MOTORING


Estately home


Volvo's V90 is a car that shares its platform with the XC90. It uses the same petrol and diesel engines and the Swedish manufacturer is confident it can claim more sales from the popular crop of SUVs that are dominant at the moment. We sent motoring journalist Nick Jones to take a peek.


Pinching style cues from the S90, the V90 is a handsome car. Inside, the interior is beautifully designed, with high quality materials used throughout. Its clean look is making Volvo cars more popular on the road. The seats, with an optional massage function, are some of the most comfortable on any car, at any price. Comfort and refinement is what Volvo had on the top


of the wish-list. So, instead of the overly stiff set-up of some estates, the big Volvo has softer suspension to soak up the bumps and tarmac. More enthusiastic drivers won’t be overly


disappointed behind the wheel, as the handling is improved in the dynamic mode that gives the V90 better body control in tight and twisting roads. But a more relaxed approach is a good match for the comfort- biased nature of the rest of the car. The V90 is a heavy car, with the most expensive


versions weighing in well-over two-tonnes. That makes the more powerful of the two diesels, the


D5, the more obvious version. Producing 235PS from just a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, the


four-wheel drive V90 offers all-weather traction on slippery roads but still manages to combine a quick sub eight-seconds 0-60mph time with the ability to return over 54 miles per gallon. Its top speed is 146 miles per hour and the emission figure is 129g/km. Whatever engine you choose, all V90s come with an


eight-speed automatic gearbox which, when matched with the diesel is a smooth combination that works very well. The presence of the self-driving cruise control is evidence of a long line of standard equipment. All Momentum models come with a leather interior, internet connectivity, navigation, a large nine-inch infotainment


96 business network October 2019


system, LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys and an electric tailgate along with electric folding rear seats. Upgrade to the range-topping Inscription trim and


you’ll swap the base car's leather for more premium softer Nappa hide, plus electric front seats and a classy full 12.3-inch full colour screen instead of conventional speedo and rev-counter, plus a whole raft of further additions that really make your car personalised. Mine had the head-up display which is kind of cool,


but at £1,000 extra, you may just want to look at the TFT screen. With prices from £36,000 for the D4 Momentum,


Volvo has clearly positioned the V90 below the main rivals, but above cars that may just be on the radar also. It's a mighty tempting proposition. As spacious


comfortable cars go, for all the family, you'll be grateful Volvo hasn't given up on the humble estate just yet, great news if you’re not a fan of SUVs. You’ll certainly stand out in the crowd. Mine here, the V90 D5 PowerPulse version, costs from £45,945.


FACTFILE


MODEL Volvo V90 D5


PRICE OTR From £36,000


PERFORMANCE Top speed: 146 miles per hour 0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds


CO2 EMISSIONS 129g/km


COMBINED MPG 53.8 mpg


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