Getaway Car

Softroader Test Volvo V90 Cross Country.

- Andrew Middleton

In the onslaught of luxury SUVs on the market, Volvo offers a refresher course in practicality and technology with its new V90 Cross Country. In this case, ‘Cross Country’ means an AWD stop-gap between the V90 Estate and XC90 SUV. It’s an accomplished gravel-traveller for those who need an escape without forgoing luxury, comfort or mile-munching capability.

As you’re well aware, sporty SUVs are all the rage right now, but suffer from several drawbacks thanks to the laws of physics and the need for on-road manners. The V90 Cross Country addresses these issues with a vehicle that’s just as capable over a bumpy gravel road as any low-slung SUV, yet has a lower centre of gravity, thus allowing the engineers to fit pillowy air suspension. Because it doesn’t have the dimensions of a small family home, wind resistance is comparatively low, too − improving fuel consumption and reducing NVH levels at high speeds. The boot floor is also low, allowing for easy access to the flat floor and very nearly an acre of space with the rear seats folded. This, then, is the thinking man’s SUV, because it’s not an SUV at all.

Technology

Known best for its safety tech, Volvo is a brand that has come full circle in the last few years, with massive investment from parent-company Geely. New engines include twincharged petrol engines, diesels, and a 300kW plug-in hybrid, all using a new 2.0-litre block as a base. The version that SA4x4 had on test was the T6, a top-spec petrol using both supercharging and turbocharging to provide an almost completely flat torque curve and incredibly responsive punch.