okay... a certain 'swede' might have hit the rev limiter unnecessarily... However, given that the Volvo has a utterly conventional slushbox the provision of sequential shift pattern won't be very satisfying.

Simply put - the shifts take too long. Having driven the latest 5 speed tiptonics from VW, Renault, et al, they are all a waste of time and good for marketing and not much else.

The Alfa Romeo Selespeed and Porsche Tiptronic are a different kettle of fish and work well however.