. User friendly heating & windo demister controls compared to the frustrating touchscreen infotainment system in my Seat Leon I now have. 😤😡
Couldn't agree more! The whole HVAC system is just so good and easy to use.
I've got the T2 R Design with the 18 inch wheels. To be honest, if you're driving it other than on country roads or motorways it's horrible to drive. Our potholed and uneven city roads has it jarring all over the road.
Thanks for making your video 👍🖖🇬🇧
Thanks for sharing
very well done and honest review thank you bruh, subed
Thanks Cooky Monster!
I got a wonderful V40 T2 Geartronic "Momentum" in Power Blue.
How do you find the power?
@@car_babble
It is enough for me. It's appropiate in a world with many speed limits.
Great review.. Food for thought as looking for a suitable reliable safe 5 door car as baby on the way. Currently have a vw scirocco. Just need to know ref the comment about a baby seat in the back? Problem or doable? Many thanks.
Hi Neil, appreciate the comment. With regards the baby seats, I didn't have rear facing ones to content with when I had the car, but I think those would be a problem. Front facing, you would just about be ok but it will be tight and depending on how tall your front seat passengers are!
I think the t4 r design is the way to go
T4 would be just that little bit more useful for acceleration but the T3 definitely shifts
Front water jet nozzles are handy to use as a reference point when in tight spaces, that's what i use them for but not sure if that's why they done it, I like to think it is because otherwise i wouldn't know why 😂
Funny that cos mine's given me nothing but lower back pain and sore right hip. Tried every position - up/down forward/back - just not comfy. Least comfy volvo Ive ever driven and actually the one to end my long history with the cars.
Do you have the lombar support option? Standrd seats or R Design?
That's really interesting. Never heard someone criticise Volvo seats. Mine had lumbar support though.
Sums it up
Thanks. And love your username! 😄
My friend you joking 💀
?
Have to say, i didn't get on with the R design version at all. Found the seats awful, and the ride harsh. They look good, but worse in every other way. IMO.
Thanks for the comment. Yeah ride was not good. Disagree about the seats though! 🙂
You dont understand car
How is that exactly?
VERY MISLEADING COMMENTS !! WORST GUIDE EVER !!!!!
What comments are misleading exactly? I've tweaked the title in case that's what you meant although it could have been awesome but I didn't like how it drove. This was one of the first reviews I ever did but I meant every word. Thanks for the comment 👍