Its tough to improve an icon: Volvo XC90 facelift

When the XC90 was first launched, it blew away all other family SUVs, it was so close to perfect that even Jeremy Clarkson couldn’t help himself and bought one.

So what do you do to improve on something that is so much liked? add a few more goodies like Satnav and sophisticated in-car entertainment system to make the XC-90 even more family friendly. Actually, the ICE on the original was already very good, the new one is simply fantastic.

The original XC90 was so focused on the family that it simply had no one to follow and as a result Volvo had to write the book on how to build a family SUV and no one has been able to add a chapter since, in fact even Volvo has not been able to add a new chapter.

They gave a refreshed headlamp design and a new bumper.

At the back, there is a new rear lamp and bumper.

Even details like the instrument cluster is pretty much unchanged, it is how good the original design was.

The many details such as the integral child seat is the sort of features that made the original XC90 such a fantastic family transport there is nothing that could really be done to improve it.

The XC90 first explored the new HVAC control icons and that has been retained but they do feel better built in the facelifted variant.

Buyers also get a few new wheel design and you can choose to have either 17 or 18-inchers on the XC90

Those who want a more aggressive and sporty look can opt for the bi\odykit which includes this good looking twin pipes.

Volvo is also offering discounts for the bodykit and 18-inch alloy wheels. The normal price for the bodykit is RM15,178 but after discount it can be yours for RM12,238 while the wheels are going for RM12,776, compared to the usual price of RM15,195.

The new variant keeps the multi function display on the instrument panel and the information is called up using the left hand stalk, it is quite easy to use and offers a decent amount of auxiliary information such car settings, fuel consumption trends and even fault indicators.

In the original model, a pair of headphones are given so that rear passengers can jack it into a secondary entertainment outlet on the C-pillar and this allowed them to lsiten to the CD or Radio, independently from the main sound system but on the new car they have included a pair of infrared stereo headphone so that all three rows of passengers can enjoy different things.

For example, mom and dad may want to enjoy a bit of soulful jazz from their CD while the second row kids can enjoy their High School Musical DVD while those in the third row can listen to the latest hits playing on their favourite radio station. It is a bit over the top but I think perfect for families.

The price for the full satnav plus the fancy in-car entertainment system and park-assist camera is RM23,018 but if you buy it now, Volvo is offering it at a discounted price of RM18,592.

OK, enough about the entertainment system, how is the driving? Well this is still a Volvo and more than any other Volvo this is targeted at the family so you have to expect the chassis to be tuned for safe and tame handling. That is not necessarily a bad thing.
With kids packed on all seats, you want a vehicle that will look after the family, even when mommy or daddy is driving because even mommy and daddy make mistakes.

You get all the necessary electronic driver aids such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronics stability programme and even hill descent control, in case you fidn yourself going down a very slippery slope, literally, not figuratively, of course.

Drivers will find the ergonomics spot on with all controls falling easily to hand. it is also worth noting that vision fromteh driver seat is bery good and this is much aided by the oversized rear-view mirror. The XC90 is really a joy to drive.

Just in case anyone is wondering, the XC90’s 2.5-litre engine cranks out 210 horsepower and 320 Newton metres of torque is enough, the answer is that it is more than enough for a family vehicle. The delivery is typical of turbochargers, coming in a strong surge after the turbine starts kicking in but the spike is not startling or dangerous, just a very strong that comes in at around 2,500rpm.

Packed with all the options, the XC90’s on the road price (without insurance) of RM349,700 and you are looking at a dent that is a few blows away from RM400,000.

If you can afford it, there is nothing better for your family, the XC90 offers safety, comfort, space, seven seats and good looks.

It also returns decent fuel economy if driven within the speed limit, returning nearly 500 kilometres from a full 70-litre tank. Charge hard and you will see that number shrink by as much as a third.