I've always followed Volvo's designs with interest but never owned until now. (Well 2 more weeks to wait..!)
As for the headlight wipers, indeed an interesting but practical feature. I doubt they affect the drag co-efficient significantly, not at least at road speeds, Volvo will no doubt have put them through their paces in the wind tunnels and thousands of miles of road tests. Having said that the new V50 doesn't have wipers just the jet cleaning system. As you say, probably more effective and certainly less clutter to the smooth lines of the front bumper and grill, I don't suppose the designer pencilled in wiper blades over the lights when he (or she) knocked the original sketches!!
Hmm, Volvos in the blazing heat of desert countries. Firstly I'm not so sure a Volvo would be first choice for your average family living in such a climate. They're designed primarily to target Europe and USA. But I'm sure that any Volvo would stand up as well as any other manufacturer with the right servicing, tyres, petrol and oil grades etc. Your likely to have aircon so no probs! and I think all new Volvos, at least in the UK, have a 12 year warranty against rust perforation. You won't be needing heated seats but the Dolby Pro Logic sound system kicks arse wherever you are! I don't think your dealer is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
I've gone on a bit and not sure I've helped at all..!
PS it just occured to me that this site isn't just for Limeys and I appreciate there are some pretty hostile and arid patches in the world including the US, unlike here where temps rarely top 22C and its a record summer if we go more than a couple of days without getting soaking wet! Still if you're travelling in the desert be sure to take some extra water, a camel and a bucket & spade!, leave the volvo at home!..
As for the headlight wipers, indeed an interesting but practical feature. I doubt they affect the drag co-efficient significantly, not at least at road speeds, Volvo will no doubt have put them through their paces in the wind tunnels and thousands of miles of road tests. Having said that the new V50 doesn't have wipers just the jet cleaning system. As you say, probably more effective and certainly less clutter to the smooth lines of the front bumper and grill, I don't suppose the designer pencilled in wiper blades over the lights when he (or she) knocked the original sketches!!
Hmm, Volvos in the blazing heat of desert countries. Firstly I'm not so sure a Volvo would be first choice for your average family living in such a climate. They're designed primarily to target Europe and USA. But I'm sure that any Volvo would stand up as well as any other manufacturer with the right servicing, tyres, petrol and oil grades etc. Your likely to have aircon so no probs! and I think all new Volvos, at least in the UK, have a 12 year warranty against rust perforation. You won't be needing heated seats but the Dolby Pro Logic sound system kicks arse wherever you are! I don't think your dealer is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
I've gone on a bit and not sure I've helped at all..!
PS it just occured to me that this site isn't just for Limeys and I appreciate there are some pretty hostile and arid patches in the world including the US, unlike here where temps rarely top 22C and its a record summer if we go more than a couple of days without getting soaking wet! Still if you're travelling in the desert be sure to take some extra water, a camel and a bucket & spade!, leave the volvo at home!..
