Discussion
Hi there.
I have had Alfa's for the past 6 years. Currently have a 159 TI 2.0jtdm Sport-wagon and a GT V6 3.2 for fun. Looking to consolidate in to one car and want a performance estate. The V60 Polestar 3 litre looks to be a good car, quick and under the radar. Thoughts on this appreciated. What's going to be the main difference between driving the 3 N/A 6 cylinder and the 2 litre supercharged turbo?
Thanks,
Iain
I have had Alfa's for the past 6 years. Currently have a 159 TI 2.0jtdm Sport-wagon and a GT V6 3.2 for fun. Looking to consolidate in to one car and want a performance estate. The V60 Polestar 3 litre looks to be a good car, quick and under the radar. Thoughts on this appreciated. What's going to be the main difference between driving the 3 N/A 6 cylinder and the 2 litre supercharged turbo?
Thanks,
Iain
Current, run out, S60s are built on the same platform as the current Mondeo. None the worst for that as it in turn derives from the original Ford era, but Volvo designed series 1 S60/V70 P2 underpinnings.
The original 6 pot p* had a now discontinued Ford Bridgend built 6 pot engine combined with an earlier 6 speed Aisin Warner box. The current one has Volvo's own 4 pot VEA engine with the latest 8 speed AW box. Suspension is Ohlins, the lighter 4 pot engine bringing some welcome improvements in poise and handling. Many very irritated owners on account of really intollerable tyre noise which Volvo have no interest whatsoever in addressing.
Polestar has, in itself to date, a short, shabby history conflating all manner of the considerable motorsport achievements of others going back to the Safari rally win of Joginda Singh, through the magnificent 240 turbos and on to Prodrive enginered and run S60s under this fabricated entity.
The S60 p*s have their loyal, some long suffering followers in this country. But be aware that no one values them anywhere near the prices that Volvo have myopically set as 'list'. They, and this p* entity have none of the very considerable provenance associated with their would be competitors.........
Don.
PS. we might be passing in opposite directions as we are both in Bucks...., having just bought a Giulia Quadrifoglio after nigh on 20 years of
mainly Volvo ownership......
PPS I should add that the considerations are the lower prices of the earlier 6 pots, maybe the longer life expectancy of those engines set against the improvement in handling of the later cars coming from their lighter engines, the improvements in the latest AW 'box. Much discussion in the Volvo community about the longevity of the VEA engines with the highest outputs...Properly set up the Ohlins suspension is up with the very best.
The original 6 pot p* had a now discontinued Ford Bridgend built 6 pot engine combined with an earlier 6 speed Aisin Warner box. The current one has Volvo's own 4 pot VEA engine with the latest 8 speed AW box. Suspension is Ohlins, the lighter 4 pot engine bringing some welcome improvements in poise and handling. Many very irritated owners on account of really intollerable tyre noise which Volvo have no interest whatsoever in addressing.
Polestar has, in itself to date, a short, shabby history conflating all manner of the considerable motorsport achievements of others going back to the Safari rally win of Joginda Singh, through the magnificent 240 turbos and on to Prodrive enginered and run S60s under this fabricated entity.
The S60 p*s have their loyal, some long suffering followers in this country. But be aware that no one values them anywhere near the prices that Volvo have myopically set as 'list'. They, and this p* entity have none of the very considerable provenance associated with their would be competitors.........
Don.
PS. we might be passing in opposite directions as we are both in Bucks...., having just bought a Giulia Quadrifoglio after nigh on 20 years of
mainly Volvo ownership......
PPS I should add that the considerations are the lower prices of the earlier 6 pots, maybe the longer life expectancy of those engines set against the improvement in handling of the later cars coming from their lighter engines, the improvements in the latest AW 'box. Much discussion in the Volvo community about the longevity of the VEA engines with the highest outputs...Properly set up the Ohlins suspension is up with the very best.
Edited by norchi on Sunday 26th November 10:14
Edited by norchi on Sunday 26th November 10:16
I have had mine for about 6 weeks now
It’s great
It’s quite noisy in a good way
It fits everything I need into it
You will probably never see another one unless you go to one of the owners club meets
There quick, surprisingly quick,
Best seats ever and fully loaded, the kids love the heated rear seats
It will be cheaper to run than most of the others in that bracket by a considerable amount, however it’s quite thirsty.
The gearbox isn’t a whip crack like a dual clutch one, but I’m not that much of a driving god I notice to be honest
The only downside i feel is it’s a heavy old barge and it’s not as nimble as the competition, but like I said I’m no driving god
It will surprise everything away from the lights as most people think it’s a coal burner
Oh and radar cruise is the best thing ever !
