Volvo XC90 Review
Published: 30th September 2007
Volvo XC90
Safety and Security 
When driving a 4x4 it is always at the back of mind that in the event of an accident it is far more likely to roll over than a conventional car. In order to optimise safety Volvo has fitted the XC90 with Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) with Roll Stability Control (RSC) technology. This uses a gyro-sensor to register the car’s roll speed and roll angle which instantly calculates the terminal angle and risk of a roll-over, automatically activating the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) anti-skid system, if required, to help the driver maintain control.
For added protection, Volvo has also reinforced the new XC90’s roof structure with extremely tough Boron steel, which is four to five times stronger than normal steel. In addition, the side Inflatable Curtain (IC) protects all three rows of seats and has been designed to stay inflated longer in case of multiple roll-over's, and to help keep occupants inside the vehicle. As you would expect, the Volvo XC90 scores highly in a variety of international safety ratings, including pedestrian protection test ratings, NCAP gave the XC90 a five star rating, commending it on a number of points.
Inexcusably Volvo charge £25 for a passenger airbag cut off switch should you wish to place a rear facing child seat on the front passenger seat.
On the security front the XC90 is protected by an Alarm including an Immobiliser plus remote locking with deadlocking doors.
Comfort and Refinement
Cleverly the middle 2nd row seat incorporates an integrated child booster cushion and the outer two 2nd row seats have ISOFIX child seat fixing points with a top tether fixing point.
Our car was fitted with Active Bi-Xenon Headlights (a £1000 option) which offer far brighter white light than normal bulbs. The active part of the package allows the headlamps to track the steering movements made by the driver, pivoting the beam to match the direction of travel around a bend. It does take a while to get used to the movement of the lights, but once you are it works very well to improve vision around bends. One feature that I had not seen before with active headlights was that they could be switched off and a the touch of the switch they could be set up for both left hand and the right hand drive markets - excellent if you spend time on the continent.
The Climate Control kept the perfect temperature in the car, even on the hottest days and filters those nasty exhaust fumes and smells out of the cabin.
The XC90 is a very easy vehicle to drive and is near car like to manoeuvre, the parking sensors were most welcome when parking.
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