| As most vehicles age into their | | | | experience. It doesn't have the car-like |
| lifeline, the 2007 Volvo XC90 just gets | | | | characteristics of the newer crossovers. |
| better and better, really more refined, | | | | SUVs got popular because of the upright, |
| and in its case the styling is enhanced | | | | high-performance, near-truck-like |
| with a new grille, bumpers and | | | | driving characteristics which you get |
| taillights. | | | | with the XC90. |
| The car gets an all-new 3.2-liter | | | | For someone looking for a high-end SUV, |
| in-line six-cylinder engine that | | | | the Volvo XC90 remains a great car. The |
| replaces the previous five cylinder, | | | | center console dominated by two large |
| resulting in 235 horsepower, an increase | | | | round dials for audio controls, the rest |
| of 27 hp, and an identical 236 lb.-ft. | | | | of the panel comprised of easy-to-read |
| of torque. Volvo is still offering the | | | | flush black buttons. And you've got to |
| V8 option that develops 311 horsepower | | | | love the little human graphic sitting in |
| and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The new | | | | a seat that guide you on the climate |
| 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the | | | | control functions. The dash and driver |
| stringent ULEV II emissions standards. | | | | cockpit includes laptops and cellphones. |
| The new six-cylinder produces enough | | | | Steering wheel mounted controls are |
| power so that potential buyers don't | | | | clean and simple to understand without |
| have to automatically default to the V8 | | | | diving for the driver's manual. They |
| if they're looking to ensure they have | | | | include audio and cruise control |
| enough power. It receives | | | | functions with flat black buttons on the |
| color-coordinated side moldings and door | | | | wheel's center padded area, and Volvo |
| handles while the V8 gains aluminum roof | | | | has put easy to use front and rear |
| rails and color-coordinated wheel arch | | | | wipers on the right stalk, with light |
| moldings. Both models sport new outside | | | | controls on the left stalk, both mounted |
| mirrors with integrated turn signals | | | | on the column. |
| that flash three times with light | | | | It comes with third row seating that's |
| pressure on the turn signal stalk. | | | | standard with the eight-cylinder engine |
| An upgraded interior features a standard | | | | and optional with the six. |
| leather gearshift for the cylinder. | | | | It has "active" Bi-Xenon headlights with |
| Changes for the V8 include new | | | | beams that swivel up to 15 degrees for |
| watch-dial instruments and optional | | | | enhanced nighttime visibility [that cost |
| Sovereign Hide Chestnut Brown leather | | | | $800]. A high-power Dynaudio sound |
| upholstery. Selecting the Touring | | | | system is offered on the V8. An |
| Package for the V8 adds new Sapeli wood | | | | auxiliary input, MP3 capability and |
| inlays including the gearshift knob and | | | | satellite radio preparation is standard |
| steering wheel, plus 18-inch "Camulus" | | | | on both models. Available on both models |
| alloy wheels to its already excellent | | | | is Volvo's state-of-the-art digital |
| Volvo parts. An auxiliary input, MP3 | | | | video Blind Spot Information System |
| capability and satellite radio | | | | (BLIS). |
| preparation is standard on both models. | | | | Adhering to Volvo's core value of |
| Volvo maintains its benchmark status | | | | safety, all XC90 models are equipped |
| with the XC90 because as Volvo's most | | | | with Roll Stability Control (RSC), |
| popular selling vehicle in the U.S., | | | | Dynamic Stability and Traction Control |
| it's done something other high-end | | | | (DSTC), Side impact Protection System |
| brands haven't been able to do -- and | | | | (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable |
| that is really reflect the brand's | | | | Curtains for all three rows. |
| values and identity through design and | | | | The 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 liter |
| performance. There's a couple other | | | | six-cylinder engine starts at $36,135, |
| high-end SUV makers that always leave | | | | while the V8 begins at $46,425; both |
| you with the impression all they've done | | | | have a destination charge of $695. Some |
| is slap their badge on a truck because | | | | option packages to look out for are the |
| they wanted to give their customers the | | | | climate package that includes heated |
| option to have a high-end SUV. For the | | | | seats, for $675, as well as the |
| moment these other brands shall remain | | | | navigation system that goes for $2,120. |
| nameless. | | | | The all-wheel drive package our tester |
| But the focus here is on the Volvo XC90 | | | | had runs $1,850. |
| that delivers a traditional SUV driving | | | | |