Volvo XC90

What do you do to cause the first and most selleable SUV model of Volvo Cars to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market. Before the XC90 there were no Rover Evoque, Porsche Cayenne, or Japanese rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai+2, Hyundai Sante Fe, KIA Sportage...

The answer? Make it even more powerful (Pole Star) from 210bhp to 240bhp and refresh it with clever R-Design (including 19" wheels) to improve its attractiveness.

The model I tested had both Pole Star and R Design. Performance wise, it was adequate as the tried and tested 2.5L call upon 240 ponies to pull the more than 2 tonne SUV past other run of mill cars. And it does so with much composure and hardly noticeable body roll during road testing. Ride comfort though not class leading was very good with the road imperfection readily soaked up by the suspension system. Driveability was surprising easy, thanks to the good visibility provided by the large windscreen and window panels. Most importantly I felt cocooned in the 5 star NCAP SUV reinforced by the muscular sculpted shoulders design of all modern Volvo cars.

With its voluminous cabin for 7 passengers with a very decent trunk space behind the 3rd row, it is no wonder that the XC90 has become the industry benchmark for all 7-seater SUV.

But was it good enough to be a star buy? At a price of nearly S$300k in current high COE environment, I'll rather start saving for the next generation All New XC90 expected to be launched in 2nd half 2015. Your patience will most likely be well rewarded going by the respectable 11 years (and going) of impressive sales performance.