Volvo -- Big price cut in S80

GTO · 9th November 2009, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmat

Volvo were known for tough durable safe cars now everyone makes them so what is their USP?

Hit the nail right on the head. Every luxury car is now durable and safe. Plus, Volvo simply doesn't have the badge value or recognition to compete in the 40 lakh segment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

India's most expensive Mondeos just got cheaper!

This is based on the new Mondeo (i.e. not the earlier gen that was sold in India)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caramelo

you said it man.

. so are they getting in the new S80? or just the models are gonna be called 2008 so clearing up!!

The current S80 had its global release only in 2006. I'd say an "all-new" S80 is atleast 3+ years away.

lamborghini · 9th November 2009, 13:01

USP?
I would think the V8 under the hood should suffice.
If not, I heard that the backseat is one of the most comfortable places to be in.

I am only suspect on its reliability, but if that is good, I don't see why a level headed person wouldn't buy one based on its price, comfort, and VFM, assuming they keep it for years, which depends on reliability.
We bought our Mercedes thinking it would be reliable and could last 7 years easily, but I am personally disappointed.
If I were in the market for a car today, looking at that segment, the Volvo S80 at this price would be on the top of my mind.
However the 2 issues would still bother me:
- Reliability
- With such poor sales, will volvo continue being in India.

Also, I saw the Volvo India website, where they showcase the S40, S60, XC70, etc. Are these available here? Any discounts? Prices?

ajmat · 9th November 2009, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

India's most expensive Mondeos just got cheaper!

The S80/S60 are not based on the Mondeo. The S40 is based on the Focus through

Volvo make good station wagon's, not wanted in India and the XC 90 was a pretty good vehicle. Now it is ageng.

Only USP to revive is scandanavian styling - Watch out for new S60

GTO · 9th November 2009, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini

USP?
I would think the V8 under the hood should suffice.

V8 AWD for 30 lakhs? Where do I drop off the cheque

This would be the base D5 diesel for 30 lakhs, not the 50 lakh rupee V8.

v.anand · 9th November 2009, 20:15

The big problem imo for Volvo is lack of reach i.e., dealerships. There is not a single one in Bangalore, where close by is their local assembly plant for trucks and buses. Rather than offering huge discounts, they need to open dealerships in more cities, thereby making the brand accessible.
P.S.: I mentioned trucks and buses because, though from a different category, the brand has more presence (due to which awareness) in southern India than other parts of the country.

v1p3r · 9th November 2009, 23:28

GTO, no, I'm referring to the current Mondeo sold in the West.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmat

The S80/S60 are not based on the Mondeo.

From Ford Mondeo

Quote:

In fact, measuring 4844mm long, 1886mm wide, 1500mm tall and 2850mm in wheelbase, the new Mondeo is as large as a Volvo S80. No, it actually exceeds the big Volvo in most dimensions except the overall length.
...In fact, underneath the Mondeo is the same platform as Volvo S80

Also, Ford EUCD platform - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ajmat · 9th November 2009, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

GTO, no, I'm referring to the current Mondeo sold in the West.

From Ford Mondeo

Also, Ford EUCD platform - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I stand corrected - can't understand why the S80 does not handle like the Mondy

v1p3r · 9th November 2009, 23:50

It's like expecting an Ikea table to handle like, well, fish and chips?

My guess would be steering rack and damper setup. Ford UK knows a thing or ten about handling. Sadly, their cousins across the pond still lumber on with a Mustand.

sujaylahiri · 10th November 2009, 06:58

It's still pretty pricey for a FWD, and even their AWD versions are still FWD biased. Not the best handling car in its category, and they understeer a LOT. Most of the Volvos these days are white elephants, although I do admire them for their bulletproof safety and comfortable seats.

Although not an option for India, IMO why buy a Volvo when you can buy a Saab?

ajmat · 10th November 2009, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

It's like expecting an Ikea table to handle like, well, fish and chips?

My guess would be steering rack and damper setup. Ford UK knows a thing or ten about handling. Sadly, their cousins across the pond still lumber on with a Mustand.

Add also a big lump of an engine in the front! Really meant for driving in the snow

ACM · 10th November 2009, 13:15

Yep Volvo needs to give S80's free with 5-10 qtty of their trucks - good idea GTO. that is the only way they will be seen on the roads. Volvo makes good cars, the new ones are not as safe as their reputation but still are among the leading safe cars.

the pricing is attractive, but why buy such a car and just be invisible?

9th November 2009, 13:01	#17
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,114 Thanked: 5,763 Times View My Garage	USP? I would think the V8 under the hood should suffice. If not, I heard that the backseat is one of the most comfortable places to be in. I am only suspect on its reliability, but if that is good, I don't see why a level headed person wouldn't buy one based on its price, comfort, and VFM, assuming they keep it for years, which depends on reliability. We bought our Mercedes thinking it would be reliable and could last 7 years easily, but I am personally disappointed. If I were in the market for a car today, looking at that segment, the Volvo S80 at this price would be on the top of my mind. However the 2 issues would still bother me: - Reliability - With such poor sales, will volvo continue being in India. Also, I saw the Volvo India website, where they showcase the S40, S60, XC70, etc. Are these available here? Any discounts? Prices?
	() Thanks

9th November 2009, 20:15	#20
v.anand BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 329 Thanked: 44 Times	The big problem imo for Volvo is lack of reach i.e., dealerships. There is not a single one in Bangalore, where close by is their local assembly plant for trucks and buses. Rather than offering huge discounts, they need to open dealerships in more cities, thereby making the brand accessible. P.S.: I mentioned trucks and buses because, though from a different category, the brand has more presence (due to which awareness) in southern India than other parts of the country.
	() Thanks

9th November 2009, 23:50	#23
v1p3r Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: BLR / DXB / LON Posts: 5,334 Thanked: 6,896 Times View My Garage	It's like expecting an Ikea table to handle like, well, fish and chips? My guess would be steering rack and damper setup. Ford UK knows a thing or ten about handling. Sadly, their cousins across the pond still lumber on with a Mustand.
	() Thanks

10th November 2009, 06:58	#24
sujaylahiri BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North America Posts: 960 Thanked: 6 Times View My Garage	It's still pretty pricey for a FWD, and even their AWD versions are still FWD biased. Not the best handling car in its category, and they understeer a LOT. Most of the Volvos these days are white elephants, although I do admire them for their bulletproof safety and comfortable seats. Although not an option for India, IMO why buy a Volvo when you can buy a Saab?
	() Thanks

10th November 2009, 13:15	#26
ACM Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,745 Thanked: 4,361 Times View My Garage	Yep Volvo needs to give S80's free with 5-10 qtty of their trucks - good idea GTO. that is the only way they will be seen on the roads. Volvo makes good cars, the new ones are not as safe as their reputation but still are among the leading safe cars. the pricing is attractive, but why buy such a car and just be invisible?
	() Thanks