TECH SPEC
Lively new engine makes Volvo’s hit SUV better value and even more appealing
It wi l l become the entry-level for the XC90 and will shortly be rolled out to the S90 and V90.
The XC90 is already available with two more powerful petrol engines and one diesel but this will give buyers, not wanting to pin their flag to the diesel mast, a third – and slightly more value for money – option.
Tuned to 250hp, it is slightly more powerful than the diesel Volvo XC90 R-Design T5 2.0-litre petrol automatic 250hp 7.8 seconds 30.1 184g/km Three years/ 60,000 miles £50,435 and works well in this car, which is full of systems and features. As we bowled along briskly under the power of the new T5, Volvo’s safety systems were not slow in kicking in if we ventured over the white line or too close to the road edge. The semi-autonomous lane-keeping aid hauled us back, the pilot assist and adaptive cruise control helped with the steering and, f rank ly, f rom where I was sit t ing high above the road, I felt very safe. All XC90s come with fourwheel drive as standard, which is great with what looks like a harsh winter looming. And the Volvo On Call means you can access the car remotely from your smartphone, allowing you to heat it up before you get in. The are four driving modes for all possibilities – Eco, Comfort, Individual and Dynamic. If you add the off-road option, the XC90 has the ability to take you almost anywhere.
It is like a fabulous big armchair inside with plenty of comfort and, for those who want or need it, there are seven seats. And Volvo say that even the back row can take children or adults up to 5ft 7in.
The firm believe the R- Design will be the most popular trim level and, with this T5 engine onboard, it comes in at about £50,000.
Again, with cold months ahead, it might be worth adding the winter pack for headlight cleaning, a heated windscreen, a heated steering wheel and the famous heated aqua blades.
Heated seats are standard – and what would we do without them?
The T5 engine in the XC90 gives customers going along to buy one of the most interesting big SUVs on the market a fantastic extra option.