CLEAR TO SEE IT’LL BE A BIG SUCCESS
Touch of frost? Don’t worry… heated windscreen on Volvo XC90 SUV is just one of its fantastic features
A hard frost had come down overnight – something I had not taken into account as I raced out to meet a friend.
With a sinking heart, I switched on the engine of the Volvo XC90 sitting in my driveway and wondered, as I dashed back into the house to get my coat, just how long it would take until the windscreen was clear enough to drive – and, more to the point, how late I was going to be.
I need not have worried. In the time it took me to grab my coat and bag, the windscreen was clear thanks to the absolutely miraculous heated windscreen on this car, part of the package which include heated rear seats in the second row (the XC90 can convert to a seven-seater) and a heated steering wheel.
It is small moments like this that can tip the balance when you are thinking of buying a car. In this case, it could be getting the kids to school on time and in safety with a clear windscreen, clear side windows and a clear rear view.
The other thing I loved about this car was the bird’s eye view you get when reversing. Now the XC90 is not the only car that comes with this but, coupled with other features like the extremely comfortable contour sports seats in a wool blend, it all just adds up to the kind of car you would want for the family.
The XC90 is Volvo’s top-of-the-range SUV, powered in this case not only by a 2.0-litre petrol engine but also an electric motor for some extra push as well as emission-free driving in town.
The clue is in the word Recharge, which identifies Volvo’s electrified range and, here, the battery is charged via a plug-in system which can be continually topped up to give you an electric range of about 30 miles.
Using the battery wisely and incorporating the petrol engine, Volvo says you can get a range of between 83 and 104mpg – not too shabby for a big car like this.
It has a dominating presence on the road, which is both reassuring
and confidence-giving but, in the way of all well-built cars, it does not feel huge to drive and is easy to park (mainly because of that bird’s- eye view thing) and especially using the park assist which comes with the Lounge pack.
It is massively comfortable and spacious inside, with a high ride height and easily adjustable seats.
The infotainment system is controlled through an iPad- like tablet in the middle of the dash and the automatic gearstick is a beautiful crystalline thing at your fingertips.
It is packed full of hi-tech systems to keep you safe and connected and you can even link up your smartwatch for remote control from your wrist.
On the road it is a dream, splashing through deep puddles with impunity and confidently keeping you on the road with that all-wheel drive. It is remarkably agile for a big car and the steering is very positive.
It is not the cheapest SUV on the road but you will get a decent benefit in kind because of the hybrid system and, of course, the quality level is very Volvo, reassuringly so come rain, shine or hard, hard frost.