Volvo's smart new XC90 tested

ROAD TEST: Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Momentum

By: Denis Droppa

Johannesburg - Volvo’s chronically minimalist interior vehicle designs, while functional in the best Scandinavian tradition, haven’t tended to radiate a particularly classy look and feel. To me, Volvo cabins have always felt a little plasticky and low-rent compared to the German brands.

So it was an unexpected surprise when I slid my backside into the cabin of the new XC90 and found that the obligatory Swedish minimalism was presented in a more appealing and upmarket execution. It’s a thing of more substance, without the spartan look that makes as if something’s missing.

Good-quality materials, with double-stitched leather seats and stylish metallic accents, give Volvo’s new SUV a smarter and more sophisticated air, making the inner sanctum more inviting and better in line with a vehicle in the 900-grand price range.

It’s also gone very high tech, with an all-digital instrument panel and a tablet-style infotainment interface. There’s no iDrive-style control knob. All the car’s navigation, entertainment and computer functions are bundled into the touchscreen, where you swipe to select different menus, making it intuitive and quick to learn if you’re familiar with using tablets or smarphones.

The swankier new cabin is large and practical, and four or five full sized adults will happily fit inside the XC90, while there are two fold-up kiddie seats in the boot to turn it into an occasional seven-seater. The boot’s a spacious 692 litres (there’s only a space-saver spare wheel, though), and increases to a cargo-gulping 1 057 litres with the seats folded. Even with all seven seats in use there’s a fairly useful 314 litres of luggage space.

Middle-row passengers are well looked after; they get their own climate controls as well as seats with adjustable backrests.

On a styling level the understated new XC90 avoids any shock value. It’s a conservative design that won’t offend Volvo acolytes, although the ‘Thor’s hammer’ LED headlights do add a dash of playfulness.

DOWNSIZED ENGINE

All XC90s are now powered by 2-litre four-cylinder engines, in either diesel or petrol. Two XC90 derivatives are currently available in South Africa – the biturbo D5 diesel with outputs of 165kW and 470Nm, and the supercharged and turbocharged T6 petrol with 235kW and 400Nm. These will be followed late this year by the entry-level D4 diesel (140kW/400Nm) and the high-pressure turbo T5 petrol (187kW/350Nm) and, in the first half of 2016, by the flagship T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (300kW and 640Nm).

On test here is the petrol-engined T6 Momentum model selling for R867 000.

A 2-litre four-cylinder engine might seem undernourished for a vehicle this size but, in the interests of reducing fuel consumption, Volvo, like many other automakers, has opted for downsized engines boosted by turbos or superchargers.

The T6 gets both of these air-compressing items, and once you press the throttle any misconceptions about its limited cubic capacity are swept aside in a free-revving flow of pace.

The 235kW/400Nm engine has a broad powerband and responsive nature, and there’s almost no turbo lag to speak of. It leaps off the line in a hurry when you want it to, and settles into an effortless cruise. Attesting to its lively nature, Volvo’s claimed sea-level performance figures are 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds and a 230km/h top speed.

It wafts along silently too; it may not have the sound and character of a six-cylinder engine, but there’s no criticising this four-cylinder’s smoothness. An eight-speed geartronic auto transmission efficiently lays down the power via permanent all-wheel drive, and there are different modes – from eco to high performance – for the driver to choose from, which change the throttle and gearshift characteristics. There’s no low range, but hill-descent control assists the offroading repertoire. Spirited and smooth it may be, but it’s not a particularly economical engine and our test vehicle averaged a reasonably thirsty 11.5 litres per 100km, compared to the factory-claimed 8 litres. For lower fuel bills the D5 diesel should be a much better option.

CUSHY RIDE, SAFE AS HOUSES

The ride quality’s cushy, and it’s matched with very decent handling for a large two-ton SUV with an obstacle-clearing 238mm ride height. The steering’s very light, but not entirely without feel, and adds to the XC90’s generally easy-driving demeanour.

With Volvo being synonymous with safety, it comes as little surprise that the new XC90 has earned a maximum five-star score in the 2015 Euro NCAP crash tests.

The vehicle comes standard with the IntelliSafe package which bundles together safety features such as Road Sign Information, Lane Departure Warning and Electronic Stability Control. It also has a new Auto Brake at Intersections feature which automatically stops the XC90 should you be silly enough to turn into the path of an oncoming car at a junction.

At R867 000 the pricetag isn’t subtle but the XC90 T6 Momentum does come well stocked, and other standard features include electrically adjustable front seats, Park Assist Pilot, a power-operated tailgate, leather upholstery, and Hill Descent Control among others.

The high-end audio system is fully connective, meaning you can stream music via Bluetooth, aux or USB. You can also use Bluetooth or WiFi tethering to connect your XC90 to the internet via your device, using the tablet interface.

As part of a vast range of extra cost options our test vehicle was equipped with a R40 000 Techno pack which comprised heated front seats, head-up display, Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Camera, and hands-free tailgate opening.

VERDICT

Swedish understatedness still underlies Volvo’s new XC90 but it’s less of the frumpy, middle-aged SUV it used to be. The classed-up cabin and high-tech infotainment system add some flavour and sex appeal to the ‘sensible and safe’ theme, It’s reasonably well priced in its segment too.

FACTS

Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Momentum

Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic

Power: 235kW @ 5700rpm

Torque: 400Nm @ 2200-5400rpm

0-100km/h (claimed): 6.5seconds

Top speed (claimed): 230km/h

Consumption (claimed): 8.0 litres per 100km

Price: R867 000

Warranty: 5-year/100 000km

Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000km