Location: Scotland
Date: 17 Sep, 2023
Distance: 110km
Up front: The portrait touch screen in useful for navigation with built-in Google Maps, but it really annoying that all the features are built into the screen. For example, it’s impossible to see the map while changing the climate control settings. The screen also doesn’t give any tactile feedback, taking the driver’s eyes off the road.
Volvo has gone the tree-hugging no-leather route so all you’ll get is scratchy plastic, shiny piano black, and squidgy polyurethane. There also is a bit of brushed metal that feels really cold. There’s play of hlshoulder room, but leg room is lacking as the wheel well intrudes into legroom. This entry-level SUV does not come with standard a powered passenger side seat or a tilt adjustable headrest.
In the back: two adults will do fine for trips of any length, but rear child seats are difficult to install because the door doesn’t open a full 90 degrees. There’s also a little wing on the edge of the door jutting out so the door can’t be opened too wide in a parking lot. The Isofix anchor points are covered but it’s easy to lose the unhinged plastic covers.
The boot has enough space for a family of four for a day trip, but I wouldn’t advise it for anything more than that.
Driving: It’s great on highway and interurban trips achieving more than 40mpg. It’s quiet and composed over bumps with the ability to inspire confidence on wet roads. However, it under steers around steep corners and has atrocious rear visibility with a thick C pillar. Parking with the 360 camera helps, but if you have to default to the camera then it’s worthwhile to rethink your choice.
