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Well, an unfortunate health issue has afforded me to the opportunity to drive my mother's 2008 Volvo XC, based on the s80 platform. I'm doing city commuting, mainly, and this car replaced her previous '02 XC70 this summer. It's heads-and-tails better than the '02 for certain.
Having driven most recently an '02 9-5 Aero wagon and now an '06 9-3 Aero Sportcombi (both manuals), I have to say there are pros and cons with the Volvo. And overall, I believe its design philosophy and corporate ownership, in my (un)educated opinion, helps condition my conclusions.
Fit and finish on the Volvo is excellent. Small and large details let me know I'm driving a Volvo -- seats, certainly, the font used for lettering/numbering, which is Volvo heritage. The interior appointments are very impressive -- soft-touch plastics, nice leather, progressive electronic but informative instrumentation, common-sense controls. Nice features such as the blind-spot detection system, a fairly powerful standard radio, heated front AND rear seats, power liftgate, bi-xenons, comfort start (push button), front and rear part assist sensors, 6 gears and the like. It just feels familiar -- like a Volvo she's been driving for the past 20 plus years -- through a number of these details. These are features you expect to be able to get in a semi-premium European make. Many of these options are not available in Saab's current offerings. Mainly, though, the feeling of luxury and durability is definitely evident. My 9-3 offers some of this but is lacking in some critical areas.
Driving comfort/handling is quite different, giving a definitive nod to the Saab but the Volvo just feels more substantive. More akin to my former 9-5, but better (I realize this is a new chassis compared to the aged 9-5). Fuel economy is not great, but it's not dismal either. This is an AWD vehicle.
I really beleive that Ford ownership, such that it is, has allowed their brands to design and innovate more freely. Volvo is in a tough spot, of course, like many, but they simply have a more advanced platform overall. The s60 is long in the tooth, but a new design is coming. Can the same be said for the 9-3? Not so sure these days. The 9-5 is archaic, but certainly still good, but it just can't compete. I just have to agree that GM has squandered many opportunities with Saab, not to mention its domestic line-up. It's a real shame -- and management seems to be the blame. Unless the new 9-5 debuts with some substantive advancements, it might be time to move on. Sad, as I like to think I'm a Saab purist. GM -- or whomever ends up controlling Saab -- please give it the chance it deserves...finally. Volvo should have the same chance, but I believe they are much better positioned.
posted by 74.226.225...
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