When I received the email from the folks at Volvo asking if I’d like to take the brand new Volvo XC90 SUV for a weekend drive, I immediately forwarded it to my husband, Nick. You see, cars aren’t really my thing. Ask me anything pregnancy, kids, diet and beauty related, I would have plenty to say. Nick on the other hand, has been doing his research on family friendly SUVs – given that we have an expanding family now. This gig is right up his alley. So here it is, the first guest post from my husband on why he wishes we have more weekends with the XC90 from Volvo.

Oh, you’ll also see that I’ve inserted my comments here and there. I can’t help it. It is my blog after all 🙂

1. Good looking design

The first time I saw the new XC90, I had to do a double take. I didn’t realise it was a Volvo. When I first think of Volvo, I usually think of my high school English teacher who would come to class every day wearing 5 different shades of brown. Reliable but boring.

Well, Volvo is no longer boring.

Unlike its previous boxy, clunky, pedestrian-looking models, the re-designed XC90 is seriously sexy. The sleek, elegant lines give it a modern, understated and prestigious look – almost as if Volkswagen and Audi came together and made a baby. But at the same time, the design pays respect to Volvo heritage by maintaining the distinctive front grill and vertical taillights. In fact, I would say the new XC90 is undoubtedly the best looking 7-seater SUV on the market today.

2. Incredible interior experience

The good first impression doesn’t stop at the exterior.

One step inside the XC90 cabin, you immediately feel a sense of luxury, comfort and quality. Like you just stepped into a five star hotel.

Right down to the smallest detail, the interior cabin design is well thought-out. Stitched leather seats, panoramic sunroof, uncluttered console, seats with own tracks, even electric lumbar support for the front seats – you can tell there were no compromises or cutting corners in the redesign. What’s more, the second row legroom is very spacious – which in my opinion, is one seemingly basic non-negotiable that most other SUVs don’t get right.

Mich’s note: Second row is big enough to accommodate 2 childseats and an adult comfortably in the middle. It was also pretty easy for me to get in and out from the middle seat too. I know, because I sat there many times when Lauren and Georgia wanted me right next to them.

3. Easy to load and unload kids

I’m 6’2 tall, my wife is 5’7. One pet peeve I have with SUVs is having to bend and tilt your body at an angle to load and unload your kids, while at the same time craning your neck to avoid hitting your head.

There’s no problem with the XC90.  It’s tall for one. And the angle of the roof at the back is horizontal, which means that it’s much easier for parents like me to load and pick up their kids without worrying about back strain.

4. Smooth and quiet driving experience


We were told that the XC90 is equipped with only a 2.0 litre engine, but included a supercharger and turbocharger. Whatever that means. All I cared about was 1) does the car go when I need it to go (response) and 2) does the car go where I need it to go (acceleration)?

The answer to both questions was a resounding YES.

The XC90 punches well above its weight. The vehicle is quiet and handles very easily. The responsiveness is superb when pressing the accelerator pedal. There’s no time lag like you find in some models. In addition, the acceleration pick up is excellent, making overtaking, swift turns and climbing up hills a breeze. Furthermore, the steering is light when turning into streets during city driving, but yet feels composed and confident during expressway driving.


5. Smart Car Tech


The XC90 is loaded with advanced technology.

The heart of the cabin is the central iPad-style touchscreen that controls the car’s climate, entertainment, sat-nav, communication and driving configuration options. It’s like the car’s central operating system.

This makes for an elegant, uncluttered dashboard. The touchscreen is intuitive, user-friendly and it doesn’t take long to get accustomed with the navigation.


Mich’s note: I’m particularly impressed by the CleanZone Air Purification System. That very weekend when we took the kids out for the test drive, the haze shot up to above 200psi. It puts my mind at ease knowing that the air purification system of the Volvo XC90 is able to capture small, harmful particles and pollen in the incoming air with the an added new carbon filter.

The SUV also has a four zone climate system with individual settings for occupants in the first and second row. This means Nick could turn up the air con on his side of the car for all he wants and I wouldn’t have to worry about the kids feeling too cold in their seats. Okay, I admit, I’m the one who usually feels cold. So this feature is another plus for me!


6. Family Safety

Volvo has always been known for safety, and with the XC90 there is no exception. This makes it very reassuring for parents.

Such new features include rollover protection and auto-braking. I was surprised to notice that the driver’s dashboard can even display road sign information like speed limits.

The other trend I’ve also noticed with car safety is that in addition to crash safety precautions, there is an increasing focus on prevention. For example, I found when changing lanes a 3-dotted warning signal would reflect on the driver’s front window to give drivers more awareness of surrounding cars.

Awareness of other vehicles is also a non-negotiable for me, especially in large vehicles. Visibility in the XC90 is excellent all around, leaving rarely any blind spots. Rear visibility in particular is much better in the XC90 due to its straighter back, compared to other SUVs which have sloping backs.


7. Massive boot space, one click boot close

With both the second and third row seats all folded flat, there is enormous boot space in the back. You could accommodate strollers and golf clubs EASILY. Not only that, the seats fold completely flat unlike other SUVs.

What’s also handy especially when you are holding a kid on one arm, is the ability to open the boot easily and auto-closing the boot with one button click.

Verdict?

I’m a Volvo convert. The XC90 is the perfect SUV for parents who care about safety and luxury comfort without sacrificing on design. 

Take it for a test drive this weekend at Wearnes Automotive and let me know your thoughts?