Volvo V90 D5 inscription - Attack from the north
The station wagon should only be roomy, trouble-free, easily accommodating a family with children and preferably economical? If only to look from this angle, everything would be clear and understandable. City cars should be comfortable in heavy traffic, drive off-road further than more civilian ones, and station wagons should be used only for the purposes mentioned at the beginning. Fortunately, the times when cars of this type were unprepossessing in appearance are gone and interesting-looking specimens can be found on the market. One of them is a Swedish beauty - Volvo V90.
Worthy successor
Just take a few minutes to come to the conclusion that this is one of the most beautiful "wagons" on the road. For many, it may not even have competition in this regard. If you wish to be anonymous during the guide V90, know that it will not live up to your expectations. This car simply attracts attention. No wonder, because Swedes are famous for their beauty, and our "friend" does not try to disguise herself. It seems that she is ready at any moment to drop everything and go to a chic ball.
Returning to the car… The designers have chosen a very successful path by creating a new stylistic line for their brand. Especially the front part deserves applause. The large grille, extra-long bonnet and Volvo-specific LED lights make it impossible to look away. The clever sideline means that, despite its size, the V90 impresses with its lightness. In hindsight, we'll be pleasantly surprised because an element criticized in a sedan is presented here in a more pleasing way. These are the headlights that caused a lot of controversy on the S90. Everything is different here - everything creates a harmonious project, a completely new face, not related to the replacement V70 model. Nearly a decade into the production of the third generation V70 is a good time to welcome a worthy successor to the roads.
To the driver
The new designation introduces a new quality, both inside and out. The interior has undergone a complete metamorphosis, which can be called a big step forward. Opening the door, we are faced with one of the most beautiful interiors on the market. Until recently, the center console of Swedish models was teeming with buttons and knobs. However, trends change over the years, and modern cars are more like computers with ever larger screens, to which someone on the production line has attached wheels and a steering wheel. Whether we like it or not, we need to get used to it, because so far we do not see a reverse trend, but only the further development of these solutions. How has Volvo dealt with these challenges?
The dominant feature of the interior is a nine-inch vertical display facing the driver. Another, this time horizontal, is located in place of the clock. There are no complaints about the quality of both. The former is picky but takes some getting used to. The positives are the A/C controls that we have at our fingertips at all times, and although its physical buttons and knobs have been removed, it does not cause any problems in operation even while driving. Unfortunately, there was no idea of intuitive control of the start-stop system or activation of the cruise control. Both of these functions require us to go to the corresponding menu and search for the option we are interested in. Fewer and fewer physical buttons lead to the fact that they have to be looked for on the next tabs of the glowing tablet.
The view from the driving point of view attracts attention. Add to this the “zest” that the Swedes offer us, and we will have no doubt that we are in a premium brand. Just take a look at this unique engine start system by turning the square knob. When most people are limited to a round, emotionless button with the Start-Stop or Power formula, Volvo gives something more. No less interesting are accessories in the form of a small Swedish flag on the passenger seat or the inscription "Since 1959" on the seat belt buckles. It seems that Volvo designers decided to stand out not only outside, but also inside the car. These are definitely elements that fit the whole and give it a bit of character. The luxurious character is also confirmed by the materials used for decoration and their selection. It is dominated by leather, real wood and cold aluminum. The interior of the flagship model is really impressive.
Let's go to
We have a station wagon, diesel, four-wheel drive, ideal conditions for moving on. We pack quickly, extra suitcases and we can go. With a capacity of 560 liters, the trunk, although lightly arranged, is not one of the largest in its class. Luckily, front and rear seat passengers won't complain about the spaciousness. For them, the journey will be as pleasant and comfortable as for the driver. The advantage of the driver and passenger, i.e. seated in the front row, are extensive massages. In such conditions, you do not want to get off. Time to go to the natural habitat of our V90 - on long journeys.
The 4936-mm "rocket" from Scandinavia does not find a place for itself in the thick of the city, full of smart and typical citizens who want to squeeze into every crevice. As long as they have a chance to compete with us in the city, the best solution for them is if they step aside and go into the shadows. Only after the car passes the sign of the end of the settlement, Volvo begins to breathe deeply. It is enough to slightly press the gas and, despite its size, the car quickly picks up speed. We will get to the next corner faster than others, but even at this moment we are not afraid that the car will surprise us with unforeseen behavior. Looking at the dimensions of the car, it may seem that at the wheel we will feel like the helmsman of a ship in a raging sea. Despite the dynamic silhouette and low roofline, the power of the bodywork can make that impression. Fortunately, those who think so, and then drive the first kilometers, will quickly realize that they were wrong. The car goes where the driver wants, while maintaining the confidence of driving. Even in fast corners, you can feel safe and enjoy the ride. Especially if we change the driving mode to Dynamic. The engine revs faster and the steering is firmer, giving the car a more confident driving feel. In addition to the individual mode, there is a choice of economical driving. The tachometer then turns into graphics similar to those used in hybrids, and the accelerator pedal gives resistance when pressed. Fans of driving will definitely not like this mode and will remain with the Comfort or Dynamic settings.
Surprise under the hood
The reduction did not bypass the Volvo brand. By choosing Volvo models, i.e. S90/V90 and XC90, we won't walk out of the showroom with an engine larger than a four-cylinder two-liter engine. After years of great-sounding five-cylinder engines, it's time to say goodbye. The heart of the modern V90 is the single-cylinder unit, stripped of the old D5 units. However, this does not make the bike unworthy of interest. It's quiet, powerful and not bad. The engine seems to have extra room for one more breath in every rev range. The lungs may not be the largest, but they are very efficient. Under the hood of the V90 is a 2.0-liter diesel engine supported by two turbochargers and a small compressor designed to eliminate turbos. 235 HP and 480 Nm of torque should satisfy anyone who values comfort and safety over performance. The manufacturer claims 7,2 seconds to 100 km / h, but acceleration above “hundreds” is more impressive. The big all-rounder isolates us from the environment and speed, so we have to be constantly on the lookout to not accidentally increase our achievements with penalty points.
For fans of stronger driving in the seat, Volvo has prepared the Polestar package, which increases power, torque and transmission performance along with the gearbox. Price for extra 5 hp and 20 Nm? Modest 4500 zlotys. Is it worth it? Answer yourself.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, perfect for long trips. Without leaving the track, and trying to drive at a constant speed, the on-board computer shows even below 6l / 100km. A visit to the track will make you add about three liters for every hundred kilometers. The delights of a crowded city pour into the result of at least 8 liters.
Prizes
The cheapest Volvo V90 with 3 hp D150 diesel engine. costs from PLN 186. The cost of the more powerful D800 unit starts at PLN 5, while the Inscription package increases the price to PLN 245. The price of this version includes, among other things, distinctive chrome body parts, 100-inch ten-spoke wheels, three driving mode settings (Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Individual), natural wood interior trim and an elegant key in body color . upholstery. The plug-in hybrid version closes the price list with a capacity of up to 262 km. Along with great power comes an even greater price of PLN 500. Being “eco” is worth…
Despite the power we have under our feet and the thrust of the D5 engine, the car does not encourage traffic violations. This is aided by a steering system that favors lightness and comfort over sporty responses. However, the Volvo V90 is ideally suited to the role of a majestic sedan, which, thanks to the extended roofline, improves driving performance. The comfortable suspension picks up most bumps almost imperceptibly, while maintaining decent stiffness at higher speeds. Will a "rocket" from the North threaten established competition? He has everything to attract customers to his site, and whether this happens depends on them.
