Changed From Xr6t To Xr5t Review

[Soul Reaver]

Well it was a very sad day when I made my mind up that the XR6 had to go, however all was not lost as I have moved to the XR5T .

What can I say the XR5T is a fantastic little car and if you are considering getting a smaller car or just another car it is worth a look.

Pro's:

• Awesome 18" wheels as standard
  
• Great Recaro Seats (I love my leather )
  
• Heated front seats (only available with the leather) shuts the girl right up
  
• Lighter on fuel approx 10 vs 14 litres per 100km
  
• A fantastic 6 sp manual gearbox (very smooth compared to the old T5)
  
• An absolutely awesome exhaust note (I will give it WOT every time just to hear that note)
  
• Great fitments inside (cool red light over the gearbox at night)
  
• A pretty good sound system (must admit its better than the premium XR6 one even without a Sub)
  
• Global window open/close functions (can open close windows via keys)
  
• Really starting to like the Front styling alot.
  
• Very torquie little engine (almost any gear any RPM there is heaps of torque)
  
• Very smooth ride.
  
• Handling is top notch, much better than the big heavy XR6
  

Cons

• Not as powerful as the XR6T, however its not far behind (mind you I came from a 270rwkw monster )
  
• Although I love the duel exhaust tips on the XR5 the XR6 looked better from behind
  
• I miss my color LCD screen (mind you I may get an after market headunit to fix that)
  
• No Cruise control (why ohh why did Ford leave this off, )
  
• No xenons lights (mind you the XR6 doesn't have either)
  
• Front wheel drive (although sometimes this is not a bad point, unless you are a drag strip hoar)
  

After almost 1500Km behind the driving wheel I still love getting into the car and driving it no matter were that is (open road, twisties, Sydney traffic ).

The XR6T was getting to be a real chore to drive in Sydney (due to traffic) and although I loved that car (god did I love it ) the XR5T is an awesome car to move into.

BTW there are now a few tuning options (flush tune just like the capa one) for the wonderful 5 cylinder volvo engine which once applied turn it into the most powerful in its class however I'm yet to apply this (only a matter of time ).

Anyway as you can see by all the previous posts on this car and on the FordXR5Turbo forum (awesome bunch of people) its definitely an awesome little car and well worth a look and a test drive if you get the chance.

(P.S I will be selling all my bits from the XR6T within the next few days, so watch this space)

BTW I intent to stay a regular on this site cause I love all you guys too much

[mbjunior99]

Sounds good mate, though I don't think I could go back to a front wheel drive again. Post some pics when you get a chance

[ZAP]

They look like a lot of fun to drive.

How is the XR5 better int raffic, when it is a manual ?

Also did you get the power rear windows ?

I saw a silver one in the dealers with wind down rears and I thought WTF, untill I read on here that it was a stuffup at the factory.

[Guest newl]

Silver doesn't really do them justice. The black ones and the orange ones are hot as though.

[tab]

I still can't get over the lack of cruise control

Congrats though Reaver.

[kramo]

Thanks for the review.

I have considered the same move myself.

[Honest Gaza]

Thanks for the review.

I have considered the same move myself.

Yep, me too.

I've taken one for a test drive and liked the power. However, the inside of the car just doesn't quite do it for me....lacking in something ?

Also, note that the indicator is "left hand" operation, and apparently, you can't lock the glovebox.

While I have yet to make up my mind, it is probably the only Hatch I'd consider....but would prefer a Sedan, so looking at several other options.

[Soul Reaver]

They look like a lot of fun to drive.

How is the XR5 better int raffic, when it is a manual ?

Also did you get the power rear windows ?

I saw a silver one in the dealers with wind down rears and I thought WTF, untill I read on here that it was a stuffup at the factory.

Hey ZA_F6 the old T5 was showing its age, found it difficult to get into first when hot (and yes I had good oils in Transmax Z), bad clutch noise and shutter (this was my own fault changed to after market clutch - To all do not get a ceramic for city traffic driving ) box was very noisy from new very heavy on fuel in traffic and general felt heavy until I hit boost

With the XR5T, like I said before awesome gearbox so smooth, no brake shutter , no hand brake noise, idle is perfect, general engine response is very smooth, no stalling with air con on, no rough idle when slowing down less effort required to take off from stand still (normal driving), little if any drive line shunting and much easier to park . Just seems to be better behaviored in traffic.

Cheers

[alereon]

Ah cool, when can I come around to check out your new ride? The clutch is a bit squishy for me...

Edited 28/06/07 11:01 AM by alereon

[RAP1D]

Awesome motor in them too... I had one in my old Volvo 850R... lots of turbo/engine mods available for them in the volvo world