LEADING EDGE | Westcon

Volvo XC90 T5 AWD R-Design Geartronic - Welcome to modern excellence 

 

Worldwide the new Volvo XC90 has made waves, not only with its revolutionised new engine but also with its bold boxy statement and minimalist approach in the interior. I was pleasantly surprised to find the control centre so clean of gadgets and also very easy to read and to operate. The clean lines and panels were really welcome as lately most vehicles are completely saturated with gadgets and knobs and levers leaving you totally dumbstruck. Not only did I welcome the cleanliness of the XC90 but also the ease of use of the different systems and also how well they worked. Style for me is great, quality is excellent and materials used are of the best.  

 

Although the list price is R926 900 the price as tested is R984 250, which is not cheap but it is in line with most of the other SUV’s in its class. What you get for your money as standard is a well-developed car that is one of the safest in the World with leading edge technology that works for you and in this case the R-Design sports body kit, R-Design steering wheel, gear lever and gearshift paddles, the sports pedals, key in perforated leather and the LED Active bending headlights with Active High Beam and of course “Thors” Hammer signature. Add to that all the other features as the auto dimming side mirrors, park pilot assist with front and rear parking sensors, Drive mode selector, 4 zone automatic climate control and Navigation and you have a really well equipped 7 Seater SUV  that is not only capable but economic powerful and a really great vehicle to drive.  

 

Our Volvo XC90 came in the loveliest red which set of its bulky yet sporty looking contours. Driving the XC90 is a real pleasure as it is a cruiser but through its Drive mode selector it becomes very capable on off road and in sand as long as you don’t want to do serious off road excursions. The new power units of Volvo is ground breaking for the future of Volvo and the performance of the powertrain is very good. I did feel that the sound of the engine could be changed as it sounded very diesel like.

 

The XC 90 is one of the few vehicles that allows you to work the touch screen infotainment system without losing your concentration on the road. All of the important selectors to ensure safe driving is exactly where it should be and again is much easier to use than in any other Volvo model.

Having travelled long distances with golf clubs and family on board the XC90 again proofed that it is a functional family car and over long distances occupants in the second row of seats is as comfortable as the front seat occupants. On uneven roads the ride becomes a bit harsh but I do believe this is because of the 20 inch R-Design rims with its low profile tyres. Noise while driving is minimal and most of it is generated by the tyres. Road holding through corners are excellent with minimal body roll.

 

Options fitted to this vehicle

 R-Design Pack (R54 000)

o Heated front seats

o Head Up Display

o Keyless entry and starting

o Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)

o Premium 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system

o Visual Park Assist with front fisheye camera and 360-degree camera system

 Metallic Paint (R3 350)

 

Volvo’s XC90 has brought another contender into the field of the luxury premium brand SUV’s and will make the choice much harder to choose.

In my opinion the Volvo is an excellent choice and must be considered along with all the other brands as mentioned.