Volvo XC90: A gentle giant

When I was young, I envied people who drove SUVs. They seemed sizeable, strong and somewhat stunning. Then I grew older and wiser and I realised SUVs aren't exactly for me. I want a car that's compact, cool and calm, yet feisty, flaming and flashy. I think a Toyota GR Yaris or a Volkswagen Golf GTI will do the trick, but the price... oh the price...

Recently, I took the Volvo XC90 out for a drive. I wasn't exactly excited about the idea but the people were nice and they were welcoming, so I didn't want to be difficult. Turns out, the XC90 wasn't as perfect as the people who introduced me to the car.

The 2.0-litre powerplant from the Volvo XC90 is strong and commendable

What in the world...?

That's not to say the Volvo SUV isn't a good car. I wasn't thrilled, but I wasn't exactly unhappy either. Driving a big, family-oriented, seven-seater SUV... Not for me... oh not for me...

Turns out, I had quite a jolly good time with it. It's not exactly a fast car, even with its generous dose of 249bhp and 360Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre powerplant. I mean, this is a car that weighs over two tonnes, after all. But where it lacks, it more than makes up for it with its good looks, comfortable benches and functionality. 

The Volvo XC90 is what I call a full-on premium family car. Yes, it will seat seven with ease and it will not disappoint with its space and it has all the nice materials and all the comfort you and your family can possibly ask for. But it can also dish something out for you that’s rather surprising - it's not exactly hard to drive.

Tip to tip, the XC90 is huge, but it's never a struggle to pilot the car and its cabin ensures comfort all day long

Sorry, say what...?

Measuring 4,953mm x 1,931mm x 1,773mm (L x W x H), the XC90 isn't what I'd call small. It's quite a mammoth on the road, but it's never to the point of a struggle. The all new BMW X3, on the other hand, is a tad more difficult to place on the road... difficult... oh so difficult...

Then again, it could be the case of the fact that I'm not such a good driver, and that's fine. But when I have to constantly look at the side mirrors of the X3 to make sure I don't kerb the rims or ensure I'm in my lane, life becomes a bit more disturbing, a bit more difficult, a bit more... disruptive. 

Not quite the Volvo XC90. Keeping in lane isn't tough, parking at tight spaces isn't trying and driving it isn't taxing. In simple terms, it's as easy as driving an oversized hatchback. An immensely oversized hatchback, that is.

I'd still want a hot hatch like the Volkswagen Golf GTI (left) or the Toyota GR Yaris

Hold on! I’m confused man...!

Sure, the Volvo XC90 is neither a hot hatch nor is it a driver-focused car, but it gets the job done with ease and effectiveness. It fits seven, has sufficient boot space, looks good, drives well, well equipped... What more can you ask for?

The XC90 may not be my first weapon of choice, but as a family man, it will not fail me. That said, I'd still prefer a car that's compact, cool and calm, yet feisty, flaming and flashy. I think a Toyota GR Yaris or a Volkswagen Golf GTI will do the trick, but the price... oh the price...