Timing counts for a lot in the car business, and with consumers thinking twice about diesel power, the arrival of Volvo's plug-in hybrid XC90 couldn't have come at a better time.
The XC90 is, of course, the reigning Auto Express Car of the Year so the base for this new T8 Twin Engine (Volvo speak for plug-in hybrid) is seriously impressive. We love the XC90's style, quality, kit and refinement - the latter of which is moved up a further notch by the part-electric drivetrain.
The T8 combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine over the front axle with an electric motor sitting over the rear axle. The electric motor can be used on its own for around 26 miles, or in combination with the engine for a combined 402bhp.
The stats are important in a car like this - not necessarily the claimed 134mpg (good luck achieving that) but the 49g/km CO2 figure, which will roughly halve your company car tax bill compared to the equivalent diesel, in spite of the near £14,000 premium you’ll pay for the T8.
Equally important is a 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds with the car in power mode and your foot buried to the floor. With both motors working their hardest, you've also got the accompaniment of a synthetic engine note piped into the cabin to remind you how quickly you're going - and it's not half bad.
There's a similarly decent amount of shove if you bury the throttle when you're on the move, although in hybrid mode there's a slight hesitation as the eight-speed box decides to drop down a gear or two - power mode lessens that. Yet in spite of the other optional drive modes – ‘Save’ to hold back on the use of electric power for town use, ‘Pure’ for full EV mode or ‘AWD’ to ensure all wheels are constantly driven - most owners would do well to leave the car in Hybrid and let the electrics sort things out.
You could always delve into the menus on the wonderful 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and devise your own Individual setting, but left to its own devices the T8 will switch between modes relatively seamlessly, adding to the feeling of calm in the cabin.
But while the performance is impressive, this is not a sporty SUV. The steering is too relaxed in its nature and the centre of gravity of the car feels just too high. No, this is a relaxed and comfy cruiser with a good turn of speed and impressive efficiency.
It's quiet, too, although perhaps Volvo should investigate tyres that rumble a bit less than the Pirellis fitted to our car – everything else is so hushed, tyre noise seems amplified.
The brakes take a bit of getting used to as well. They feel a bit wooden at first, needing a fair stomp to react, but then they do have a lot to do, sending energy back to the battery pack hidden in the spine of the car as well as stopping this big, heavy SUV.
Opt for air suspension and the Volvo XC90 rides nicely - although it's now beaten by the new Audi Q7 in that respect - and while the interior is beautifully built and looks fabulous, again, the Q7 has moved the game on already.
The Volvo feels more spacious inside than the Audi, though, with deeper windows (and better visibility) and lighter materials, while all seven seats offer as much space and comfort as you'll expect or probably need. You can also guarantee there won't be many safer places to put your family.
Volvo has also taken a leaf out of Audi's book with an options list that can add a fair bit of heft to the price. Our top-of-the-line Inscription model comes nicely kitted out, but some of the more interesting safety and luxury items available are options - that said, with gadgets that will steer, accelerate and brake the car for you in slow-moving traffic and a wonderful Bowers and Wilkins sound system, we'd certainly consider them.
The XC90 remains a worthy Car of the Year winner and this plug-in hybrid adds to its already sizeable appeal. The numbers and tax savings speak for themselves, and if your daily usage can make use of electric power, you'll continue to reap the financial rewards while enjoying a great car along the way.
Key specs
- Model: Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription
- Price: £59,995
- Transmission: Four-cylinder petrol engine plus electric motor, eight speed auto, four-wheel drive
- 0-60mph/Top speed: 5.3s/140mph
- Economy: 134.5mpg/49g/km
- Equipment: Autonomous emergency braking, leather seats, 9-inch touchscreen, DAB radio
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar