Discussion
My employer is an Approved Volvo Repairer. Our Managing Director has had 2 Diesel XC90's and then wanted to try a hybrid.
We normally run cars for 90 days on our demo fleet, he replaced the hybrid with another diesel in less than 60 and wouldn't go back to it.
At home we are about to take delivery of a new Lunar Delta RI and will soon be in need of a heavier towcar. We will look at the XC90, but it will only be the diesel. As a personal purchase I have concerns though, based on the number of cars that I have seen suffering problems with media modules. There have been numerous cars including our own at work where the modules have totally shut down and won't re-boot. We also have had cars into the workshop for software update and the update has left the car dead, requiring direct input from the factory to correct.
We normally run cars for 90 days on our demo fleet, he replaced the hybrid with another diesel in less than 60 and wouldn't go back to it.
At home we are about to take delivery of a new Lunar Delta RI and will soon be in need of a heavier towcar. We will look at the XC90, but it will only be the diesel. As a personal purchase I have concerns though, based on the number of cars that I have seen suffering problems with media modules. There have been numerous cars including our own at work where the modules have totally shut down and won't re-boot. We also have had cars into the workshop for software update and the update has left the car dead, requiring direct input from the factory to correct.
Been a lot on the Caravan Club forums about towing with hybrids, generally not good. You need to consider the size / power of the petrol engine because the electric power is useless for towing a caravan. Once you have used the electric, which seems to be very quick when towing, and revert to the (generally small capacity) petrol engine you just don't have enough power, and the mpg will be horrendous. Also check what the plated towing capacity is. Many hybrids are not certified to tow anything.
nutsytvr said:
Been a lot on the Caravan Club forums about towing with hybrids, generally not good. You need to consider the size / power of the petrol engine because the electric power is useless for towing a caravan. Once you have used the electric, which seems to be very quick when towing, and revert to the (generally small capacity) petrol engine you just don't have enough power, and the mpg will be horrendous. Also check what the plated towing capacity is. Many hybrids are not certified to tow anything.
The XC90 has 320bhp petrol engine so I am guessing it won't be too bad...It also has 2400kg towing capacity. Fuel economy I guess will be pretty poor but then again it is with the Disco 4 I have currently, very low twenties when towing. I guess with less torque the petrol engine will have to shunt around the gears a bit more though.
Rosscow said:
320bhp, 4 wheel drive and a towing limit of 2400kg?
My guess is that it will tow a caravan admirably
Almost 4wd. The 84hp electric motors power the rear wheels. The 320bhp from the petrol go through the front wheels so when the battery power is gone it's fundamentally a front wheel drive car with 320bhp. My guess is that it will tow a caravan admirably
Still apprehensive but I'm sure it will do the job...
The electric is the best bit because that is where the torque comes from but it is only a 2.0l Petrol hybrid.
I would hands down go for the bigger diesel version, or get a business electric car for work and buy a second hand tow car for yourself.
Renault Zoe for work, No Tax to pay.
2nd Hand, XC90, X5, Q5, Q7 Touareg etc.
I would hands down go for the bigger diesel version, or get a business electric car for work and buy a second hand tow car for yourself.
Renault Zoe for work, No Tax to pay.
2nd Hand, XC90, X5, Q5, Q7 Touareg etc.
chasingracecars said:
The electric is the best bit because that is where the torque comes from but it is only a 2.0l Petrol hybrid.
I would hands down go for the bigger diesel version, or get a business electric car for work and buy a second hand tow car for yourself.
Renault Zoe for work, No Tax to pay.
2nd Hand, XC90, X5, Q5, Q7 Touareg etc.
Thanks for the reply.I would hands down go for the bigger diesel version, or get a business electric car for work and buy a second hand tow car for yourself.
Renault Zoe for work, No Tax to pay.
2nd Hand, XC90, X5, Q5, Q7 Touareg etc.
The only problem with an electric car for work is that I do considerable distances for meetings etc so that would not work. I am trying to roll everything into a company car as my private fuel is paid for as well. The Volvo seems to be the best of both worlds and is cracking on BIK.
Will get one on test for a weekend...bet it doesnt have a tow-bar though!
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