Volvo V90 Cross Country 2020 review

Volvo has experienced huge success in the Australian new car market, recording (at the time of writing) 20 months of sales growth compared to last year. An even more impressive achievement, given that the market as a whole is moving in the opposite direction.

Any decent dunker worm will tell you to fish where it is, and Volvo has embraced the world's SUV craze with the XC40, XC60 and XC90 models, offering charismatic design and intelligent engineering in three SUV size categories.

But there's something about Volvos and vans (and golden retrievers). For over 60 years, station wagons have been part of the Swedish brand's DNA, with the latest expression being the V90 Cross Country.

In other markets, the car is sold in "civilian" V90 guise. That is, only the front-wheel drive version of the full-size S90 sedan (we also do not sell). But we have the V90 Cross Country, higher ride, all wheel drive, five seater.

Could its more car-like driving characteristics take you away from the SUV package?

90 Volvo V2020: D5 Cross Country lettering
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	5.7l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$65,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Three people spearheaded Volvo's move to its current ultra-cool design and looks. Thomas Ingenlath is Volvo's longtime design director (and CEO of Polestar, the brand's subsidiary), Robin Page is Volvo's head of design, and Maximilian Missoni oversees exterior design.

In the rare case where a healthy design ego doesn't get in the way of a positive outcome, this trio has developed a classically simple Scandinavian approach that combines echoes of Volvo's past, such as a large grille with "Iron Mark" logo and a modern signature. elements including dramatic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and long taillight clusters.

The off-road cross-country is presented thanks to the black lining on the wheel arches, as well as the edging of the window panes, front air vents, side skirts and the lower part of the rear bumper.

Inside, the look is cool and sophisticated, with clean form working hand in hand with direct function. The color palette ranges from brushed metal to gray and black.

Our test car featured three option packages, two of which made an impression on the interior. All details are listed in the pricing and cost section below, but in terms of interior, the "Premium Package" adds a panoramic glass sunroof and tinted rear window, while the "Deluxe Package" includes ventilated "perforated comfort seats" with trim. in (partly) nappa leather (standard finish is nappa leather with “accents”… no perforation).

The overall feel is understated and serene, with a layered approach to the dashboard including a combination of soft-touch materials and bright "metal mesh" elements.

A 9.0-inch portrait-style center touchscreen with large vertical vents on the sides, while a 12.3-inch digital driver display sits inside a compact instrument binnacle.

The seats look attractive with embossed stitching defining the neatly sculpted panels, while the curved headrests are another signature Volvo touch.

Overall, the design of the V90 is thoughtful and restrained, but far from boring. It is pleasant to look at from the outside, but inside it is as calming as it is effective.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

At just over 4.9m long, over 2.0m wide and over 1.5m high, the V90 CC is a solid all-rounder that seats five, has a roomy cargo area and plenty of thoughtful little things to make the day to day job easier.

Those in front enjoy plenty of space, as well as a center console with two cupholders, a storage tray, two USB ports (one for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and one for charging only) and a 12-volt outlet. be hidden by an elegant hinged lid. A similar smaller cover covers the coin tray next to the shift lever.

There's also a decent (cooled) glove box, large door drawers with space for large bottles, and a small lidded box on the bottom panel to the right of the steering wheel.

## Not: 76706 ##

Switch to the back and the "spacious" theme continues. Sitting behind the driver's seat, set for my 183 cm (6.0 ft) height, I had plenty of legroom and overhead, and the car's width means three average-sized adults can fit into the back seat without resorting to an uncomfortable crouch.

The center fold-out armrest houses a pair of retractable cup holders, a storage tray and a storage box with a lid. But the modest door shelves are too narrow for normal-sized bottles. On the other hand, parents of young children around the world will welcome the standard perforated window blinds for every tailgate.

There are also mesh map pockets on the backs of the front seats, as well as adjustable vents in the rear of the center console and extra vents in the B-pillars. The Versatility Pack option for our vehicle also added a 220V three-prong socket at the base of the tunnel console.

Then there's the business end: the V90 coughs up 560 liters of trunk with upright rear seats. More than enough to swallow our set of three hard cases (35, 68 and 105 liters) or a giant size Cars Guide stroller or various combinations thereof.

