S80 steering-wheel stereo-controls - what do you think of them ?

[Centre Parting]

I've come from a '99 Opel Omega to a 2003 S80 - and I've gotta say, the
steering wheel stereo controls are RUBBISH.

On the Omega, they can be accessed from the underside of the wheel - so the
hands don't have to be moved from their driving position.

On the S80, the hands have to be removed from the wheel to fumble around
(unless you're going to take your eyes off the road to look) for the right
control.

Quite amazing, considering how safety-conscious Volvo is.

Just garbage ergonomics - but then, I'm not overly impressed by the S80
cabin anyway: -

- the seat is less than comfortable (forces hunching)
- the pedals are cramped together by wheel-arch intrusion
- the speedo has to be examined at length to ascertain what speed you're
doing (half-decent ones make your speed instantly obvious)
- it's not obvious whether the headlights are on (I have to undip the beam
to check)
- there's no warning if you open the door with parking/headlights on
- the windows don't auto-close/open on the keyfob
- the clutch pedal is not on the same plane as the brake and throttle
- the doors open with too little force - allowing passing traffic to blow
them open

.... shameful considering that it's not a great deal better than the Omega -
a design some ten years older.

 

[Someone]

The S80 99-04 is mostly a lemon. Don't know about the new S80. I
find the M-B C300 to be a better choice. Might be my next car.

 

[Maarten Deen]

I've come from a '99 Opel Omega to a 2003 S80 - and I've gotta say, the
steering wheel stereo controls are RUBBISH.

My dad's got a '99 S80 2.5D. It's certainly better than the 940 he
drove before that, but I can agree with your comments.

What struck me most (don't know if this is a general issue): if you
put your weight on the passenger footwell (just pressing is enough),
it will bulk out with a distinct *blk* sound. Just like a sheet of
metal being bent.
It will come back into shape when the load is released, but this
does not say "quality".

Maarten

 

[Roadie]

I've come from a '99 Opel Omega to a 2003 S80 - and I've gotta say, the
steering wheel stereo controls are RUBBISH.

I have yet to drive a car with steering wheel controls that were
anything more than distracting. They really do not belong on the
steering wheel.

On the Omega, they can be accessed from the underside of the wheel - so the
hands don't have to be moved from their driving position.

Unless you have very very short fingers I don't see how this is a
problem on the Volvo. I can use those controls, but choose not to.

On the S80, the hands have to be removed from the wheel to fumble around
(unless you're going to take your eyes off the road to look) for the right
control.

That's why such controls should not be on the wheel. If the driving
requires your full attention then you should not be playing with the
radio no matter where the controls are located.

Quite amazing, considering how safety-conscious Volvo is.

Just garbage ergonomics - but then, I'm not overly impressed by the S80
cabin anyway: -

Did you evel look at the car before buying?

- the seat is less than comfortable (forces hunching)

Did you even sit in the car before buying?

- the pedals are cramped together by wheel-arch intrusion

Did you even look at the car before buying?

- the speedo has to be examined at length to ascertain what speed you're
doing (half-decent ones make your speed instantly obvious)

Huh??? How difficult is it to look an an analog gauge.

- it's not obvious whether the headlights are on (I have to undip the beam
to check)

You really should know whether yu tiurned the lights on or not - come
on. Knob position is a great indicator.

- there's no warning if you open the door with parking/headlights on

- the windows don't auto-close/open on the keyfob

An excellent safety feature.

- the clutch pedal is not on the same plane as the brake and throttle
- the doors open with too little force - allowing passing traffic to blow
them open

Why are your doors open and not under hand control when there is
passing traffic.


Did you even look at the car before buying it? If you were paying
attention these "problems" would have become apparent the moment you
drove the car.