And blue ones are quicker than the other colours
It’s great
It’s quite noisy in a good way
It fits everything I need into it
You will probably never see another one unless you go to one of the owners club meets
There quick, surprisingly quick,
Best seats ever and fully loaded, the kids love the heated rear seats
It will be cheaper to run than most of the others in that bracket by a considerable amount, however it’s quite thirsty.
The gearbox isn’t a whip crack like a dual clutch one, but I’m not that much of a driving god I notice to be honest
The only downside i feel is it’s a heavy old barge and it’s not as nimble as the competition, but like I said I’m no driving god
It will surprise everything away from the lights as most people think it’s a coal burner
Oh and radar cruise is the best thing ever !
And blue ones are quicker than the other colours
Edited by Krise on Monday 27th November 18:50
Krise said:
Oh and radar cruise is the best thing ever !
And blue ones are quicker than the other colours
Does the reg end with "V"? If so that's the very same Volvo Press car I had a drive in back in Nov 2014 and posted a review here!And blue ones are quicker than the other colours
Edited by Krise on Monday 27th November 18:50
Just picked this up for an extended test drive so will post my thoughts in due course!
Edited by T4RRR on Sunday 10th December 19:08
Yup mine was a press car
VBH sat in my seat and was slightly excited 😂
https://youtu.be/n9dVsS2XaHE
VBH sat in my seat and was slightly excited 😂
https://youtu.be/n9dVsS2XaHE
I bought my 3ltr Polestar back in May. I came from a stage 2 tuned B7 Audi RS4 and a standard BMW 330d M-sport touring.
The Polestar is a good car. A very good car. It doesn't sound as good as the RS4 did, and doesn't have the economy the 330d had, but what it does have is that it flies under the radar - it is one of the ultimate Q' cars, and as said earlier, will suprise most things away from the lights (if you are that way inclined - I got bored of all that in the Audi). That's why I bought it - working in Birmingham the threat of having the RS4 'jacked from me was an ever present threat! The Volvo is supremely comfortable on long drives (I've done a 1000 mile Midlands to Le Mans and back trip, and a 5 day 1500 mile tour around Scotland in it - not once did my back feel like it needed a chiropractor!). One downside I've found is that as they are so rare, should you need parts for it you are really limited to where you can go - Volvo, Elk Performance or the US seem to be about it. Mine is due brake disk and pad replacements soon (rears are getting very close to the limit and are being done next week - the prices from Elk were very good compared to Volvo, but I can't wait until the start of Jan for the parts to be delivered as I don't think they'll last, so a trip to Volvo it is). The other downside I've found is that while there are lots of independent Audi / BMW specialists, there aren't many Volvo specialists (certainly in the Midlands), which means we are a captive audience for main dealer prices.
All that being said - I love the car. I love how I've not seen another one 'in the wild'. I love that to 99% of people it is just a Volvo until you put your foot down. I love that its so bloody comfy. I love that in sport mode (which it stays in 99% of the time) it sounds really good!
The Polestar is a good car. A very good car. It doesn't sound as good as the RS4 did, and doesn't have the economy the 330d had, but what it does have is that it flies under the radar - it is one of the ultimate Q' cars, and as said earlier, will suprise most things away from the lights (if you are that way inclined - I got bored of all that in the Audi). That's why I bought it - working in Birmingham the threat of having the RS4 'jacked from me was an ever present threat! The Volvo is supremely comfortable on long drives (I've done a 1000 mile Midlands to Le Mans and back trip, and a 5 day 1500 mile tour around Scotland in it - not once did my back feel like it needed a chiropractor!). One downside I've found is that as they are so rare, should you need parts for it you are really limited to where you can go - Volvo, Elk Performance or the US seem to be about it. Mine is due brake disk and pad replacements soon (rears are getting very close to the limit and are being done next week - the prices from Elk were very good compared to Volvo, but I can't wait until the start of Jan for the parts to be delivered as I don't think they'll last, so a trip to Volvo it is). The other downside I've found is that while there are lots of independent Audi / BMW specialists, there aren't many Volvo specialists (certainly in the Midlands), which means we are a captive audience for main dealer prices.
All that being said - I love the car. I love how I've not seen another one 'in the wild'. I love that to 99% of people it is just a Volvo until you put your foot down. I love that its so bloody comfy. I love that in sport mode (which it stays in 99% of the time) it sounds really good!
mustdash said:
All that being said - I love the car. I love how I've not seen another one 'in the wild'. I love that to 99% of people it is just a Volvo until you put your foot down. I love that its so bloody comfy. I love that in sport mode (which it stays in 99% of the time) it sounds really good!
