VOLVO XC90 – T8 TWIN ENGINE R-DESIGN
by Tony Yates
I never quite got to grips with the older ‘Boxy’ XC90 – so,
when Volvo announced that they were going for a bold
new move on updating the old model, I was a little worried
that it would be no more than some new door handles.
So, when I first got a glimpse of the new XC90 – I was actually jumping
for joy because Volvo had made good on all its promises of producing
something bold and new and what you see now before you is something
that I can only describe as a thing of beauty that will have you basking
in its beauty for some time to come. More importantly here though is, I
have a new best friend that I won’t be letting go of anytime soon.
Also, people used to think that owning a Volvo was boring or just
for pensioners – wrong. Owning a Volvo is now classed as being cool
and hip. Many people are now seeing the error of their ways, heading
like a Cruise Missile locked onto their nearest Volvo dealer.
Exterior: the new XC90 is a car that stands out from what everybody
else is driving around you. It is very futuristic looking, but it does keep
some of the standard Volvo appearance that I loved so much about the
older model – such as being Big & Bold.
Inside: is a real pleasure to behold. It’s well equipped and has some very
nice touches around the centre console. To be honest, sitting in here is
like sitting in the Royal Suite at the The Goring, where everything you
will ever need is just a button push or arm’s reach away. Volvo really has
done the most brilliant job of making you feel like it was made just for
you. Standard equipment on the New XC90 starts with - 9” Centre Console Touch Screen, Sensus Navigation – full European mapping with
traffic information and lifetime map updates, Volvo On Call function
that also acts as an emergency and tracking service, LED Headlights
with Active Beam, two zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ Air Quality System, Power Operated Tailgate with Handsfree Opening, Keyless
Entry and Start, Power Drivers Seat, heated front seats, seven seats three
second row individual folding seats with fore/aft adjustment and two
third-row individual folding seats, City Safety – includes Pedestrian and
Cyclist Detection and Front Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, including at junctions and Run-off Road Protection. As you can see that’s
just the start. There are also additional option packs you can add in to
create even more luxury such as Xenium, Winter and Family.
Space: inside the cabin is a big plus point for the XC90, it has plenty of
room for everyone. Boot space is brilliant and even better with its split
folding seats. There is more than enough space in here for your entire
family, even with the use of the seven seats, there is still enough room
for a few bags etc… not like some seven seat cars I have come across in
the past, where you see the third row passengers faces being contorted
against the glass in the rear window due to lack of rear seating space.
90 wirrallife.com
On the road: the XC90 is comfortable and is agile enough to keep up
with the demands of a heavy left foot – but to be honest you don’t drive
around in a luxury XC90 with your hair on fire – you simply glide. If you
do decide to push the car a bit ‘gung ho’ down a smooth country lane or
even around some twisty curves you will find it’s actually very smooth
with just a hint of body roll here and there.
Hybrid mode: The T8 can be run just on the electric motor alone and
by using just this function - it will provide you with an average range of
about 24 miles. But, because I’m a petrol head – I used a combination of
the two and decided to let the cars computer switch between the 320hp
petrol engine which drives the front wheels and the large 87hp single
electric motor that drives the rear axle – also, while we are at it – the
XC90 is able to generate electricity under braking which will all help in
recharging the system to gain a few extra miles.
Power & performance: is a key part of the XC90 T8. Volvo claims a
5.6sec 0-62mph and I would agree with that because it feels immense
and when you think about it – that’s Porsche beating territory, also if
you own a Ferrari I would think twice about a race from the lights to
60mph. But remember the XC90 comes in at around 2,300kg, so it won’t
keep up for long. If you are a person who only lives 15 miles from where
you work – then you could in all possibility effectively run it entirely
on electricity alone by charging it from a mains supply – but of course
in the UK will are still finding our feet in the new age of Hybrid Technology and finding a charge station when you live in a remote village
somewhere in North Wales will be quite difficult.
If I was you – I would opt for the ‘Hybrid’ mode setting as this allows
you to use the best of both worlds. (I did for most of the time)
Safety: Well let’s just say it’s a Volvo and it has you covered. No worries
here then.
Would I buy one? A big fat YES, but I can’t afford one – but as a man I really, really, really do want one of my own.
Volvo XC90 – T8 Twin Engine R-Design
Price: £70,875 Model as tested, including fitted options
Top speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 5.6sec
Economy: 134.5mpg (combined) emissions g/km (49)
Engine: 1969cc
Power: 320hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 400 Nm at 2,200rpm – 5,400rpm
Electric Motor Power: 87hp & 240Nm of Torque
Gearbox: Auto (8 Speed)
My Rating: 5 Stars
For more information, call Rybrook Chester on 01244 393909