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T5 performance questions

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 4:18 pm
by johnd
Not being able to get a test in a T5 at present, I'm trying to get a sense of T5 performance/ride/handling from all the reviews out there. But - probably inevitably - some of the reviews seem a bit contradictory. So would anyone here like to comment? Questions are:

For anyone used to driving higher-powered cars, how does the performance feel? Is it good (eg for A-road overtakes) or merely OK? I know that it's all relative and T5 might feel great to those used to driving lower power cars, but for those with more performance experience? Just a shame that no-one seems to measure/quote 30-70 times any more.

Some reviewers comment that the T5 auto box changes well, while others say still a bit laggy, though I can't make out whether this is initially moving away from a stop eg at a junction or eg asking for more power on the move. I'm guessing that Polestar should improve the gearbox calibration - anyone able to confirm from experience?

Finding the Volvo (UK?) insistence on lumping certain options together a nuisance. eg paddles and sports suspension only on R-Design but then a black roof is unavoidable (black mark) and if I go Pro (which is more cost-effective for the options I want) then 20" wheels also seem mandatory, which presumably isn't optimal for road noise or ride. So, OK go down the Inspiration route but it sounds like the ride might then be a little on the soft and wallowy side (and no paddles available!). Tempted by adaptive dampers on the Inscription but at least one review says that these make the ride worse, which seems odd - is that really right?

Any comments on T5 performance/ride/handling welcome, especially if any Polestar experience.

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:14 pm
by Geoff
I have a T5 First Edition with Polestar upgrade. Previously had Skoda Octavia Vrs Petrol and Jag XJS. Have also had various Jags, TVR etc. Re performance of the T5. Generally been fine. Obviously the SUV aspects of the car have to be taken into account. You are aware of the effect of the height and weight. Straight line it is fine. Rolls a bit in the corners. The gearbox is slightly hesitant. After having the Polestar upgrade with the car in Dynamic mode I am aware of the improvement in in gear performance. The gearbox is much improved. On motorways the car is great and easily achieves whatever cruising speed you want. Fuel consumption is not great however. Have had the car for 8 mths and done 9500 miles, ave consumption 25 mpg. Overall the performance is as expected. Polestar upgrade worth it for the improvements in the gearbox alone. Just be aware of the handling if you hustle the car around corners.

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:36 pm
by johnd
OK, thanks that's interesting and what I was hoping to hear. Couple of follow-ups:

Is it an R-Design or Inscription (or should FE tell me??). I'm guessing probably R Design, so the excess roll when cornering is still noticeable with the sports suspension? Wonder whether the adaptive dampers would make much difference (but still concerned by the comment that they might make the ride significantly worse).

The mpg doesn't surprise me and wouldn't put me off, though I wouldn't routinely want to see below 25mpg (is that real or indicated?). Is it right that Polestar only comes into effect in Dynamic mode, in which case some control over mpg would be possible by staying in Comfort mode for commutes etc, but using Dynamic more for eg weekend enjoyment?

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:00 am
by andygou
johnd wrote: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:36 pm OK, thanks that's interesting and what I was hoping to hear. Couple of follow-ups:

Is it an R-Design or Inscription (or should FE tell me??). I'm guessing probably R Design, so the excess roll when cornering is still noticeable with the sports suspension? Wonder whether the adaptive dampers would make much difference (but still concerned by the comment that they might make the ride significantly worse).

The mpg doesn't surprise me and wouldn't put me off, though I wouldn't routinely want to see below 25mpg (is that real or indicated?). Is it right that Polestar only comes into effect in Dynamic mode, in which case some control over mpg would be possible by staying in Comfort mode for commutes etc, but using Dynamic more for eg weekend enjoyment?
Indicated mpg (via the On Call App) on my T5 is a bit optimistic: it currently shows 34mpg compared to 31.7mpg from Fuelly (which tracks actual fill-up data).

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:14 pm
by PC40
FE was the original specification. Basically a T5 R design with just about every extra as standard. It has R design sport suspension as adaptive suspension was not available at the time.
The car is certainly quick in a straight line. I’ve had an original Subaru Impreza Turbo new back in 2000. My son had a mk5 Golf R32 which I drove, also a 350z so I have experience of some other quick cars. I don’t find the roll to bad but you have to remember that the car is tall and wide so doesn’t lend itself to being thrown around the country lanes.
I usually drive in Eco mode which is normally ok, although sometimes sluggish to get going initially, but then takes off quickly

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:26 pm
by johnd
Thanks again - more useful info. Just to be clear, I'm absolutely not expecting an XC40 to be on a par with eg a Golf R for B road handling and the purpose of getting one is certainly not to try track-day antics on the local roads.

But my benchmark would be a Macan SD (which I currently run) or eg the new Q3 S-Line or a Seat Ateca) - in other words something that's definitely a compact SUV (depending on your definition of compact :) ) with - inevitably - a higher centre of gravity, but one that you can still navigate safely along country roads at a reasonable clip.

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 11:45 pm
by Geoff
Yep, the Polestar upgrade comes in with the Dynamic Mode. Something else to consider with the Polestar upgrade is that it adjusts the drive so that more goes to the rear, no idea how it does it but it does. Doesn’t seem to make that much difference which driving mode I am in to what the mpg is. What has blown me away is all the tech on the car, the adaptive cruise control and lane guidance is superb for motorway driving. The overhead camera system is great as makes parking a doddle. You very quickly get used to how to use the central display so that it becomes second nature to swipe whichever way is required. Not so sure about the seat comfort though which came as a surprise.

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 6:29 pm
by GerVO
Hello, I would just like to mention that my T5 AWD sometimes feels like “locked” in a track. And the lane departure Warning system is “off”...I often feel a sort of hurdle and or friction in the steering wheel while changing lanes. Next when taking a short curve even at low speed, sometimes the front part of the car seems to skidd for no reason. I didn’t lose it, and it comes back into its track easily but I reported this to my dealer, they will get back to me ASAP.

Re: T5 performance questions

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 7:35 pm
by GerVO

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On the performance of the T5 AWD the following (see attachments)