The updated Volvo XC90 is now available to order in South Africa. New to the range is an array of mild-hybrid powertrains which aim to provide the Swedish SUV with improved refinement and fuel-efficiency.
The current Volvo XC90 T5 and T6 will be replaced with a B5 (R1 213 000) and B6 (R1 338 400). These will be joined by an updated variant of the existing T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid model (R1 529 500). The two new models to the range will feature the aforementioned 48-volt mild-hybrid system which employs a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that recovers brake energy to charge the small battery. An integrated starter generator uses this energy to support the combustion engine.
According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, there are many benefits to the new engines. “Emissions are reduced and fuel economy is improved. Furthermore, thanks to the 48-volt battery, the vehicle’s performance during start-up and take-off is exemplary. From a practical point of view, there are no cables; the vehicle does not need to be charged at an electrical socket,” he explains.
Power is delivered to the wheels via a Geartronic eight-speed automatic transmission that receives input from a shift-by-wire control, managed by a new Swedish crystal gear selector. This is supplemented by a new stop/start system as well which has been designed to switch off and on with improved refinement and efficiency.
The cabin of the updated Volvo XC90 range benefits from a CleanZone system that uses a PM 2,5 air filter to improve the quality of the air. This system claims to removes tiny particles that can be 100 times smaller than human hair, which would normally be inhaled by those within.
Catering to the consumer, many of the options for the Volvo XC90 have been simplified in order to reduce confusion. As a result, selections regarding the upholstery offering and alloy wheel programme have been consolidated.
