Volvo launches updated XC90 with cleaner engine
New engine means a fall in road tax for the 2009 Volvo XC90
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 09 May 2008
The Volvo XC90 premium SUV has been updated for 2009, with a new sub-225g/km engine, introduction of the sporty R-DESIGN model and a range of exterior styling tweaks.
The automatic D5 Geartronic drops a road tax band from G to F, saving owners £570 in road over three years, according to Volvo. This model would also avoid the £25 per day COngestion Charge due to come into effect in October 2008.
R-DESIGN model
The R-DESIGN package features a Sports chassis, details in silk matt finish, sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel and instrument dials with metal chronograph watch-style faces and blue lighting.Designed to handle rougher treatment than the standard XC90, the R-DESIGN model includes a dynamic chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers and sport tuned speed-dependent steering. Improved stability and handling are claimed by the Swedish manufacturer.
Styling on the R-DESIGN includes 19-inch alloy wheels as standard (with new 20-inch alloys an optional upgrade), quad exhaust pipes, skid-plate, R-DESIGN badge on the grille and rear view mirror caps in silk matt finish. Roof rails are a no-cost option. Inside the car the seats are covered in either off-black leather-faced sports with cream inlay or calcite with an off-black inlay.
Entertainment options
The RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment system) now features larger eight-inch screens at £1,350. The system features an integrated DVD player, eight-inch flat-screen monitors built into the back of the front seat headrests, wireless headphones and remote control.
An extra socket means it is possible to connect an additional DVD player or video game so the two screens can then be used independently.
A Digital TV option is now available at £400 RRP, enabling passengers to watch Freeview channels as well as providing a cardslot that can be used for subscription services.
A new Entertainment Support pack includes the RTI Navigation System with RDS-TMC, remote control and Map Data on Hard Disk, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and Rear Seat Entertainment with 1 x DVD Player in the front centre armrest, two eight-inch screens, two IR Headphones, remote control and dark tinted windows (rear windows and rear screen). This new pack is priced at £2,850.
Two new exterior colours: Savile Grey Pearl and Caper Green Pearl have been added, while new alloy wheels in the shape of 18-inch Situla (Silver Bright) and 20-inch Cratus are now available.
The new 2009 Volvo XC90 is available to order now, with first cars arriving in June. Prices for the 2009 XC90 start at £32,845 for the D5 S. R-DESIGN models start at £37,095.
Comprehensive list of SUV reviews, pictures and stats
Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive 2009 models provide comforting news to draw out the pains of the stressful commute. Sang-froid restoring in-car massage anyone?
Volvo launch unique edition V70, XC70 and XC90, equipped with blue paintjob, chrome and wood detailing and new alloys.
Sport chassis, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual exhausts on the R-Design package for Volvo´s XC90.
Volvo estate and SUV are class-leaders for predicted used values.
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