First Drive: The Volvo XC90 R-Design, Volvo quality with more than a touch of flare

The all-new Volvo XC90 is a stunning bit of kit in standard trim.  Fresh new design, upright touch-screen infotainment system replacing almost all the centre console buttons and knobs and all the trimmings of a luxury car.  So when Volvo puts an R into the mix it gets very interesting.

Volvo’s XC90 R-Design offers great performance and plenty of power.  Check out these vital stats:

• Displacement 1969cc
• Power output 235kW @ 5700rpm
• Max torque 400Nm @ 2200-5400rpm
• 0-100km/h 6.5 secs
• Top speed 230km/h
• Volvo Claimed Fuel consumption 8.5/100km (combined)
• EFTM Fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100km

This is quite easily your family driver – built for the soccer mum and the soccer dad because dad won’t mind showing off the Volvo when it’s this Volvo.

That iPad like centre screen isn’t as big in real-life as the photos make out, but it contains everything you need.  Takes some getting used to though to find where everything really is.

We drove the turbocharged petrol engine, which didn’t sound bad, and never left us wanting for more.  Paired with an 8-speed gearbox and electrical power assisted steering there is a bit of a disconnect between driver and the road, but again – you learn how it feels and where it pushes back and you’re soon at one with the car.

At 10.5l/100 we were guzzling a bit more than we’d like to – but still not terrible for such a big car, undoubtedly the Diesel option would have been the better way to go – Volvo do a bloody good Diesel.

On the corners we had 20 inch R-Design Matte Black five-spoke diamond cut alloy wheels which really set the whole design off.  In the sporty blue this thing looks the part from every angle.

Out on the road the sport pack makes it a rather firm ride on our bad roads, but on the main roads you’ll find this giving you confidence and a really nice ride.

The elevated driving position is excellent, and not too cumbersome for everyday use – and frankly, for people looking to spend $100k plus, it’s a great alternative to the Audi Q7 which is rather common on the roads.

As tested, our ride was $105,875 plus on roads and for my money – well worth every dollar.

[schema type=”review” rev_name=”Volvo XC90 R-Design” rev_body=” Great car. Solid build, safe and secure. Full of tech that has really taken a family favourite to a new level. ” author=”Trevor Long” pubdate=”2016-06-24″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]