The Volvo XC90 is one of the most awarded SUVs with a number of accolades to its name including the SA Car of the Year 2016. Since its launch, it has clearly impressed both public and motoring sector alike. Here are five things you need to know about this impressive Swede.
1. It's understated class
For me, modern Volvo’s always come across as classy. These vehicles are not trying to get people’s attention with outlandish styling or cutesy gimmicks. The modern-day Volvo is simply understated elegance, and this XC90 is no exception.
The clean lines, revised front grille and overall sophisticated look oozes class. The inside is the same with a very clean design and dark colours accentuated by chrome detailing. Whenever I got into the vehicle, I looked forward to the drive ahead. I love it.
2. This particular powertrain is a good one
The powertrain in this Volvo is sublime. In this T6 model, it’s a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged engine with 235kW and 400Nm on tap. This is mated with Volvo’s smooth changing eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
Honestly, it’s a buttery smooth combination - on the open road or in the city centre. Volvo claims a fuel consumption of 8.0 litres/100km. The zero to 100 km/h sprint time is a claimed 6.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 230 km/h.
3. There are standard features aplenty
This Volvo comes equipped with a load of standard features including Volvo's huge portrait touchscreen that gives you access to the audio system, air-con, telephone keypad, navigation system, parking camera views and much more.
I quite enjoyed the vertical layout of the touch screen - I didn’t know I needed that until now!
4. It's always safe to buy a Volvo - safety features
As with all Volvo’s, the updated XC90 comes packed to the rafters with standard safety features, including seven airbags, ABS with EBD, HAS, HDC, road-sign information and lane departure warning, stability and traction control, IntelliSafe with pedestrian and cyclist detection, autobrake at intersections and more. It’s definitely the car I’d want on a road trip - or any trip.
5. Volvo as a brand are doing really well locally
In January this year, Volvo reported a sales increase of 13% for the XC90 range. In fact, Volvo in general has seen phenomenal growth in South Africa with growth across the range of 37% in sales last year.
Also, with search volume around the brand has more than doubling during 2018, this is definitely a brand to watch. And if they continue to introduce cars as impressive as the XC90, I foresee an even brighter future for the brand in SA.
