The new Volvo V90 Cross Country is now available in South Africa. It completes Volvo’s entirely new 90 cluster in South Africa, sharing its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) with the multi-award-winning new XC90 and S90.
Available with diesel or petrol drivetrains and all-wheel drive as standard on all models, the new V90 Cross Country epitomises the ultimate premium lifestyle partner and is the spiritual successor to the much-lauded Volvo XC70. A total of eight derivatives are available.
Adaptation: Spa and Cross Country
The new V90 Cross Country is naturally built on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). SPA is entirely flexible in terms of width, height, length, wheelbase, ground clearance and body style, meaning that a full-size, 7-seat SUV like the XC90 can be built on the same platform as a sporty mid-size sedan, for example. Only the space between the firewall and front axle remains fixed.
Suspension in the V90 Cross Country matches that of the S90, with a double wishbone and coil spring setup at the front with a stabiliser bar, and an integral axle with transverse composite leaf spring employed at the rear along with hydraulic dampers and a stabiliser bar. It is this transverse leaf spring which gained widespread acclaim in the XC90, and the effect of creating a truly comfortable and cosseting ride has been achieved yet again in the V90 Cross Country.
Also read: The first all-new Volvo XC60 rolls off production line in Sweden
Available as a cost-effective option, 2-corner air suspension (rear only) with Active Chassis adaption replaces the rear transverse leaf setup. The air suspension with self-levelling functionality makes the V90 Cross Country’s ride even more compliant, with exceptional damping and rebound rates for a truly luxurious drive. Active Chassis control, which includes the addition of active shock absorbers up front, allows damping to be constantly adapted according to changing driving conditions as detected by the car or the selected Drive Mode.
Sensus Connect
Like the S90, the new V90 Cross Country features a minimalistic dashboard, where the now familiar 9-inch Sensus Connect touch screen interface takes pride of place. Responsible for all in-car functions from entertainment and telephony to settings, climate control and navigation, Sensus Connect has become the new norm for intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMI).
Standard navigation
All V90 Cross Country derivatives feature satellite navigation as standard, with pinch zoom and real-time traffic updates. With free map upgrades for life, the system is easy to use and can be effortlessly programmed with searchable points of interest, favourites and full itinerary logging.
Entertainment system and connectivity
Fitted as standard with ten high-quality speakers, entertainment in the new Volvo V90 Cross Country is always a premium experience. Bluetooth, USB, aux and radio functionality are available as standard, with an optional CD player available as well. Internet connectivity also features as standard, with the V90 Cross Country able to tap into a smart device’s network connection or an external Wi-Fi network which enables apps like TuneIn internet radio, connected service booking, enhanced traffic updates and downloadable vehicle updates.
Other USB-based content including photos and HD videos can also be viewed on the Sensus Connect screen, provided the vehicle is stationary and in Park.
Smartphone Integration and telephony
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available in the optional Smartphone Integration package, which enables owners of Apple iPhones or Android-based smartphones to connect their devices directly to the Sensus Connect interface.
Pilot Assist
The V90 Cross Country is also available as standard with Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving up to 130 km/h, on all models. Working hand-in-hand, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist enhance the V90 Cross Country’s driveability and allow drivers to hand over control to the car in varying degrees of engagement.
Drive-E: power, efficiency and control
The new Volvo V90 Cross Country models are all powered by Volvo’s modular 2.0-litre Drive-E diesel and petrol engines. Four power plants are available: the D4 and D5 diesels, and the T5 and T6 petrols. All engines are mated to the latest all-wheel drive system and the familiar 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox.
The diesel engines offer strong outputs and excellent efficiency. The twin-turbo D4 AWD models make use of 140 kW at 4 250 rpm and 400 Nm between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm to deliver a smooth diesel driving experience with exceptional fuel efficiency and low emissions. Average combined fuel consumption is as low as 5.2-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions are 138 g/km.
The D5 AWD models elevate diesel performance with PowerPulse technology, offering 173 kW at 4 000 rpm and 480 Nm between 1 750 and 2 250 rpm. PowerPulse, which uses a tank of compressed air to spool up the larger of the D5 engine’s two turbocharges at low rpm, combats turbo lag and realises a sense of this engine being normally aspirated. Average combined fuel economy is 5.3-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions are just 139 g/km.