I completely agree with all those sentiments - the reason I want one is precisely because it ISN'T an AMG, M or RS of some description! The P* isn't going to break any records but it's a helluva fun way of getting from A to B and flies under the radar. Through the generosity of some friends at Volvo UK, I've now had a 3L, MY17 2.0 and MY18 2.0 car on loan for a full week each, and for me personally, the MY18 is the one to have, so much so that I'm now actively looking to buy one!On the topic of independents in your area, you won't do better than to take your car to Tim Williams - his workshop is in the Markfield / Coalville area and a number of P* owners already take their cars to him for non-warranty related work.
Oh, and the world is a very small place....have a look at my profile and you'll see why!
Edited by T4RRR on Wednesday 20th December 18:56
Edited by T4RRR on Wednesday 20th December 18:59
T4RRR said:
Through the generosity of some friends at Volvo UK, I've now had a 3L, MY17 2.0 and MY18 2.0 car on loan for a full week each, and for me personally, the MY18 is the one to have, so much so that I'm now actively looking to buy one!
What are the spec differences between the MY17 and MY18? Did they feel that different to drive or sit in?Edited by T4RRR on Wednesday 20th December 18:56
Edited by T4RRR on Wednesday 20th December 18:59
T4RRR said:
On the topic of independents in your area, you won't do better than to take your car to Tim Williams - his workshop is in the Markfield / Coalville area and a number of P* owners already take their cars to him for non-warranty related work.
Oh, and the world is a very small place....have a look at my profile and you'll see why!
Ah ha! Just checked your profile! Small world indeed! I may be needing those disks from you after all..... ;-) Oh, and the world is a very small place....have a look at my profile and you'll see why!
I am unable to find any details on Google for Tim Williams (or any independants in the Midlands). If you have them to hand, that'd be great!
ucb said:
What are the spec differences between the MY17 and MY18? Did they feel that different to drive or sit in?
The engine and drivetrain are exactly the same. There is some additional stitching on the seats, there's the Limited Edition sill plate numbering (photo attached), Bursting Blue has been added as a colour to the P* range, and of course there's the genuine Carbon Fibre aero kit. The front brake pad compound has also been revised and "uprated". Finally, Michelin Acoustic tyres have been implemented to combat the tyre noise which so many owners have complained about.The car definitely feels different to drive when compared to the MY17 one I test drove in August. When pressing on, it is much more stable. The brake pad upgrade is also tangible as one of my biggest complaints with the previous cars was that the brakes lacked feel once you started doing repeated hard stops.
I think all-in-all, the MY18 is for me the best all round, and fastest package out of the box, but it does of course lack the glorious 6-cyl soundtrack of the 3-litre cars.
mustdash said:
Ah ha! Just checked your profile! Small world indeed! I may be needing those disks from you after all..... ;-)
I am unable to find any details on Google for Tim Williams (or any independants in the Midlands). If you have them to hand, that'd be great!
Haha....no problem and please do feel free to get in touch as and when needed. I am unable to find any details on Google for Tim Williams (or any independants in the Midlands). If you have them to hand, that'd be great!
I'll email you Tim's contact details - he doesn't post his contact details online because the there is always a huge demand for his expertise, and it is therefore much easier for his details to be passed around by word of mouth.
Little bit late to the thread, but I've had my 3.0-liter since October, and absolutely love it. I too have had several Alfas in the past, including a 3.2 V6 and, personally, think there a quite a few similarities between the Busso and the straight-six in this; similar red line and linear climb through the revs, an accompanying sonorous exhaust note, and a decent shove in the back throughout the rev range. Not the fastest, most economical or technically advanced car in the world, but just has that little something that makes the corners of your mouth turn upward when you drive it...
Don't get me wrong, it is a flawed car - fuel economy is woeful (though I take full responsibility for it averaging 21.1....having unplugged the active exhaust module so it's asbo loud 24/7), it's heavy to the point that you can feel the weight, it understeers noticeably, the ride quality is truly dreadful, and the gearbox is a throwback to the 80's... But I wouldn't change it for the world, as despite all of that, it ticks every other box I wanted in a car, and I still think that it's one of the best looking estates out there. The seats are supremely comfortable, it's beyond solidly built, well insulated, and the spec list is excessive. And it appears I have a penchant for shouty, 4WD, turbocharged, understeering cars so perhaps it was inevitable I ended up in one;
My only major gripe is with the car visually; the 20" wheels look ridiculous from any angle and despite the sills being level, the larger front arch really messes with my eyes when looking at it in profile as it appears to be sitting lower at the back than the front. Even though it isn't... But when that's the sole thing that really annoys you about a car, it's really can't be that bad at all.
