Volvo V40 Diesel

[Heman75]

merc......

Merc too. Volvo is nice but the driving feel, merc is much better although the seats are more comfortable in Volvo. merc more atas and road tax lower.

[7hm]

V40D2:

Likes:

- more spacious

- looks nicer (IMHO)

- keyless

- City safe

- individual left right air con controls

Dislikes:

- no electric seat

- no folding mirrors

- only rear parking sensors, no front sensors

- noisier

- diesel, which is new to us, unsure of performance and reliability and maintenance etc

 

I personally find the V40 very cramped, though the A180 isn't much better. As for styling, that is of course all to taste. I find the A-class looks far better from front angles, but the Swedes have the V40's rear very well sorted with the stylish, tall pillar tail lamps and hexagon rear window.

As for dual-zone aircon, yes... I've been criticizing Mercedes for not offering this as standard for most of their cars.

 

I wouldn't worry about diesel reliability. Taxis are running these things all the time. Performance is very different from a petrol - a diesel makes a shedload more torque, and makes it faster, but it doesn't climb the revs as easily. Top that off with a low redline and diesels do not make nearly as much power, despite their torque. In practice, a diesel will get off to a start far more easily, but it will be slower to reach high speeds. Compared to the A180, I'm sure the V40D2 will be much slower.

Due to the nature of DPF, if the daily drive involves a lot of expressway cruising without too much stop and go, the diesel will live long and satisfied. Using a diesel car for short weekend jaunts to the supermarket down the street will clog the DPF filter which will then eventually have to release a black cloud. So a petrol is always a sincere recommendation to those that do not expect to spend time on a highway, unless you are willing to actually go on a 15 minute 90~110km/h cruise specifically to clear the DPF.

 

 

A180:

Likes:

- Electric seats with memory for driver and front passenger

- auto folding mirrors

- front and rear parking sensors

- auto park, might not be using though

- reverse camera

- more modern cabin look

Dislikes:

- rear passenger compartment feels really cramped

- no keyless

- no auto brake like the V40's city safe

- no individual air con controls

- no familiar gear stick in the centre console

 

No keyless? Maybe you can request for the option... but $$$. I thought A180 comes with keyless, though.

Check the specification list, do you see something called COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS? This is Mercedes-Benz's equivalent version of City Safety. I was told the CLA-Class has it as standard, so I presumed the A-Class did as well.

The column mounted gear selector is the weirdest thing ever, yet it makes a lot of sense. Plus, it frees up center console space. Different stokes, I guess.

The more modern cabin look... haha, this is another aesthetic thing I don't agree with you on. But it's just the cluster of buttons on the center dash with the alphanumeric keypad. The rest of it is definitely more modern!

Overall I believe the Benz is a better fit for a lady in terms of outlook, as well as conveying far more status. In addition I believe it has more practical features that are of importance, such as the sensors and rear view camera. These are safety and not for parking, imo. As for park assist, I believe this is a feature that would be great to have even if you don't use it. You never know when you want that help.

 

 

 

Are both being offered at the same price? Maybe mention to your SEs that you are being offered so and so by so and so, see if they counteroffer.

Between these two though I would choose the A180. Or step up to A200 if possible... in addition, are you selecting A180 Style or A180 Urban? I thought the Urban spec has keyless. In addition I know the Urban spec has the ILS system which is great. V40D2 still using halogens without automatic leveling. Personally the lack of dynamic-cornering bi-xenons for the V40D2 is a turn off for me. The standard halogen reflector headlamps just don't complete the look... it looks just so much better with the LED tail lights as well.

On the other side of things, you can also consider the Audi A3? I'd hesitate to suggest the Lexus CT200h due to its much higher pricing and differing equipment and safety levels...

Edited June 17, 2015 by 7hm

[715]

Thanks guys for your comments.

 

7hm,

 

We sat in both cars a few times, the rear passenger seats of the V40 is slightly more spacious than the A180, the A180 feels quite claustrophobic for rear passengers IMHO.