Also read: Volvo’s first quarter 2017 operations profit rises 11% to R5.29 bn
On the petrol front, the T5 AWD models benefit from 187 kW at 5 500 rpm and 350 Nm between 1 500 and 4 800 rpm. Average combined fuel economy is 7.4-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions are 169 g/km.
The twin-charged engine on duty in the T6 AWD derivatives combines turbo- and supercharging for exceptional output and enhanced efficiency. A total of 235 kW at 5 700 rpm and 400 Nm between 2 200 and 5 400 rpm are on tap, resulting in brisk performance (0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds) but also impressive fuel economy – 7.7-litres per 100 km on the combined average, with corresponding carbon emissions of 176 g/km.
Safety features
As can be expected, the new V90 Cross Country picks up on the high precedent set by the XC90 and S90, and as such features all of Volvo’s latest safety systems as standard. This naturally includes ABS, EBD, EBA, stability and traction control, hill start assistance and six airbags, and Volvo’s Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS).
The V90 Cross Country was also recently named one of the three safest cars ever tested by industry safety benchmark testers Euro NCAP, having scored full points for autonomous emergency braking for pedestrians.
City Safety is an autonomous emergency braking system designed to avoid or mitigate impacts with a leading vehicle. City Safety first issues a loud warning sound and prepares the brakes for maximum stopping power, and then can apply up to 100% braking force if the driver does not react in time. Seat belts are also tightened.
- City Safety also includes, as standard:
- Pedestrian Detection
- Cyclist Detection
- Large Animal Detection
- Autobrake at Intersections
- Run-off Road Mitigation and Protection with Road Edge Detection
- Rear Collision Warning
- Distance Alert
- Driver Alert Control
- Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning
- Road Sign Information
Two optional supplementary safety systems
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
Trim levels and Equipment
Each of the four models in the V90 Cross Country range encapsulates two trim grades, each of which offers different levels of lifestyle appeal, luxury and value for money. Momentum models maintain a high level of standard equipment and rugged outlook, while Inscription models include a more luxurious but nonetheless robust persona as standard.
All models feature a tough-looking exterior with unpainted lower bumpers, wheel arch extensions and side sills, and a studded grille. A total of 13 exterior colours and 12 interior schemes are available for the new V90 Cross Country.
Standard equipment
Momentum models set a high standard for the V90 Cross Country range. Standard exterior equipment includes glossy black window detailing, electric folding side mirrors, matt chrome roof rails, automatic full-LED headlights with Active Bending and Active High Beam, front LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, chrome-tipped rhomboid exhaust outlets and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, standard kit includes full leather upholstery with the innovative pearl seam, comfort seat padding, a powered driver’s seat with electric adjustment (including lumbar) and memory, Black Walnut décor inlays, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 9-inch Sensus Connect interface, satellite navigation, a 10-speaker high-performance audio system, 2-zone automatic climate control, split-folding rear seats with a ski hatch, mid-level interior illumination, a leather steering wheel with full multifunction support, a leather gear lever, the diamond-cut Drive Mode selector, fully-automatic and laminated windows all-round, metal door sill mouldings, and a 12-volt power socket in the boot.
Over and above Momentum specification, Inscription models include 19-inch alloy wheels, a leather-clad key, Nappa soft leather upholstery, a powered passenger seat with memory, power-adjustable side support and extendable cushions for both front seats, high-level interior illumination with adjustable ambient colour settings, and illuminated door sill mouldings as standard.
Range, Pricing and Warranty
The new Volvo V90 Cross Country range begins at R770 900 for the T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum, and ends with the T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription at R921 300.
- Volvo V90 Cross Country D4 Geartronic AWD Momentum R794 800
- Volvo V90 Cross Country D4 Geartronic AWD Inscription R825 200
- Volvo V90 Cross Country D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R839 500
- Volvo V90 Cross Country D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R869 900
- Volvo V90 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R770 900
- Volvo V90 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R801 300
- Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R890 900
- Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R921 300
All models come standard with a 5-year/ 100 000 km full vehicle warranty, full maintenance plan and roadside assistance, as well as laminated glass and Tracker Connect as standard.
Source: QuickPic
