by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – FUEL prices in South Africa continue to skyrocket, and concerns over environmental degradation soar, more people than ever are considering the benefits of owning hybrid cars.
They should look no further than the Volvo XC90, a hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) synonymous with safety and luxury.
When it was delivered at CAJ News Africa for test drive, I knew this would be an exciting moment for our media review team, who immediately got some briefing from the Volvo crew on how to plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) XC90 recharge.
The XC90 combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
During daytime, I would drive this vehicle in electric mode, but once the sun set, I would immediately switch to fuel.
On fuel consumption, the XC90 doesn’t disappoint at all. It consumes between 7,2 litres to 8 litres per every 100km, depending on one’s driving habits, budget and environmental priorities.
Something that captured my attention is the distance covered when the XC90 was on electric mode, which covered a distance of 80km.
The XC90 uses less fuel than standard petrol or diesel vehicles because they rely partly on an electric motor, a development which lowers fuel consumption in city driving or during stop-and-go traffic.
It produces fewer emissions than standard cars.
It contributes to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint. This is beneficial in cities where pollution can be an issue, and it aligns with the global shift towards greener energy sources.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
I realised the XC90 is capable of ensuring safety and security to adults, children and pedestrians.
Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, a traffic-sign recognition system, six airbags, traction control and Isofix mounts for child seats on the outer two middle-row seats. Blind-spot monitoring is also fitted.
For safety and security, I would give the XC90 about 95 percent marks for its ability to resist theft and good marks for guarding against burglary.
I also drove the XC90 off road, and surprisingly, it delivered desired results, and was left with no doubt this SUV is capable.
Of interest, the car is stylish, luxurious and spacious making it possible to carry enough luggage for a family of five-to-seven people.
Talking of mobility, the XC90 is engineered to deliver smooth take-offs and refined acceleration, making both city and highway journeys more refined.
The vehicle has a carrying capacity of seven people, including the driver.
COMFORT
This XC90 comes with electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, including adjustable lumbar support, so finding a comfy driving position shouldn’t take you long.
I have driven many SUVs before, but the Volvo XC90s is one of the most comfortable seven-seater SUVs you can get, helped by brilliantly supportive seats.
Most features, including the climate controls, are operated using the tablet-style 11.2in infotainment touchscreen. There’s also a voice-control system, which is pretty good at understanding simple commands, such as changing the temperature.
The XC90’s interior is of typical Volvo quality, with a mix of smart materials across the dashboard and around the centre console.
FRONT SPACE:
Like all its main rivals, the Volvo XC90 offers more than enough head and leg room . There’s also generous shoulder room, if not quite as much as you get in an Audi Q7 or Land Rover Defender.
Two large cupholders and a storage bin are positioned between the front seats. The two door pockets can each hold a large water bottle and still have space left for other smaller items. The glove box is opened electronically and is large enough to store much more than just the user manual.
REAR SPACE:
The second-row seats in the XC90 are up to the challenge of accommodating taller passengers. Head room is ample, and while the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 offer a whisker more leg room, the XC90 offers more than some other rivals, including the Land Rover Discovery.
NOISE AND VIBRATION:
With its ability to run on electric power alone, this XC90 is quieter than its rivals.
Wind noise is relatively well suppressed. Road noise is a little more prominent but it’s still kept to a minimum. On the standard suspension in Core trim, the XC90 now better keeps road and suspension noise in check.
VERDICT:
Power and efficiency is what every driver dreams about. The XC90 is an ideal SUV because it operates on both electric and fuel to ensure one does not get stuck by the road side.
– CAJ News
