The Volvo XC90
Choosing a car is always a juggling act. It means listing what you want, what 'er indoors wants, what the kids want, what you need, what you can or cannot afford et flippin' cetera.Historically it's always been possible to achieve all of the above, but rarely with a single car. After a weekend putting the huge Volvo XC90 through its paces, I'm beginning to think that it is actually possible.
It is an impressive beast to say the least! Performance-wise it can put many a pretender to shame, and comfort levels can only be described as absolutely luxurious. Sumptuous black leather, together with all the necessary electrical adjustments and bum-warming gizmos make it as comfy as a grand-tourer, but with the high-and-mighty driving position and generous ground clearance, all combined with Volvo's 6-speed Geartronic, All-Wheel-Drive system, this car can go places that a conventional grand-tourer could only dream of.
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First impressions when driving the XC90 are of peace, calm and tranquillity. The controls respond to the slightest of touches and seem to smooth one command into another. Driven with gentle feet and hands it can give an impression of effortless gliding from place to place. However, when a slightly more urgent approach is adopted, the hefty 6-cylinder powerhouse growls and unleashes an impressive kick-in-the-backside that's quite unexpected from a car of this size. Handling is confident and sure-footed, and although not entirely free from the characteristic SUV roll and yaw, it never once gave a glimmer of doubt when swung through some of Wiltshire's windiest roads. It remained solid, competent and made me feel as safe as any vehicle could on every type of driving condition experienced over the weekend. The in-built roll protection system (ROPS) and Roll Stability control (RSC) goes to reassure the driver even more should any nagging doubt be lingering.
The XC90 is equipped with an impressive array of 'useful' features, as opposed to superfluous, rarely-used 'toys' that can all-too-often be found in SE editions. Though neither new nor ground-breaking, there are many 'how did we ever manage without' features such as the rain-sensing variable-speed intermittent wipe facility. All too often on Britain's autumn roads it is either not raining heavily enough to justify a constant wipe, but an infrequent intermittent wipe leaves you cursing as you peer through the drizzle and spray-induced murk. It is nice not to have to think about it and to let the windscreen sort itself out. The active bi-xenon headlamps make very light work of night driving, reacting to the steering and constantly adjusting the direction of the beam to the direction the wheel is turned. This makes for a much safer and confident night driving experience, especially in rural areas where road markings are far from perfect.
When it comes to versatility, the XC90 is outstanding. It can be converted from a full seven-seater to a cavernous 'lorry' in seconds, but this versatility comes at no cost to the rear seat passengers, who have traditionally had to sacrifice some of the home comforts in order to accommodate such convenience. Here, their part of the cabin retains the air of luxury the rest of the car does. Access to the rear compartment is enhanced by the drop-down panel, which serves to extend the floor of the luggage compartment while moving items in and out. It makes a very handy seat when getting your breath back after lugging 15 tons of junk from it too!
The integrated child seat in the second row can be slid forwards to bring the child closer to the front seat passengers. 'Isofix' child seat fittings are standard too. The kids absolutely loved the comfort and versatility of the cabin. It is reported in Volvo's own literature that there are 64 different cabin configurations possible. We didn't spend long enough trying them all, but all the same, we found more than enough to satisfy any of our possible needs. Once they realised the luxury and comfort offered they just sat there quietly like a bunch of mute Cheshire Cats. Peace! Tranquillity! Sure!
One thing I must add is that when driven with anything other than a feather-light touch, fuel consumption does edge ever upwards. The D5 diesel version offers a more frugal alternative but ultimately, neither could ever be classed as economy cars. If anything were to sway my decision whether to buy the XC90, it would be my own guilt when knowing the costs in running terms associated with such a big luxury car.
I loved everything about the XC90 except perhaps its thirst. Much as I appreciate all that the car can offer, the closet eco-warrior within me cried a tear every time I looked down to check the gauges. However, I'm sure that those who need, or already drive large SUVs, the Volvo XC90 cannot and will not fail to impress.
Vehicle Driven: XC90 3.2 SE Sport
Options Fitted:
Communications Pack (SatNav, Volvo on-Call, GSM integrated phone)
Active Bi-Xenon Light Pack
3rd Row Air Conditioning
Tinted Windows
PACOS (passenger airbag cut-off switch)
On-The-Road Price as Driven £43,230.00
Nigel Crawford
Sept 07 |
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