Test drive Volvo XC90 2002 - 2006 SUV

Premium instead of an advance

It seems that the leaders of the clan of expensive parquet SUVs have come time to squeeze. During the Volvo XC90 test, it turned out that in terms of comfort and sled qualities, the novelty is close to the reputable BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML. The Swede will become quite capable of becoming a full member of the premium segment.
 
It is not for nothing that the organizers of the test gathered journalists in the Swedish town of Lulea. Where, if not in these snow-covered latitudes, the advantages of SUV (a car of sports and domestic purposes) will appear most clearly. True, the motto of the performance - hot as ice - looked too pathos, and an openly advertising computer cartoon about the heroic adventures of XC90 on glaciers and gorges scrolling in the gesture of the event, even made him doubt the real possibilities of the novelty.
 
However, the subsequent practice showed that the promises were not exaggerated. Even during the march on the public highway, XC90 prononized his ability to stand tightly on his feet. Why did it surprise us? The fact is that local roads, unlike ours, know neither salt nor sand and covered with an ice shell. Of course, everyone goes on spikes. But even with such an antidote to slip in any of the turns is not difficult.
 
It is not sacred that the all -wheel drive essence of the Volvovsky SUV is becoming a significant argument in the dispensing with an insidious road. Moreover, compared with the previous Volvo 4x4 models, where WiSoft was used, XC90, due to the use of the Haldex multidimensional multidimensional coupling, reacts to a change in the situation much faster. Assessment of parameters - the speed of rotation of the wheels, the position of the gas pedal, revolutions and engine power, as well as the state of the brake system - occurs 100 times per second. As soon as any of the front wheels, only one seventh turn, Haldex will automatically transfer the craving to the rear axle. The torque is redistributed here in the range from 5 to 65%.
 
This happens so quickly and smoothly that it remains absolutely invisible for sitting at the wheel. But confidence in the approximate behavior of the car on a slippery road strongly grows with every kilometer. Finally awarded the capacity of the car on the ice of the bay, where the organizers of the raid laid several tracks of various configurations.
 
On a brilliant mirror surface, as on the chipbata mixed, XC90 showed almost absolute obedience. Imagine: rushing on ice at a speed of 80 - 100 km/h, the car dives into a steep turn and, only slightly reducing the pace, goes straight to the course of the course trajectory.
 
Asphalt habits in such dangerous conditions of SUV owe not only a complete drive, but also a system of dynamic stabilization. It so correctly corrects the influence of centrifugal forces by braking of the wheels and the reset of engine speed that the usual tension from the winter driving disappears like smoke. The border of the breakdown, when the XC90 begins to smoothly slide out the turn with all the wheels, is so ghostly far that you can achieve it only very much. Perhaps this is one of the best among the stabilizers we met.
 
Other auxiliary electronics, for example, an anti -circus brake system and traction control, also works properly. As a result, both sharp acceleration on the heterogeneous surface and the reverse process occur with maximum efficiency and do not threaten the driver with unpleasant surprises. Separate praises deserve brakes. The pedal does not skimp on information and allows you to dose a slowdown with pharmaceutical accuracy.
 
Among other things, the Volvo XC90 is equipped with an active system for maintaining stability when changing the trajectory of movement. The device is designed to reduce the risk of overturning. By operating with the data of special gyroscopic sensors, registering dangerous speed and angle of roll, it appeals to the already mentioned executive system of dynamic stabilization. And she, conducting the wheel inhibiting and the supply of fuel, stabilizes the vertical position of the body in space.
 
The energy potential of the car is determined by the parameters of one of the three power plants. The turbodiesel has only been announced. In Lulea, the honor of the CHS90 uniform protected the five -cylinder gasoline engine with a 2.5 -liter supercharger with a low -pressure supercharger and a more powerful six -cylinder unit 3.0 with a double turbocharged. By the way, the novelty will first be delivered to Russia with a three -liter engine (at a price of $ 6,3900).
 