 

I've driven long distances in diesel cars overseas many times and I love it. The main concern is my wife's low mileage driving pattern which I am afraid that might cause maintenance issues in the long run. She doesn't drive fast so speed is not a concern as well.

 

According to my SE, you can't option keyless for A. Even if you can, indent takes 6 months which we are not considering. There is no stock for Urban and that is on indent as well. Not looking beyond A180 for us at this moment. The A180 has some collision prevention in its features, it will flash a warning light on the dashboard but it will not auto brake.

 

We are not really bothered about Merc being perceived as more atas compared to Volvo, maybe because we really like the looks of the V40. The V40 is slightly cheaper than A180, so price is not a consideration as well. Not considering Audi and Lexus also.

 

The headache continues........

 

 

 

 

 

I personally find the V40 very cramped, though the A180 isn't much better. As for styling, that is of course all to taste. I find the A-class looks far better from front angles, but the Swedes have the V40's rear very well sorted with the stylish, tall pillar tail lamps and hexagon rear window.

As for dual-zone aircon, yes... I've been criticizing Mercedes for not offering this as standard for most of their cars.

 

I wouldn't worry about diesel reliability. Taxis are running these things all the time. Performance is very different from a petrol - a diesel makes a shedload more torque, and makes it faster, but it doesn't climb the revs as easily. Top that off with a low redline and diesels do not make nearly as much power, despite their torque. In practice, a diesel will get off to a start far more easily, but it will be slower to reach high speeds. Compared to the A180, I'm sure the V40D2 will be much slower.

Due to the nature of DPF, if the daily drive involves a lot of expressway cruising without too much stop and go, the diesel will live long and satisfied. Using a diesel car for short weekend jaunts to the supermarket down the street will clog the DPF filter which will then eventually have to release a black cloud. So a petrol is always a sincere recommendation to those that do not expect to spend time on a highway, unless you are willing to actually go on a 15 minute 90~110km/h cruise specifically to clear the DPF.

 

 

 

No keyless? Maybe you can request for the option... but $$$. I thought A180 comes with keyless, though.

Check the specification list, do you see something called COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS? This is Mercedes-Benz's equivalent version of City Safety. I was told the CLA-Class has it as standard, so I presumed the A-Class did as well.

The column mounted gear selector is the weirdest thing ever, yet it makes a lot of sense. Plus, it frees up center console space. Different stokes, I guess.

The more modern cabin look... haha, this is another aesthetic thing I don't agree with you on. But it's just the cluster of buttons on the center dash with the alphanumeric keypad. The rest of it is definitely more modern!
Overall I believe the Benz is a better fit for a lady in terms of outlook, as well as conveying far more status. In addition I believe it has more practical features that are of importance, such as the sensors and rear view camera. These are safety and not for parking, imo. As for park assist, I believe this is a feature that would be great to have even if you don't use it. You never know when you want that help.

 

 

 

Are both being offered at the same price? Maybe mention to your SEs that you are being offered so and so by so and so, see if they counteroffer.

Between these two though I would choose the A180. Or step up to A200 if possible... in addition, are you selecting A180 Style or A180 Urban? I thought the Urban spec has keyless. In addition I know the Urban spec has the ILS system which is great. V40D2 still using halogens without automatic leveling. Personally the lack of dynamic-cornering bi-xenons for the V40D2 is a turn off for me. The standard halogen reflector headlamps just don't complete the look... it looks just so much better with the LED tail lights as well.

On the other side of things, you can also consider the Audi A3? I'd hesitate to suggest the Lexus CT200h due to its much higher pricing and differing equipment and safety levels...

 

[7hm]

Thanks guys for your comments.

 

7hm,

 

We sat in both cars a few times, the rear passenger seats of the V40 is slightly more spacious than the A180, the A180 feels quite claustrophobic for rear passengers IMHO.

 

I've driven long distances in diesel cars overseas many times and I love it. The main concern is my wife's low mileage driving pattern which I am afraid that might cause maintenance issues in the long run. She doesn't drive fast so speed is not a concern as well.