When the second-row rear seat is folded 60/40 (with a through-port), the volume increases to a significant 913 liters. And it is measured to the height of the seat. If you load up to the ceiling, these figures increase to 723L / 1526L.

Plus, there's a 12-volt outlet, bright lighting, an elastic retention strap on the right wall, conveniently placed bag hooks, and anchor points in each corner of the floor.

Sitting in a driver's seat sized for my 183 cm (6.0 ft) height, I had plenty of legroom and headroom. (Image: James Cleary)

The Versatility Pack option also adds a "grocery bag holder" which is part of pure Scandinavian genius. It's essentially a flip board that slides out of the cargo floor with two bag hooks at the top and a pair of elastic holding straps across the width. For smaller purchases, it keeps things secure without having to bring in a full load retention net.

And to make it easier to lower the rear seat and open up that extra volume, the Versatility Pack also includes a pair of power control buttons for folding the rear seat, located near the tailgate.

The compact spare is located under the floor, and if you hitch things in the back, the maximum trailer weight with brakes is 2500 kg, and without brakes 750 kg.

The icing on the cake of practicality is a hands-free power tailgate that combines automatic foot-opening under the rear bumper with buttons at the bottom of the door to close and lock the car.

There is also a decent (cooled) glove box, large door shelves with room for large bottles. (Image: James Cleary)

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The V90 Cross Country cost question cannot be considered without thinking about the competition, and the premium all-wheel-drive wagon concept is available above, below, and in line with Volvo's $80,990 price (excluding travel expenses). .

The $112,800 Mercedes-Benz E220 All-Terrain offers a similar-sized package, also powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It's a well-equipped, luxury-focused offering, but it can't match the Volvo in terms of power and torque.

The Audi A4 allroad 45 TFSI is comparable at $74,800, but it's less than the Volvo in all key respects, and its petrol engine can't match the V90's power.

The car does not lead in terms of driving comfort. This may be partly due to the standard 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 245/45 tires. (Image: James Cleary)

Then the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 140TDI is another European all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, but this time the cost of entry is "only" $51,290. Noticeably smaller than the Volvo, it's a less powerful but neatly crafted option.

So, in terms of standard equipment, we'll look at active and passive safety in the safety section below, but beyond that, the feature list includes: nappa leather trim, power-adjustable and heated front seats (with memory and adjustable lumbar support), leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter transmission, four-zone climate control, satellite navigation and a high-quality 10-speaker audio system (with digital radio, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity). The voice control function allows hands-free control of multimedia, telephone, navigation and climate control.

There's also keyless entry and start, hands-free power liftgate, rear sunshade, LED headlights (with Active Curve), LED taillights, rain sensors, cruise control, 20" alloy wheels, 360- inch alloy wheels. degree camera (including rear view camera), "Park Assist Pilot + Park Assist" (front and rear), as well as a 9.0-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

The Premium package adds a panoramic glass sunroof. (Image: James Cleary)

Then, on top of that, our test car was loaded with three option packages. The "Premium Package" ($5500) adds a power panoramic sunroof, tinted rear window, and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

The "Versatility Pack" ($3100) adds a grocery bag holder in the trunk, a compass in the rearview mirror, a power folding rear seatback, a power outlet in the tunnel console, and rear air suspension.

In addition, the $2000 Luxury Pack offers power side bolsters and a massage function on the front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated "Comfort Seats" with perforated nappa leather upholstery.

Push in the "Crystal White" metallic paint ($1900) and you get a "test" price of $93,490 before travel expenses.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

The V90 Cross Country is powered by a 4204-litre Volvo four-cylinder (D23T2.0) twin-turbocharged diesel engine.

This is a fully alloyed unit with direct injection with a power of 173 kW at 4000 rpm and 480 Nm at 1750-2250 rpm.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and Volvo's fifth-generation electronically controlled all-wheel drive system (including off-road mode).

The V90 Cross Country is powered by a 4204-litre Volvo four-cylinder (D23T2.0) twin-turbocharged diesel engine. (Image: James Cleary)

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 5.7 l/100 km, while the V90 CC emits 149 g/km CO2.

