The missus has recently been making noises about an estate, which is a bit of a shame as I rather like the S60 D5 that we presently have.
Either way, I've been investigating potential options, most of which have left me very underwhelmed. The obvious choice is a V70, I'm just conscious that they're not that cheap. So I've looked at a C class, which was really tacky inside, wouldn't touch an Audi with a bargepole just on principle, the Lexus IS sport was too compromised as an estate, liked the 3 series touring.
Today we went to check out a V50, which I did think could be intriguing. Slight smaller, but better packaged than the S60, with more front to rear legroom. Seats were basically the same, as was the steering wheel (shame, I preferred the one that's in say the C30). Boot space was no great shakes, but overall space was fine. The immediate issue was the remainder of the interior. Sure, better than the Focus that it's based on, but frankly, still a good way behind my S60. So instead of lovely alloy doorhandles, has cheapo plastic alloy imitation units (that really really bugs me). Similar overall spec, but missing elements like the dual-zone climate (not a big deal).
So, onto the drive. The S60 feels like a motorised sofa, meaning a lovely relaxed ride, though with plenty of grip. Again, the V50 shows up it's Focus underpinnings. The steering is miles better, feels like a sportscar in comparison. Problem is that the resultant ride pogos all over the place on poor road surfaces, just not in the same league.
The car in question was a 2.4i (petrol). I did expect it to have a little grunt. Unfortunately I was spot on. Yes, it does have ...little grunt. Sure, the autobox didn't help, but my D5 felt more pokey. Additionally, the engine note was "odd" rather than cool like the howl from a BM straight six (which both myself and missus loved).
In short, yes I could exchange my S60 for a slightly older V50, but would probably need to spend £1k to do it, and would have a worse overall car. Hmm.
Now, where's that 3 series touring...
Either way, I've been investigating potential options, most of which have left me very underwhelmed. The obvious choice is a V70, I'm just conscious that they're not that cheap. So I've looked at a C class, which was really tacky inside, wouldn't touch an Audi with a bargepole just on principle, the Lexus IS sport was too compromised as an estate, liked the 3 series touring.
Today we went to check out a V50, which I did think could be intriguing. Slight smaller, but better packaged than the S60, with more front to rear legroom. Seats were basically the same, as was the steering wheel (shame, I preferred the one that's in say the C30). Boot space was no great shakes, but overall space was fine. The immediate issue was the remainder of the interior. Sure, better than the Focus that it's based on, but frankly, still a good way behind my S60. So instead of lovely alloy doorhandles, has cheapo plastic alloy imitation units (that really really bugs me). Similar overall spec, but missing elements like the dual-zone climate (not a big deal).
So, onto the drive. The S60 feels like a motorised sofa, meaning a lovely relaxed ride, though with plenty of grip. Again, the V50 shows up it's Focus underpinnings. The steering is miles better, feels like a sportscar in comparison. Problem is that the resultant ride pogos all over the place on poor road surfaces, just not in the same league.
The car in question was a 2.4i (petrol). I did expect it to have a little grunt. Unfortunately I was spot on. Yes, it does have ...little grunt. Sure, the autobox didn't help, but my D5 felt more pokey. Additionally, the engine note was "odd" rather than cool like the howl from a BM straight six (which both myself and missus loved).
In short, yes I could exchange my S60 for a slightly older V50, but would probably need to spend £1k to do it, and would have a worse overall car. Hmm.
Now, where's that 3 series touring...
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