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As it role as the troop carrier, the XC90 is a mixed bag. On one hand, it has tons of clever stuff like a built-in booster seat for the middle row, a magically disappearing third row and even a removable front console. However, try fitting seven in and things can get pretty ugly, especially on the third row. You see, the third row, do have two seats which look prim and proper complete with proper belts, except that it is missing proper knee room. Adding more insult to the injury, with the third row up, the XC90 is cargo loading challenged, not even able to swallow a week’s worth of groceries. That’s sad since the XC90 provided separate audio entertainment (with headphone jacks) and rear vents for the last row, only to find out that most dads would opt to fold the last row and carry more luggage instead. Swallowing seven in one go isn’t its strong suit then, but reduce the number to five, and this Volvo will easily become the best thing since sliced bread. The first two rows are lounge chair comfortable with ample back and bum support to satisfy any sort of body shape. Likewise, the space is surprisingly huge and fit for kings. The controls generally have a great solid feel with only the exception of silver trim, which don’t exactly mix well with the almost invisible wood trim on the glove box and ashtray. The chunky buttons may make even junior curious, but the mish-mashed layout will make him think twice before pressing anything. Whether loaded with one, five or seven people inside though, the XC90’s road manners are akin to everything Volvo: quiet, swift and refined. Despite carrying the same light-pressure turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 from its smaller XC70 brother, the XC90 still manages to feel every bit as nimble. It proves to be a perfect tool to dart in and out through traffic thanks to gobs of power available from well low in the rev ranges. It does a good impression of a V8 only it’s more refined. The characteristic sense-and-sensibility of the XC90 will all disappear once the throttle is mashed. The scenery blurs and this Volvo transforms into a road-going rollercoaster ride. The kids will definitely like it. Unlike other cars in its class, piloting the XC90 won’t require a maritime license. It doesn’t wallow through corners the way other land yachts do. For a change, the suspension feels rather right and the steering is communicative. It’s clear too that engineers did their homework, making the company’s first full-blown SUV effort handle much like a raised station wagon: perfectly stable and predictable. |
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