Car Test
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R0322 | |
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March 2003 |
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| First Drive | Volvo XC90 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: D5 SE Automatic | |
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Well, at last! It’s been a long wait, but Volvo’s new sport utility vehicle has finally arrived to do battle with already well-established rivals such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M-Class.
The Swedes have taken their time because they wanted their new ‘all roads vehicle’ right and they wanted it safe; poor stability in avoidance manoeuvres has been a serious failing of too many vehicles in this sector. Volvo’s solution is to give the XC90 a relatively low centre of gravity and equip it with sophisticated roll stability and traction controls. In addition, there’s a steel reinforced roof, should the worst happen. And, of course, de rigueur to the designers’ brief was to give the XC90 a sound (though not a seriously mud-plugging) off-road capability to add to its versatility. Any wheelspin is instantly detected by the AWD system, which automatically apportions power between the front and rear wheels. Our test route included nothing harsher than glassland tracks, which the XC shrugged off with disdain, a roundly absorbent ride and creditably little kickback through the steering. Back on tarmac, the long-travel suspension soaks up road faults with ease to give supple progress, and although cornering roll is apparent, it’s well controlled and grip is as tenacious as you would expect. It’s a pity the steering isn’t more communicative, but at least the optional electronic variable assistance makes it light when parking and usefully weightier when on the move. Of the two engines on offer, the silky six-cylinder petrol is the quieter and gives the swifter performance. It’s also well suited to the excellent Geartronic auto transmission with its almost seamless shifts and nifty sequential manual override. Even so, we have a soft spot for the refined D5 turbo-diesel. It may be 3sec slower to 60mph and emit a thrummy hum on acceleration, but it’s a strong-pulling, high-geared, easy-cruising unit that will average (it says here) 31mpg. Thanks to an ‘in-command’ position and an electric seat that adjusts every which way, driver comfort is unlikely to disappoint. The facia and console styling and layout are very Volvo, too, with clear dials and ergonomic switchgear that includes cruise control and hi-fi controls on the height and reach adjustable steering wheel. The three seats behind the front occupants slide fore and aft to give fair-to-generous kneeroom. Headroom and footspace are plentiful, too, but it’s a shame that the backrests can’t be reclined. Access to the rearmost pair of seats is awkward for adults, as is the accommodation provided. Youngsters will be happy back there, though, especially as headphone sockets allow them to listen simultaneously to CD, radio or mini-disc. The ingenious thing about these two occasional seats is the way their backrests fold down and the cushions slide away under the load area floor. This gives a big, flat, carpeted deck, accessed via the split tailgate. The downside is that the deck is well off the ground and so demands a high lift to get cargo and arthritic animals aboard. |
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