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No Uncertainty
VOLVO XC90
NO UNCERTAINTY
Words by Richi Mackie
Volvo has always been synonymous with extreme safety and comfort. In recent years they have certainly not stood by and have fully kept pace with the fierce competition, although the models of the Swedish brand were less chic than those to which the majority of the customers were pointing at. But despite the difficulties it has continued its personal evolution, producing some of the best family cars, crossovers, but also compact and high-performance sedans, thanks to the Polestar sports department. I specifically kept last the much-loved and challenged SUV category, where it is impossible not to mention with praise the excellent XC90. Volvo’s flagship SUV, introduced back in 2002, has undergone a slight update in 2007 and, only in 2014 has found new life, thanks to the new model that brings with it a great deal of self-important updates; weapons ready to be deployed in the battle for supremacy in the most difficult branch of the market.
At first glance, the new XC90 stands out because of its similarity with the previous model, at least in the forms and in the increasingly important dimensions, but the front-end design in particular, differs radically from all the other proposals on the list, thanks to a muscular grille and the thin and wide lights with LEDs that, especially without the favor of sunlight, make the whole area even more aggressive and claims that this car is ready for everything. The lines are well defined in the typical Swedish style, sober but personal, a consistent swing throughout the entire body: depending on the trim you’ll choose, you will have a more sporty personality, rather than luxurious, even by fitting 22” wheels. Other news are hiding inside, where you have the opportunity to opt for the third row of seats and carry around 6 friends, without too much sacrifice for the luggage or space for the legs of the occupants. Up front you’re accommodated on exceptional leather seats and facing a futuristic cockpit that breathes technology with two main objectives in mind: comfort and safety. Years pass, but the recipe remains the same, and so the XC90 offers a myriad of ways to assist and protect the driver, head-up display, an excellent 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive transmission, which is useful to deal with roads in slippery conditions, perhaps covered with snow or ice. In the engine bay, choices between diesel and petrol engines, only 2.0cc 4 cylinders, but you also get a hybrid version, while the power output goes from 190hp up to 320 of the top performing petrol model. + 80hp thanks to the electric motor for the hybrid one, which costs a few thousand Euros more.
The XC90 does not offer supersports performance, but the 320hp of the top of the range can satisfy well and achieve considerable speeds. The latter certainly more suited to the American market, while in the old continent, the 2liter diesel will be preferred for those who want to be able to use it on a daily basis without having to become friends with the gas station owner. Once again, Volvo sneaks into the fray with an extreme car for endowment and usability, with great aesthetic and an impressive technological level, perfectly priced for with what it offers: it seriously deserves your attention.
VOLVO XC90 (2014-)
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1969cc – turbo
Transmission – 8-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 320 hp @ 5700 rpm
400 Nm @ 2200-4500 rpm
Weight – 2025 kg
Acceleration – 6,9 sec.
Top Speed – 230 kph
Price – from 68.000 €