 

According to my SE, you can't option keyless for A. Even if you can, indent takes 6 months which we are not considering. There is no stock for Urban and that is on indent as well. Not looking beyond A180 for us at this moment. The A180 has some collision prevention in its features, it will flash a warning light on the dashboard but it will not auto brake.

 

We are not really bothered about Merc being perceived as more atas compared to Volvo, maybe because we really like the looks of the V40. The V40 is slightly cheaper than A180, so price is not a consideration as well. Not considering Audi and Lexus also.

 

The headache continues........

 

Due to your expectation of her driving pattern I believe most will recommend the petrol A180. Unfortunately there isn't a car here that will fit your exact requirements, unless you are willing to step up to V40 Cross Country T4, I would think. Another option I could offer is a pre-owned V40 T4 R-Design.

 

As the V40D2 is a ... er, sort of a bargain-basement option in Volvo's line up, it is really sparse on equipment, so niceties like the adaptive LCD instrument display, electric seats, 7" Sensus, all are removed. Furthermore I think they pared the spec level down even more for SEA games car. Ask for non-SEA games car, maybe those have electric seats.

 

As for A180, it's also a bargain-basement model for Benz... it's the Benz for those who really must have a Benz but can't afford, or refuse, to spend more. Personally I would only go for a A-class in urban trim, or if they still had the A220 CDI (diesel) I would have chosen that (no longer brought in).

 

Seeing as aesthetic value seems to be a strong point for you both, I can then say that the V40 will probably leave you, and her, happy. But as with before, the diesel engine may not be suitable for the expected usage, and the A180's lack of keyless functionality (completely no keyless? not even entry?) is, in my view, a single major blemish versus the other points. The car will be quieter and probably drive better as well.

Regarding the rear passenger compartment, is this an important factor as you have kids who will be seated there? I believe the A-class has rather upright rear seats, which does change the sensation of space some, as well as the fact that its rear windows are small. Physical room though in my opinion is alright. Another point against the V40 in my opinion is that its boot is both small and awkwardly shaped.

 

As for collision warning, I suppose that's better than nothing. City Safety make work quite well, but I wouldn't rely on it. I've asked about it here myself and the general consensus is; it works, but it doesn't warn you fully, and it causes quite a jarring stop. But, as with any safety feature of this type, I greatly appreciate its presence.

Edited June 17, 2015 by 7hm

[Eyke]

V40 should be able to install front sensors after buying, not sure if can install folding mirrors after though; can confirm with your salesperson.

 

MB A-Class butt is quite ugly, no keyless and no autobrake collision-avoidance is deal-breaker for me.

[Eyke]

City Safety make work quite well, but I wouldn't rely on it. I've asked about it here myself and the general consensus is; it works, but it doesn't warn you fully, and it causes quite a jarring stop. But, as with any safety feature of this type, I greatly appreciate its presence.

to avoid collision City Safety brakes max and really no point for warning as you won't have enough time to react anyway, and is also on purpose as they do not want you to rely on it for normal braking.

 

City Safety is not Adaptive Cruise Control where it auto brakes gently to maintain distance.

[7hm]

Well, I prefer a warning->assist->emergency-self-stop process, as on the Mondeo. Though generally I keep a pretty wide following distance so I don't expect to trigger autonomous systems too often.

 

Way I see it, if the car has a warning system, I can at least respond out of my own accord to said warning before the car takes over. But different stokes.

[715]

Thanks guys for all your comments. Looks like we have to give the V40 a miss :(

 

Will hit the showrooms again and make a decision soon.

 

Cheers!

 

BTW Cat A COE just dropped 5k!

[Koko]

 

Wah the SE seems quite rude eh. One thing about Volvo showroom the SEs really quite bochup.

 

They have different approach method ba... and actually i quite like it...

 

I went to other showrooms.... the SE keeps pestering... I already said I see see look look first, the SE walked away... then came another SE... piang..!! somemore they scared you damage their car... I don want to mentioned what brand of the car... the SE really dog eye.... no doubt I am wearing a bermuda and a safra finishing tee...