In that and other equipment, Sport Utility Vehicle behaves very decent, delighting with alert and traction in the entire speed range. But if the XC90 T5 (as a machine with a five -cylinder engine is indicated) is a good, then XC90 T6 is a real excellent student. And the point here is not only in temperament. T6 has a special noble sound and vibro-characteristics inherent in thoroughbred machines.
 
In general, engines are well consistent with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Although the tandem does not reach the ideal: the machine is too clearly counts the steps when switching. However, some even like such a tough transmission algorithm. But the inclination of the automatic transmission selector to slip Drive in favor of a manual switching mode is unlikely to taste.
 
To the gas pedals and brakes located at different heights, you need to get used to. The steering of XC90 is moderately acute and informative. The reactive effect is well tangible, but the near -alloy zone is slightly vague. But the bagel, albeit a strange rhombo -shaped section, lies perfectly in his hands.
 
As for the suspension, the designers of XC90 did not make it too soft. However, rigidity is not in its character. Be that as it may, a compromise, elastic version of the chassis perfectly manifests itself both when moving at high speed and on irregularities. In principle, the habits of the car resemble cars. By the way, the Swedish SUV is based on the Volvo S80 sedan platform.
 
The manufacturer claims that the XC90 is not intended for crossing the crossed terrain, nevertheless, it is not deprived of cross -country ability. The track laid along the bottom of a snowy career provided this with eloquent evidence. The car easily overcame the 30-degree lifting and descents, successfully stormed the snow mess of the 40-centimeter depth and made his way through the traps of impressive bumps. That's when a 218-mm road clearance came in handy. The role of the same electronics is quite successful in the design of locks.
 
The rear suspension, which is observed on the subframe, isolates the body from shocks and vibrations. With the comfort of XC90, everything is in order. The transverse location of the engine made it possible to stretch the interior, making it unusually spacious. No wonder, along with a traditional five -seater performance, an option is offered for seven people. Two additional seats located in the trunk are designed for children or adults up to 160 cm tall. These chairs are elementary, and in such a way that the absolutely even floor is obtained.
 
Passengers of the first two rows are provided by business class conditions, i.e. Spacious, convenience and personal benefits. Each seat of the second row in the seven -seater version moves in the longitudinal direction. The central children's part can be additionally moved forward, closer to parents sitting ahead.
 
CHAS90 salon is unusual flexibility. The transformation of the rear seats allows you to get a huge luggage compartment with a volume of 2404 liters. But it can still be increased by folding the back of the front passenger chair.
 
The level of equipment of the machine does not leave much to be desired. There is everything you wish, up to a separate climate installation, individual music for sitting from behind and built -in phone. The ergonomics of the front panel is perfectly thought out. The quality of the interior decoration corresponds to the rank of the machine. There is nothing to talk about the safety of XC90, because this is Volvo. Even the roof is strengthened by elements made of bores -containing steel, which is 4-5 times stronger than usual.
 
The appearance of XC90 is quite accurately characterized by the words of the chief Volvian designer Peter Horburi: looking at this car, you immediately understand that you have a modern Volvo brand car. He is a muscular, but not at all aggressive.
 
After meeting with XC90, there was no doubt that he would take a worthy place in the premium segment. So the future owner of the car has the right to count on an advance, but on the award.
 
Technical characteristics of Volvo XC90
 
Body - 5 -door station wagon
Number of places, people. - 7
Equipped mass, kg - 2046
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm - 4800/1900/1740
Base, mm - 2860
Trunk volume, mm - 249
- with folded seats - 2404
Maximum speed, km/h - 210
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, C - 9.3
Counter. fuel consumption (funny cycle), l/100 km - 12.9
The volume of the fuel tank, l - 72
Engine:
- Type - gasoline., 6 -cylinder., In order, transversely located., with double turbocharges
- working volume, cm3 - 2922
- Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 272/5100
- torque, NM at min -1 - 380/1800 - 5000
Transmission - automatic, 4 -speed, post. four-wheel drive
Road clearance, mm - 218
Wheel suspension - independent, with a reptile stabilizer;
- Front - type Mcphereson
- rear - springs., multi -link
Brakes - disk, ventilated
Steering - rack type, with gur
Price (for version 3.0), $ - 63900
 
Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [03/2003]