Volvo XC90 D5
Big 4x4s And Diesel Engines Make A Winning Combination - As Andy Enright Discovers When Running The Rule Over The
Volvo XC90 D5
In a word association game, Barbour jackets, green wellies and clay pigeon shooting would often be associated with one of only two car brands. One would be
Land Rover, the other Volvo. Both these brands are owned by Fords Premier Automotive Group and have to be managed so as not to tread on each others toes. Since the launch of the XC90, a fully-fledged Volvo 4x4 with instant appeal amongst the country set, that has become more difficult.
The D5 diesel version looks to be the pick of the range, being of greater significance than the range-topping T6 versions.
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Despite plunging headlong into a market dominated by cars like the
BMW X5 3.0d and Mercedes ML270 CDi, the XC90 D5 offers a reassuring blend of bold new world and tried and tested material. The fact that it wins just about every back-to-back comparison test and award going is also immensely reassuring. The chassis is ostensibly a stretched version of that which underpins the V70 estate, the XC90 also utilising many of the XC70s all wheel drive mechanicals.
Moreover, the engine and automatic gearbox arent significantly different to those found in an S80 D5 executive saloon. The styling retains a number of familiar
Volvo signatures too: the curvaceous bonnet that merges into the bold hiplines, the bluff front grille and the commonsense cabin and controls. Volvos D5 engine used to produce 163bhp but a series of revisions to the unit boosted power to todays 185bhp and made it Euro IV compliant. The older Euro III 163bhp D5 version is still available with the Geartronic automatic gearbox but its known less auspiciously as the 2.4D.
The proper D5 were featuring here starts at £32,275 and the value proposition seems to weigh in the big Swedes favour when its compared to rivals like BMWs X5. It certainly wont break the bank to run, returning an average fuel figure of 34mpg, enjoying Euro IV status for tax purposes and producing CO2 figures of just 219g/km, which are especially good for such a large vehicle. The towing capacity of 2,250kg will also appeal to those with boats or caravans.
"The XC90 D5 isnt averse to a bit of the rough stuff"
Still, a good deal is being asked of that diesel engine. The five-speed automatic gearbox with its long, relaxed gearing saps power still further. Those looking for something a little livelier will like the more affordable six-speed manual gearbox. That said, only footballers and rap stars generally buy big 4x4s for their performance credentials and for the majority of us, the generous torque of the diesel engine will be quite adequate.
The 60mph increment passes in around 11 seconds and a top speed in the region of 120mph is perfectly acceptable for all but the most merciless autobahn stormer. The XC90 D5 isnt averse to a bit of the rough stuff, the adequate ground clearance, compact overhangs, diesel lugging power and comparatively low centre of gravity making it proficient but not in the same league as something like Land Rovers Discovery. It uses an electronically controlled permanent 4x4 system with a Haldex differential calculating how much drive should be directed to the rear wheels, typically anything from 5 to 65%. Unlike most of its rivals, the XC90 seats seven as standard with a set of rear seats that adults can occasionally use.
Despite this, the cars footprint remains usefully small. Part of the reason for this apparent miracle of packaging is the compact transverse engine. No monster V8 power unit is available, Volvo instead comfortable with this D5 five-cylinder diesel engine, an entry-level 2.5-litre turbo unit or the familiar T6 turbocharged six-cylinder petrol powerplant.
Being a Volvo, the XC90 isnt shy of safety features. The innovative Roll Stability Control (RSC) system received the World Traffic Safety Symposium Manufacturers Award. In order to prevent the XC90 going dirty side up in the first instance, sophisticated gyroscopically controlled stability software steadies even the most radical lane changing behaviour. Should you hit a kerb or ditch and roll the XC90, it features a boron-reinforced roof to prevent the upper body deforming.
Finally, the car also features curtain airbags that stay inflated ten times longer than normal bags in order to ensure passengers are kept away from flying glass and insulated from doorframes during a roll. A demonstration outside Gothenburg where an XC90 was filled with crash test dummies and then walloped in the side by an iron sled proved how effective the system was. Despite being thrown into four-barrel rolls by this 30-tonne impact, the dummies were all safely restrained in their seats. So, passengers are safe.
What about other road users? Volvo claim this to be the first unselfish 4x4 by fitting a low-level impact absorbing cross member behind the front spoiler to prevent the high, wide and handsome XC90 riding up and over more vertically challenged vehicles. Prices start at a cut throat £32,275 for the 185bhp D5 S. Opt for the Geartronic shift system and the price bumps up by £1,350. An SE version is also available priced at £34,775 which adds leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a 6-disc CD changer, an electric drivers
seat and wood or aluminium dash inlays.
But the undisputed king of the line up is the Geartronic only £44,630 D5 Executive. Like its BMW and Mercedes rivals, the diesel-engined XC90 is the one that most people will choose most of the time. If youre at all worried about the conspicuous consumption that big 4x4s represent, the Volvo XC90 D5 is a responsible alternative. Safe, with room for seven and without crippling running costs, it brooks no surprises.
A Colossus with a conscience? Thats about the size of it.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Volvo XC90 D5 range
PRICE: £32,275-£44,830 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-17
CO2 EMISSIONS: 219g/km
PERFORMANCE: (manual) Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 10.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (manual) (urban) 26.4mpg / (extra urban) 40.9mpg /(combined) 34.0mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Front and side airbags / ABS / SIPS / WHIPS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4733/1860/1562mm
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