 

I went to wowo showroom, the SE greeted, I told them I see see look look.... they said ok, if i have any query, feel free to approached them at the counter... that I like the most... i played around the display model etc... once i step out, with my body language needed assistance, the counter lady ask one of the SE approached me... ask for 3 rounds of test drive with 2 different model... (waited average of 15 min, as weekend quite crowded)...

 

So far, wowo give me the best impression... my opinion only...

[tyco_kia]

 

They have different approach method ba... and actually i quite like it...

 

I went to other showrooms.... the SE keeps pestering... I already said I see see look look first, the SE walked away... then came another SE... piang..!! somemore they scared you damage their car... I don want to mentioned what brand of the car... the SE really dog eye.... no doubt I am wearing a bermuda and a safra finishing tee...

 

I went to wowo showroom, the SE greeted, I told them I see see look look.... they said ok, if i have any query, feel free to approached them at the counter... that I like the most... i played around the display model etc... once i step out, with my body language needed assistance, the counter lady ask one of the SE approached me... ask for 3 rounds of test drive with 2 different model... (waited average of 15 min, as weekend quite crowded)...

 

So far, wowo give me the best impression... my opinion only...

 

It is actually bad customer service if the SE don't approach you and serve you so don't be alarmed or think otherwise if they are enthusiastic cos they also want to do their job and earn a living.

 

For me, if I see SE don't serve me, I feel then it's really dog eye cos it seems they can't be bothered about me or think I won't buy car. This kind of showroom I won't bother going back again.

 

But whatever rocks your boat lah.

[El_ton]

some Noob question to ask abt,

How do i actually gauge the DPF auto regen state been driving to work most of the time only.

Cruise or Speed alittle as n when i can but not more den 5km on hw Abt 90-120km/hr

 

 

 

 

Lastly any bros out there encounter Ticking sounds from under the driver seat when apply brakes or do harder acceleration.. seems like some bolt or nut is loose underneath when driving.

 

Thanks in adv

 

 

 

[E60F30]

Hi everyone,

 

My very first post in this forum, and I am really glad that I've found this thread (still trying to read through all 800+ posts!).

 

We are torn between the V40D2 (not cross country) and the Merc A180 Style, the car is for my wife.

 

Overall, we prefer the V40 as it feels more spacious and it has keyless (which is important to my wife) compared to the Merc. We also feel that the V40 looks nicer than the A180, maybe we are the odd ones out!

 

The only drawback is that the V40 is diesel and it has a noisier drive. During the test drive, I find that the engine 'droning' sound is quite loud even at low speed.

 

But after reading some of the posts here, it seems like the gear shifts are not very smooth and there are other problems relating to DPF etc, which really worries us.

My wife doesn't drive much daily, the car will only be used on weekdays and max should be about 500km per month. So the FC savings is not really relevant to us.

 

We have compiled a list of what we like and dislike about both cars:

 

V40D2:

Likes:

- more spacious

- looks nicer (IMHO)

- keyless

- City safe

- individual left right air con controls

Dislikes:

- no electric seat

- no folding mirrors

- only rear parking sensors, no front sensors

- noisier

- diesel, which is new to us, unsure of performance and reliability and maintenance etc

 

A180:

Likes:

- Electric seats with memory for driver and front passenger

- auto folding mirrors

- front and rear parking sensors

- auto park, might not be using though

- reverse camera

- more modern cabin look

Dislikes:

- rear passenger compartment feels really cramped

- no keyless

- no auto brake like the V40's city safe

- no individual air con controls

- no familiar gear stick in the centre console

 

We have owned both Volvo and Merc before, and are comfortable with either brands.

 

But now we are really having a hard time deciding which car to buy.

 

All comments and opinions are welcome. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

Have you considered the bmw 1 series? The LCI has been released and should reach our shores soon.

LCI looks way better than the current angry bird look.

 

It has most of your wants

- Keyless

- Dual zone climate control

- Gear stick in the centre console (Good looking one too!)

