Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
VOLVO now has the latest addition to its well-known Cross Country variants with their elegant V90 station wagon and the good news is, it’s already here.
The country’s exclusive distributor Scandinavian Motors Corp. finally brought in this tough, yet very much elegant, estate.
Presented along its two other fine-looking 90 series siblings were the S90 and XC90. The V90 Cross Country (D5 AWD) exudes with remarkable distinction of a luxury off-roader. The flawless station wagon frame possesses that Volvo styling cues emanating from its strong shoulders stretching all the way to the rear. Notably, those distinctive momentum front grille bearing the badge and state-of-the-art LED slender headlamps are inspired by the celebrated Volvo Concept Estate, which was introduced in 2014. Even the rear end is equally striking with its unique L-shaped taillights, which grooves along the inclined back glass. More so, those double-integrated tailpipes are outlined with diffuser and chrome strip. Meanwhile, the flank’s high belt line appearance complements the 18-inch multi-spoke rims with 235/55 series tires and matte-black wheel flares/trims in the bottom panels. And with its ground clearance raised further by 65 millimeters, it fully substantiates the off-roader stance in a distinct Volvo identity.
Inside is where the ultimate touch of class exists—the Scandinavian way. Not even the dark-themed interior could hide those ergonomic and remarkably contoured pads on the seats wrapped in premium materials. And not only that it has ventilation, all the electronic adjustments you could possibly imagine are also available.
Even the dashboard is well laid out, with the center console being relatively higher for easy grasp on other controls and switches, including the rear aircon vent with touch operation. When it comes to the small details, the air-vent controls are inspired by Volvo concept cars—metal-finish vertical strip and distinctive diamond-pattern surfaces that are beautiful to look at and a pleasure to use. As for driver support, the long list of features is simply astounding. Like, it has all the critical displays you can rely on, from the 12-inch driver display, 360-degree camera view and 9-inch touch-operated center display for all the functions, including audio and other connectivity. Aside from the expansive legroom, the rear cargo bay is nothing short of voluminous.
Powering the V90 Cross country is not your typical 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel motor. With significant output figures of 235 hp at 4,000 rpm and 480 N-m of maximum torque between 1,750 to 2,250 rpm, you know that there’s something more going on inside that engine. First, there’s Volvo’s advanced boosting consisting of a serial sequential two-stage turbo system based on a refined version of the boosting technology first introduced on Volvo cars in 2008. Next is the advanced combustion with i-Art (the latest diesel fuel in technology). That translates to an increased system rail pressure to 2,500 bar and accurate/compensating injection system delivers up to nine injections per combustion for precise combustion control, among others. Then comes the PowerPulse as an innovative way of delivering instant turbo response in diesel engines—providing a distinct performance feel that many carmakers struggle to achieve in their diesel variants. This innovation works by drawing air from the air filter via a compressor to a pressurized 2-liter air tank. The air is fed by a valve into the exhaust manifold to feed the turbo, and the effect is a quick and responsive pulse of power.
The mated eight-speed Geartronic™ automatic transmission transfers that amount of power to all four wheels via the vehicle’s All-Wheel Drive system. Utilizing a light and compact coupling, it variably distributes power to the front and rear wheels. Depending on the road condition, the system constantly calculates the need for power distribution—making it more fuel efficient. And to further provide more fun in driving, Volvo fitted the powertrain with different Drive Mode controls. There’s Eco for fuel-efficient; Comfort as the default; Dynamic for that optimum performance; and Off-road to function the drivetrain for the roads less travelled. The Individual, on the other hand, allows the pilot to design their preferred manner by adjusting several parameters including steering efforts, brake pedal feel and throttle response/powertrain characteristics, to name a few.
Safety, of course, has always been Volvo’s utmost concern and hallmark. Among the countless reliable elements, there are extraordinary and worthy functions to take into consideration. Starting off with Volvo’s Sensus technology, it intuitively connects drivers with the world around them, while allowing them to stay focused on driving. Whether it’s entertainment, information or navigation, everything they need is delivered seamlessly with Sensus. Another is the Pilot Assist (semiautonomous driving), which makes driving easier, relaxing and controllable. This feature automatically maintains a set speed or distance to the car in front, as well as giving gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings. Moreover, parking is made easy thanks to the Park Assist Pilot (semiautonomous parking). Whether for perpendicular or parallel position, the driver would simply select drive or reverse and brake (according to the screen prompts), the car does the rest. And if you want to take full control, the 360° camera option makes low-speed maneuvering in narrow places quick and easy.
The V90 Cross Country D5 AWD is priced at P4.695 million.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino