The original XC90 sold in large numbers for Volvo, no doubt for its safety features, true seven seat capability and its rugged macho looks. With the second generation XC 90 already creating a waiting list for the buyers, it's interesting to see what's changed -- just about everything.
The main changes centre on Volvo's 'scalable chassis design', an aspect of a $11 billion engineering investment that allows the company to modify all vehicle dimensions -- from wheelbase to front and rear overhangs -- being built around the same platform.
Two key points of the re-design are strength and stiffness which have an influence on handling, particularly on large boxy vehicles like this one. Another big change is the repositioning of front and rear suspension elements; this creates much more internal space and takes this vehicle fairly and squarely into the luxury SUV market against the likes of BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Range Rover.
Out on the road the XC 90 seems to mind its manners well, and even a spirited drive on country roads with poor edges and adverse cambers did little to move the car off its intended line, with the body exhibiting very little roll, and permanent 4WD appearing to straighten out corners.
Tweaking of adjustable features like steering weight, throttle response or changing to the dynamic driving mode are there if you want, but this driver just liked the way it seemed to eat up the miles in a relaxed manner and without drama.
This ride was fitted with the D5, 4-cyl diesel engine that pumps out 225hp and a lusty 470Nm of torque, which combines with a superbly engineered 8-speed auto transmission that returns around 8.6L/ 100km and keeps engines revs nice and low. In dynamic mode engine revs rise to portray a more sporty feel, but the calmness starts to disappear and things get a little noisier.
But it's the cabin that makes this vehicle stand out from the rest of the crowd. Big doors with keyless entry make for easy access into seats that can be adjusted to accommodate all sizes. Support is firm and extremely comfortable with high quality hide on the seats.
Electrically adjustable seat pads can be extended for those a little longer in the leg, and combines with lumbar support to get the position just right, not nearly right.
The start knob on the centre armrest console works as one would expect, and once everything lights up ahead of the driver it is clear, concise and easy to understand. A nice touch on moving off sees the two main roundels moving away to their lateral extremities, and the navigation panel appears centre screen.
In the centre console, vehicle control and set-up is by means of the new Sensus Control panel; this uses a touch screen format to move through all key features from auto engine stop, hill descent, parking assist -- into and out of spaces -- and such creature comforts as that Volvo trademark seat heating, dual zone climate control and a host of other functions.
As part of the package, and synonymous with Volvo who, let's remember, gave the world seatbelts as far back as 1959, there is a raft of safety features: Intellisafe gives road sign information on the driver's screen, a lane departure warning shows on the screen and gently vibrates the steering wheel to warn the driver, and an adaptive cruise function sets speed, monitors inter vehicle distance and gives a warning if a collision is imminent. The crash warning was superbly demonstrated when a car cut us off, the Volvo braking automatically to avoid a collision.