- Electric seats

- Folding mirrors

- 8 speed gearbox

- Xenon headlights

 

However based on how my car came speced you shouldn't expect these

- Front parking sensors

- City driving/auto braking

- Reverse cam depending on which line you go for. Business line is barebones model so shouldn't have. Luxury/sport line should have.

 

IMO not worth it to get a diesel. You'll be paying more for road tax which people offset with cheaper fuel. Given that your wife drives very little, it doesn't make sense to get a diesel.

 

I was deciding between A class, CLA, S60 and 3 Series.

 

Ended up with the 3 series for the looks and drive.

 

A/CLA interior quality is quite bad. Just feel the air con knobs and lower half of the cabin.

[7hm]

some Noob question to ask abt,

How do i actually gauge the DPF auto regen state been driving to work most of the time only.

Cruise or Speed alittle as n when i can but not more den 5km on hw Abt 90-120km/hr

 

 

Lastly any bros out there encounter Ticking sounds from under the driver seat when apply brakes or do harder acceleration.. seems like some bolt or nut is loose underneath when driving.

 

Thanks in adv

 

think this page is relevant to all would-be diesel drivers or diesel drivers not in the know:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html

 

from what I understand in this article, diesel cars ought to have a DPF warning light which indicates when it could do with a highway cruise.

Recommend consulting your car's user manual.

[El_ton]

Thank 7hm, i should go read up the user manual more.. only flipped once to know that theres tyre pressure sensor but not installed on my ride

 

[715]

 

Have you considered the bmw 1 series? The LCI has been released and should reach our shores soon.

LCI looks way better than the current angry bird look.

 

It has most of your wants

- Keyless

- Dual zone climate control

- Gear stick in the centre console (Good looking one too!)

- Electric seats

- Folding mirrors

- 8 speed gearbox

- Xenon headlights

 

However based on how my car came speced you shouldn't expect these

- Front parking sensors

- City driving/auto braking

- Reverse cam depending on which line you go for. Business line is barebones model so shouldn't have. Luxury/sport line should have.

 

IMO not worth it to get a diesel. You'll be paying more for road tax which people offset with cheaper fuel. Given that your wife drives very little, it doesn't make sense to get a diesel.

 

I was deciding between A class, CLA, S60 and 3 Series.

 

Ended up with the 3 series for the looks and drive.

 

A/CLA interior quality is quite bad. Just feel the air con knobs and lower half of the cabin.

 

Thanks for your recommendations. I didn't know that the new 1 is coming. When are they launching it? Anyway we will not be going for a BMW this time round, we had E39, E46 and now E60, and is looking for a change. Will most likely confirm the A this weekend.

 

I was in Europe 3 weeks ago and drove a 520d. Drove 2000km and only pumped 140litres of diesel with pretty aggressive driving, amazing FC. I did not notice any differences in the diesel car compared to the petrol cars that I've driven. Good torque, no problems overtaking and doing average 150-180kmh on the highways. Enjoyed the car for that 2 weeks.

 

BTW, the F30 is a nice car. Good choice!

[Keromond]

A180 on offer now,,,136k...with service credits..hmm, price good?

[Skrukawa]

 

Thanks for your recommendations. I didn't know that the new 1 is coming. When are they launching it? Anyway we will not be going for a BMW this time round, we had E39, E46 and now E60, and is looking for a change. Will most likely confirm the A this weekend.

 

I was in Europe 3 weeks ago and drove a 520d. Drove 2000km and only pumped 140litres of diesel with pretty aggressive driving, amazing FC. I did not notice any differences in the diesel car compared to the petrol cars that I've driven. Good torque, no problems overtaking and doing average 150-180kmh on the highways. Enjoyed the car for that 2 weeks.

 

BTW, the F30 is a nice car. Good choice!

how about a V60? Have u consider it as well? I think there's still sea games promo avail.

[7hm]

A180 on offer now,,,136k...with service credits..hmm, price good?

Price almost competing with Golf 1.4 liao! But this is for Style trim right? If 136k for Urban trim can hoot, price not bad... but sure wait long long for your car