Despite the standard automatic stop and start system, after nearly 300 km of city, suburban and freeway driving, the on-board gauge averaged 8.8 l/100 km. Using this number, a 60-litre tank provides a theoretical range of 680 km.

What is it like to drive? 7/10

From the minute you press the starter button, there is undoubtedly a diesel engine under the hood of the V90. This iteration of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo has been around for a while, so its rather noisy nature came as a surprise. But once you get over that first impression by selecting D and extending your right ankle, you'll get a vigorous boost.

Volvo says it hits 0 km/h in 100 s, which is especially quick for a 7.5-ton station wagon, and peak torque is 1.9 Nm in the commuter - just 480-1750 rpm (big what), plenty of propulsion is always available . Keep pushing and peak power (2250 kW) is reached at 173 rpm.

Add to that the smooth changes of an eight-speed automatic transmission and this Volvo is ready to race at the traffic lights.

But once you settle down and get used to the city traffic, the V90 CC's relatively uneven ride quality starts to make itself felt.

Small bumps, pits and joints, typical of urban Australian roads, upset the V90. Double wishbone suspension at the front, with integrated link and transverse leaf spring at the rear, and even with the optional air suspension mounted at the rear of our example, the car is not a leader in driving comfort.

This may be partly due to the standard 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 245/45 tires. The variable all-wheel drive system provides plenty of traction, obviously doing its bit to direct power where it's most useful. The electric power steering is well directed and provides excellent road feel, but that slight wiggle is always there. It's interesting to note that 19-inch alloy wheels are a free option.

Apart from the protruding nose of the engine, the cabin is calm and relaxed. The seats feel super firm on first contact, but provide great comfort for long hauls. The brakes are disc brakes all around, ventilated at the front (345mm front and 320mm rear), and the pedal is progressive and confidence-inspiring.

Ergonomics are excellent, and the V90's dashboard and console controls and dials strike a comfortable balance between screens and conventional buttons. The customizable digital instrument panel stands out.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 10/10

Volvo and safety are words that intertwine like carefully crafted gears, and the C90 doesn't disappoint in terms of standard active and passive safety technologies.

The car was not rated by ANCAP, but Euro NCAP gave it the highest five-star rating in 2017, with the V90 becoming the first car ever to achieve a full six points in autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for pedestrians. test.

The spare wheel is located under the floor to save space. (Image: James Cleary)

In addition to AEB (pedestrian, city and intercity), the list of collision avoidance features includes ABS, EBA, Emergency Stop Light (EBL), Stability and Traction Control, Intellisafe Surround (Blind Spot Information). with "Cross Traffic Alert" and "Collision Alert" front and rear with mitigation support), adaptive cruise control (including Pilot Assist lane guidance), "Distance alert", 360-degree camera (including rear parking camera ), "Parking assistance". Pilot + Park Assist (front and rear), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, rain-sensing wipers, Steering Assist, Oncoming Lane Collision Mitigation and Crossroad Collision and Collision Avoidance" (with "Brake Caliper"). Ugh…

But if an impact is unavoidable, seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and knee) support you, Volvo Side Impact Protection (an energy-absorbing bodyshell system that works in conjunction with side airbags and curtain airbags), neatly integrated child airbags - boosters (x2), "Whiplash Protection System" (which absorbs impacts from the seat and head restraint), an active hood to minimize injury to pedestrians, and a three-point top tether on the back of the rear seat with ISOFIX anchorages on the two outer child and child seats capsules.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Volvo is offering a three-year unlimited mileage warranty on its new range of vehicles, including roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty. Not outstanding considering most major brands are now five years old/unlimited mileage.

But on the other hand, after the warranty expires, if you have your car serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer every year, you get a 12-month roadside assistance coverage extension.

Service recommended every 12 months/15,000 km (whichever comes first) with a Volvo service plan covering V90 scheduled service for the first three years or $45,000 km for $1895 (including GST ).

Verdict

The V90 Cross Country is an elaborate, highly practical and elegant full-size wagon. It is capable of moving the family and everything that comes with it, along with advanced security for maximum protection. The engine could be quieter, ride smoother and warranty longer. But if you're thinking about a premium five-seat SUV, we suggest you check out the passenger car handling that Volvo offers.

Are you pondering the station wagon vs. SUV equation? Tell us what you think in the comments below.