What Car? Says

For The Volvo XC90 is comfortable, classy and has a practical cabin. It's also got a smooth ride and a strong image.

Against Not as sharp a drive as some rivals and the boomy diesel engine is underpowered. The third row of seats is only suitable for kids.

Verdict A hugely impressive package that's both comfortable and well built, with excellent space and practicality, though the Volvo XC90 is starting to feel its age next to some newer rivals.

Performance	3	Diesel good, but can feel tardy
Ride & Handling	3	Smooth ride, but numb steering
Refinement	4	Most din is well contained
Buying & Owning	4	Well priced but not cheap to run
Quality & Reliability	4	Solidly built and so should last
Safety & Security	5	Usual Volvo attention to safety
Behind the Wheel	4	Sensibly arranged and comfortable
Quality & Reliability	5	Roomy and exceptionally versatile
Equipment	4	All cars well kitted, SE has all you'll need

On the Road
Performance	3	Diesel good, but can feel tardy
There used to be petrol engines in the line-up, but it's no surprise that there's just the one choice nowadays: most buyers went for the D5 turbodiesel even when there were other options. It comes only with an automatic gearbox and can be hesitant at low revs, but it’s just about strong enough for a car of this size.
Ride & Handling	3	Smooth ride, but numb steering
The XC90 disguises its bulk and doesn’t feel cumbersome on country roads. It’s not as sharp as a Mercedes M-Class or BMW X5, however, and the steering is numb. Supple suspension gives a smooth ride on most roads. Normally, the four-wheel drive system sends most power to the front wheels, but it automatically varies the ratio if it senses a wheel is starting to slip.
Refinement	4	Most din is well contained
The XC90 doesn't suffer from the excessive wind- and road noise that plague some 4x4s. While there’s a little more noise than with other Volvos, it remains a refined machine. The only disappointing aspect of the car is that the diesel engine can be unacceptably boomy.

Ownership
Buying & Owning	4	Well priced but not cheap to run
The XC90 undercuts its key rivals on price, and it holds on to its value well, too. However, even with a diesel engine, its fuel economy isn't great, and carbon dioxide emissions put every XC90 into a high company car tax bracket.
Quality & Reliability	4	Solidly built and so should last
It might lack the style of an Audi Q7, but the XC90’s cabin is sturdy and uses quality materials. It feels built to last and should stand up to the rigours of family life. Much is borrowed from the rest of the Volvo range, so it should be hardy.
Safety & Security	5	Usual Volvo attention to safety
This is Volvo’s first 4x4, and it was awarded a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP’s crash tests thanks to twin front and side airbags, cabin-length window airbags, a strengthened roof and anti-whiplash front head restraints. Anti-lock brakes and stability control aim to prevent crashes, and the excellent security kit should make the XC90 as theft-resistant as other Volvos.

In the Cabin
Behind the Wheel	4	Sensibly arranged and comfortable
Although the XC90’s centre console is very busy, it is well-ordered and fuss-free. The driver’s seat is comfortable and features a good range of adjustment, while a two-way adjustable steering column makes it easy to find the right driving position. Visibility is good, although the raised bonnet makes placing the front corners tricky.
Quality & Reliability	5	Roomy and exceptionally versatile
The XC90's seven-seat cabin is MPV-like in its versatility. Space in the front two rows is plentiful, but the rear pair is only suitable for kids. The rearmost seats fold under the floor when not in use to create a massive boot. The three middle seats also slide individually and are easy to fold flat.
Equipment	4	All cars well kitted, SE has all you'll need
Volvo hasn’t left much off the XC90’s standard equipment list. All models have dual-zone climate control, a CD player with USB/aux-input, four electric windows and rear parking sensors. You can upgrade to SE or SE Lux, both with a Premium pack (sat-nav and Bluetooth) available on top, while Executive models have the ultimate in luxury and R-Design trim gives the car a sporty makeover.

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Engine & Transmission

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Benefit in Kind
Tax Payable 20%
Tax Payable 40%

Performance

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