New Volvo proves equally popular as old model launched 13 years ago

By Gerry Murphy

It comes as only a mild revelation that three quarters of the orders for Volvo’s new XC90 are for the top-of-the-range Inscription model.

Evidently the new car, launched by Volvo earlier this year, is proving to be equally as admired as the old model launched 13 year ago.

That car created quite a commotion when it became the first big SUV from the Scandinavian car maker. Reports of showroom squabbles between prospective buyers when numbers were scarce were doing the rounds and it looks like they have another winner with this latest model.

I have been driving the Inscription version and it has all the trappings, the latest technologies and the splendour of prestige SUV. The delectable interior is very elegant with seven seats all wrapped in rich leather and offering quality support to both driver and passengers alike.

The on-screen infotainment system and the touch controls is one of the best I have seen in any car yet and Volvo, who declare that no one will get killed in a Volvo by 2020 is becoming a reality with the vast amount of safety equipment that you get in this car.

Externally, the new model is much bolder in style taking up a huge amount of space which is matched internally where even the passengers in the last row of seat can travel in relative relaxation. You also get a sizeable boot especially when only five seats are being used.

For practical family use it has few contenders. It looks much crisper too with defined lines along the body that should see it age better than the old one with its modern stance and brawny bulk.

Inside, however, is where the true splendour of this new car is foremost. The opulence of the leather seating, the styling of the dash and centre console is top class. Throughout the car, Volvo engineers demonstrate astounding attention to detail and the vast array of modern features; the sound system and the infotainment options are bang up to the cutting edge.

From the driving view point, it is totally engaging for a car so big. The steering is sharp and precise and the car turns into corners like a roadster rather than a beefy SUV. Volvo engineers have managed to make this car so easy to drive that you forget that you are in a two tonne giant and while it does have some SUV characteristics, the overall quality of the driving experience is one of sharpness belying its size.

Under the bonnet is their 2.0-litre D5 225bhp engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that can also be used manually, at the gearstick. It doesn’t have paddle and perhaps that is the only additional attribute that would make it even better.

In normal automatic mode, the gear changes are spot on and the engine is both powerful and smooth giving you a quiet, comfortable ride. Fuel consumption for the week came in at 7.9L/100km. CO2 emissions are 152g/km with a road tax charge of €390 per annum.

At the lower end of the trim scale, you can have a basic Momentum XC90 for €70,950. My top-line model, the Inscription, will set you back a healthy €76,950 which adds Nappa soft leather upholstery, power passenger seat, 12.3” active TFT crystal driver’s information display, leather instrument panel, metal mesh inlays, multi-colour theatre lighting and 20” 10 spoke alloy wheels to an already long list of modern driver and safety features.

This is a big car with a big price tag but, compared to what they had before, how popular it was and matched with others in the same category of SUV, Volvo’s mix of presentation and the drivability with this car makes it the one to beat.

The economy is on the rise and more and more big expensive cars are being bought. While this is one for the well-heeled I’m sure we will see a lot more of them on our roads in the future.