First Volvo, my XC40

[Mike Oxlong]

Here in the UK my MY2020 XC40 came complete with DAB, FM and AM radio.

I haven't tried FM or AM and suspect I never will.

The DAB eats a lot of battery so FM/AM is useful if you're sat parked for a loooong time.

This is just scaremongering to fill a post on a forum with drivel.

I've been driving with DAB for over 10 years and have never had the need to use FM.

There's a slight difference in battery use due to the DAB processing requirement. But certainly nothing to broadcast (forgive the pun) about.

Using DAB is fine, no need to switch to other radio methods when parked up.

[VeeTee55]

The rollout of digital radio in the rural areas of Australia has been quite slow, so AM and FM still dominate out in the regions. I don't know what the program is for the eventual elimination of AM, but it still plays a big part in emergency warnings when fire or flood has affected phone and internet access, so I suspect it will be with us for a while yet. Digital works OK in Sydney but I get annoyed at the dropouts in valleys and sometimes near large buildings; maybe we haven't invested in enough towers. Volvo should have simply left AM radios in their Australian-spec cars.

[Chris John]

Here in the UK my MY2020 XC40 came complete with DAB, FM and AM radio.

I haven't tried FM or AM and suspect I never will.

The DAB eats a lot of battery so FM/AM is useful if you're sat parked for a loooong time.

Let me guess you don’t want electric windows because it’s more to go wrong!

[Proud Member]

Here in the UK my MY2020 XC40 came complete with DAB, FM and AM radio.

I haven't tried FM or AM and suspect I never will.

The DAB eats a lot of battery so FM/AM is useful if you're sat parked for a loooong time.

Let me guess you don’t want electric windows because it’s more to go wrong!

The trick is never to use your windows whether they are electrical or mechanical. That way they will never go wrong, such as getting stuck.

It's simple to open a door, but make sure it's the same door each time, there's no need to wear out all the hinges.

[DanishPastry]

[snip]
Let me guess you don’t want electric windows because it’s more to go wrong!

On the DAB issue... Two sides to every coin.
DAB does use several times more juice than FM to convert the radio signal to audio. Evidenced by portable radios quoting typically 2-4 times the stamina for playing FM vs DAB.
BUT... that power consumption is small compared to the power used to run the amp/speakers. And so irellevant. Even more so when the power source is a car battery, not a pair of AA batteries.

Addressing your point, I'm prepared to accept electric windows, although they are an unnecessary extra thing to go wrong. Turning a mechanical handle isn't hard, and removes a bunch of components and failure points.

I'm exasperated that the rear seat head restraints are only foldable (granting much improved rear vision) with the electric option.
My pal with an XC90 is exasperated that his glove box has to be opened electrically.

Part of this is down to manufacturers in an endless arms race to provide more and more features, even if they're not needed or wanted.

[Chris John]

[snip]
Let me guess you don’t want electric windows because it’s more to go wrong!

On the DAB issue... Two sides to every coin.
DAB does use several times more juice than FM to convert the radio signal to audio. Evidenced by portable radios quoting typically 2-4 times the stamina for playing FM vs DAB.
BUT... that power consumption is small compared to the power used to run the amp/speakers. And so irellevant. Even more so when the power source is a car battery, not a pair of AA batteries.

Addressing your point, I'm prepared to accept electric windows, although they are an unnecessary extra thing to go wrong. Turning a mechanical handle isn't hard, and removes a bunch of components and failure points.

I'm exasperated that the rear seat head restraints are only foldable (granting much improved rear vision) with the electric option.
My pal with an XC90 is exasperated that his glove box has to be opened electrically.

Part of this is down to manufacturers in an endless arms race to provide more and more features, even if they're not needed or wanted.

Ummmm.......I was being sarcastic!

[DanishPastry]

I sort of spotted that... But...

Thought a response was needed to Mike Oxlong's abrasive response to jamie307's comment about DAB eating battery.

Also, I do actually believe what I said about proliferation of unnecessary gadgets.
Mostly the marketing team dreaming up things to put on next year's Product Release, not what drivers have asked for?

[Muted]

I sort of spotted that... But...

Thought a response was needed to Mike Oxlong's abrasive response to jamie307's comment about DAB eating battery....

Mike Oxlong ?

I bet mine's longer