Don't get me wrong, it is a flawed car - fuel economy is woeful (though I take full responsibility for it averaging 21.1....having unplugged the active exhaust module so it's asbo loud 24/7), it's heavy to the point that you can feel the weight, it understeers noticeably, the ride quality is truly dreadful, and the gearbox is a throwback to the 80's... But I wouldn't change it for the world, as despite all of that, it ticks every other box I wanted in a car, and I still think that it's one of the best looking estates out there. The seats are supremely comfortable, it's beyond solidly built, well insulated, and the spec list is excessive. And it appears I have a penchant for shouty, 4WD, turbocharged, understeering cars so perhaps it was inevitable I ended up in one;
My only major gripe is with the car visually; the 20" wheels look ridiculous from any angle and despite the sills being level, the larger front arch really messes with my eyes when looking at it in profile as it appears to be sitting lower at the back than the front. Even though it isn't... But when that's the sole thing that really annoys you about a car, it's really can't be that bad at all.
Nice cars everyone. Love the Polestar Blue.
I've had mine for just over a week. I have a 2015 3.0 Ltr V60 P*. It is an absolutely cracking car. I have owned several Audi S and RS models including a C7 RS6 last year. No joke, the RS6 was nowhere near as exciting or well built as this car. The straight 6 engine is a total gem. The stock exhaust is fantastic in sport mode. I haven't disconnected the valves.
It is exceptionally well built and the seats are wonderful. The suspension is hard but I am going to try some softer settings on the Ohlins dampers (they are 20-way adjustable I believe). Agree with the points on the gearbox and fuel economy although the latter is no worse than my Passat CC R36.
It really doesn't feel 200+ bhp down on the RS6 and actually feels much quicker than my B7 RS4 ever did. I am so surprised at how much character the car has and the sleeper status is a big bonus. Can take it to work and noone bats an eyelid.
I've had mine for just over a week. I have a 2015 3.0 Ltr V60 P*. It is an absolutely cracking car. I have owned several Audi S and RS models including a C7 RS6 last year. No joke, the RS6 was nowhere near as exciting or well built as this car. The straight 6 engine is a total gem. The stock exhaust is fantastic in sport mode. I haven't disconnected the valves.
It is exceptionally well built and the seats are wonderful. The suspension is hard but I am going to try some softer settings on the Ohlins dampers (they are 20-way adjustable I believe). Agree with the points on the gearbox and fuel economy although the latter is no worse than my Passat CC R36.
It really doesn't feel 200+ bhp down on the RS6 and actually feels much quicker than my B7 RS4 ever did. I am so surprised at how much character the car has and the sleeper status is a big bonus. Can take it to work and noone bats an eyelid.
alex_123_fra said:
Nice cars everyone. Love the Polestar Blue.
I've had mine for just over a week. I have a 2015 3.0 Ltr V60 P*. It is an absolutely cracking car. I have owned several Audi S and RS models including a C7 RS6 last year. No joke, the RS6 was nowhere near as exciting or well built as this car. The straight 6 engine is a total gem. The stock exhaust is fantastic in sport mode. I haven't disconnected the valves.
It is exceptionally well built and the seats are wonderful. The suspension is hard but I am going to try some softer settings on the Ohlins dampers (they are 20-way adjustable I believe). Agree with the points on the gearbox and fuel economy although the latter is no worse than my Passat CC R36.
It really doesn't feel 200+ bhp down on the RS6 and actually feels much quicker than my B7 RS4 ever did. I am so surprised at how much character the car has and the sleeper status is a big bonus. Can take it to work and noone bats an eyelid.
Think I'll have to agree with everything you've said. Keep an eye on the inner edges of the front tyres, my first set were down to canvas by 8k milesI've had mine for just over a week. I have a 2015 3.0 Ltr V60 P*. It is an absolutely cracking car. I have owned several Audi S and RS models including a C7 RS6 last year. No joke, the RS6 was nowhere near as exciting or well built as this car. The straight 6 engine is a total gem. The stock exhaust is fantastic in sport mode. I haven't disconnected the valves.
It is exceptionally well built and the seats are wonderful. The suspension is hard but I am going to try some softer settings on the Ohlins dampers (they are 20-way adjustable I believe). Agree with the points on the gearbox and fuel economy although the latter is no worse than my Passat CC R36.
It really doesn't feel 200+ bhp down on the RS6 and actually feels much quicker than my B7 RS4 ever did. I am so surprised at how much character the car has and the sleeper status is a big bonus. Can take it to work and noone bats an eyelid.
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