One of the most significant
vehicles in the world of automotive industry since 2003, we come to see how the
‘refreshed’ XC90 buys itself extra time until its replacement in 2014.
·
Design &
Engineering:
From the front, the Volvo
doesn’t look noticeably different from older models. Look closer and one will
see that the fog lamps double up as LED daytime running lights. The average
person also won’t be able to notice the newer model’s LED tail lamps, the
redesigned silver metallic bumper bar, silver roof rails, new side mouldings in
matching body colour, as well as the 19-inch Galateia wheels. Nevertheless,
despite Volvo’s (or per say, Geely’s) efforts to revamp the SUV, the XC90
certainly looks old. Many of the
design cues are shared with older, and more angular Volvo models such as the
old XC70 and S60. Nonetheless, the soccer mom SUV dominates the road with its
gargantuan size, still managing to hover around with Range Rovers and
Q7’s.
·
Interior
This is where the Volvo
oozes the word—practicality. Indeed,
the XC90 was built to be a safe, all-rounded family transporter. Up front, the
‘Refresh’ model sports a three-spoke aluminium steering wheel, aluminium sanded
inlays, as well as new dials with white back lighting. With the steering wheel,
I found it exceptionally grippy—perfect for an SUV or such a massive size. Also,
the new control buttons for the Bluetooth® telephony system and the
audio improve the driver interaction to a higher degree. Once more, age bears
itself with dignity inside the XC90. For instance, a conventional key is used
to start the vehicle, and chunky black and white instrument stalks and
headlight controls are still used. With the centre console, the lack of a
coloured screen is the most obvious sign of age. Nevertheless, new features
have been added to the audio system, such as Bluetooth® audio
streaming. As for the switches, they resound the technology from the early
2000’s, producing an audible ‘click’ when pressed. Back at the middle and last
row, air conditioning is standard with oodles of space to move seats around. At
the rear, the knockdown seats for two medium sized adults features the same
individual sound system feature from the pre-‘Refresh’ model—truly an ingenious
system. As with all Volvo’s sound quality from the speakers are more than
satisfactory. Bar the slight wind noise when above three digit speeds, the
‘Refreshed’ XC90 still seems to show signs of life, despite its nine-year
lifespan.
·
Ride & Handlings
With the engine, Volvo
hasn’t changed it. This means a choice of three engines, being the 2.5T
turbocharged five-cylinder option, the 3.2-litre V6, and the road hugging V8. For
the ‘Refresh’ model, Volvo has fitted the factory-backed Polestar Power
Optimization kit. This ups the engine’s power from 210BHP to 240BHP. On the
road, the new model certainly feels stronger in the mid-range area, picking up
speeds a tad more convincingly than the 08’ 09’ models. Volvo claims that the
century sprint can be achieved by ½ a second more than before, in a respectable
9.4 seconds. With the steering, I was rather disappointed, as I expected the
boffins down at Polestar to spice it up. Unfortunately, it still lacks life and
hardly talks to the driver at all. Keep in mind though, that when it comes to
the mud, sand, snow and gravel, the four-wheel drive system mated to a 5-speed
autobox saves one from any sticky situation. On the whole, ride quality is
still kept along traditional Swedish guidelines, being quiet and pliant enough
at all speeds.
·
Verdict
Slightly more modern looks,
though not drop-dead-gorgeous. Interior still as drab yet practical as ever. As
for the engines, the factory tuned Polestar engines help dramatically with
performance. Still, the XC90 doesn’t seem to have much life in it left.
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Pictures from:
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http://www.carevos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-volvo-xc90-002-interior.jpg
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http://www.play-auto.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Volvo-XC90-My2012-new-official-pictures-6.jpg
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http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-volvo-xc90-11-625x468.jpg
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http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3knaaGBIU1qzqua1o1_500.jpg
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