XC90 Manul - HandBrake Concern?

[clam]

It's just not an issue as far as I am concerned, OK it's different but as soon as you've used it a few times it comes naturally.

If you (or your wife) want a manual then buy one! The only way to know for sure is to try them out, but why cough up another £1000 odd quid for the Geartronic if you are just doing it to avoid the footbrake.

I don't think the argument about wether the geartronic is better is relevant if you just don't want one. Having tested both I agree the geartronic is excellent but so is the manual. I'd happily have either, but as you may have guessed mine is a manual.

[RoscoMac]

The new V70 has electric on/off button for parking brake. Found it a bit disconcerting at first as you dont get the same reassurance of being "off" like a conventional brake , or even the 90 "clunk". I have a manual 90 and have no problems with the handbrake - nor does my misses when she drives, who has merc auto. I will agree it could have been designed better, but you get used to it. And it works.

R.

[BroadstairsMatt]

Sorry for being dull, but I have just bought a 2005 xc90 with the semi automatic gearbox. So far I have only used it in auto mode as Im not sure about the mannual section. Any tips.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by BroadstairsMatt

Sorry for being dull, but I have just bought a 2005 xc90 with the semi automatic gearbox. So far I have only used it in auto mode as Im not sure about the mannual section. Any tips.

Yes. Forget about it. ;-)

[gapquinn]

I'm thinking about getting an automatic instead. When pulling off there was a snapping sound, unnerving!!!

[badger1971]

Originally Posted by BroadstairsMatt

Sorry for being dull, but I have just bought a 2005 xc90 with the semi automatic gearbox. So far I have only used it in auto mode as Im not sure about the mannual section. Any tips.

I have owned my 53 geartronic for just over a month and a bit like yourself was bit apprehensive, wary of it!!! I actually tried it for the first time at the weekend, really smooth and easy, just left push the gear lever, forward for up through from 1 to 5 back the same! although I chickened out when it came to reverse! presuming 1 back from first, does make a difference going up steep hills, I found the gear change up to nearly 4k revs before it would change, you can change it form auto to manual at will, really impressed with it, give it a bash, do not fear the manual!

[Rockhopper]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

Yes. Forget about it. ;-)

Blimey.. no way. Best feature of the car imho! Gets the best out of the D5 engine as its got so much more grunt than you appreciate just in auto mode - especially after reduced torque slip has effectively locked up 3rd and 4th gears. There's even a slight push in the back in acceleration (not to get too carried away ).

Oh - and v good advice from Clan (as ever) re. footbrake use - use it or lose it! Doesn't take long to get used to really.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Rockhopper

Blimey.. no way. Best feature of the car imho! Gets the best out of the D5 engine as its got so much more grunt than you appreciate just in auto mode - especially after reduced torque slip has effectively locked up 3rd and 4th gears. There's even a slight push in the back in acceleration (not to get too carried away ).

Oh - and v good advice from Clan (as ever) re. footbrake use - use it or lose it! Doesn't take long to get used to really.

More than a slight push? I only use the auto mode and it takes off like a scalded cat if I have to overtake a group of cars behind a lorry on a country road.

[Rockhopper]

like it Roy, but I don't think we can put the 2tonne diesel XC90 in the 'scalded cat' category !

[400-ascona]

My brother has a D5, and he uses the manual mode frequently as he finds it stops the engine reving so much, saves fuel and delivers the power more directly to the wheels. I can get more to the gallon out of my T6 if I drive in manual and short shift.