IT could be assumed that Volvo’s versatile XC90 may be getting near the end of its sell-by date.
Now in its ninth year of production, many Volvo fans could be forgiven for wondering when the second-generation model is going to roll out from one of the company’s car plants.
Well, bad news folks, for the Swedish marque have no plans at present to replace the spacious, evergreen luxury SUV just yet. And it truth be told, there’s simply no point.
For last year, UK sales figures for the all-wheel-drive load-lugger edged up to close on 7,000 units, making it one of the machine’s best performing years to date, while in these days of downsizing, outperforming most of its rivals into the bargain.
Back in 2002 the XC90 became something of a pathfinder for Volvo as the Swedish luxury brand entered SUV territory for the very first time.
It offered all Volvo’s usual class-leading safety features and more, a whopping 1,837-litre payload, seven seats and strong residual values.
Better still, it was built to last with the usual top-class attention to detail and class-leading fixtures and fittings that are Volvo trademarks.
Although the car has been around for a while, Volvo has always kept things fresh and the current XC90 models now benefit from a new 2.4-litre, five-pot D5 diesel engine mated to the familiar tried-and-tested six-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox.
This 187bhp unit pulls like a train, making acceleration and overtaking totally stress free. Silky smooth through the gears it’s hard to believe that this big beast weighs in at way over two tonnes.
Yet the new powerful engine sees fuel economy increase to 34mpg on the combined cycle while emissions have been pared to 219g/km. Top speed is 127mph while standing to 62mph can be achieved in 10.3 seconds.
Inside the car you find a massive cabin. Just fold the back two rows of seats flat and see for yourself just how big the payload really is.
There’s more than enough room for seven adults, although the rear two seats are better suited for kids unless the journey is just a short trip.
Comfort is the name of the game in the XC90, and the seats are large and give great support. The steering column adjusts for both reach and height, making it easy to find the perfect driving position.
As with most SUVs, the machine gives a high driving position, which is just as well as the bonnet is a fair bit off the deck. This in turn gives the driver great visibility of the road ahead.
Out on the road the car handles beautifully. Volvo’s clever designers giving the machine the ride and handling found on normal passenger cars and the steering is amazingly light considering the car’s size and weight, showing little in the way of roll on more winding roads.
On dual-carriageways and motorways it really comes into its own, eating up the miles with ease. And thanks to its permanent all-wheel-drive system, it is refreshing to know that traction is maximised at all times no matter what the road conditions.
Sadly, I did not get the chance to try the offroad capabilities of the machine, but its high stance and array of electronic driving aids would no doubt serve it well when the going gets tough.
Available in five trim levels – four of which offer a Premium option which adds integrated satellite navigation and Bluetooth handsfree systems – there’s little Volvo has ommitted from the spec lists.
Entry level Active offers a mass of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with electronic brake distribution, stability and traction control, brake assist and roll stabilty control.
Other on-board equipment includes dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, eight-speaker CD sound system and electric windows, while flagship Executive spec adds electric front seats, an upgraded 12-speaker sound system incorporating rear seat audio console with headphone sockets, walnut wood veneer trim and soft leather upholstery.
An R-Design version gives the car a sporty makeover, adding sports chassis, speed-dependent sports steering, silver matt door mirrors and alluminium interior trim, R-Design leather trim, blue instrument dials and 19-inch bright silver alloy wheels.
With the introduction of the new D5 engine Volvo can expect yet another sales boost for the XC90, meaning the car’s eventual replacement could be even further away ever.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90
Price: £34,795
Mechanical: 197bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 219g/km
BIK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles