First look: Volvo XC90

In American they are called SUVs - sports utility vehicles. Here in Australia, they're more often than not recognised as crossover vehicles, taking the four-wheel drive aspect from more traditional 4WDs, but giving drivers the aesthetics of a sedan.

This segment of the of auto market is booming right around the globe at present, so its no wonder Volvo is keen to jump on the bandwagon.

Far from creating something mundane, Volvo took to the new XC90 with gusto, wanting to create a crossover vehicle, without becoming "just another SUV".

As such, the Volvo Car Corporation today releases the first official pictures of its new SUV, the Volvo XC90.

The passenger car-based Volvo XC90 is the top of the line model in the Swedish car-maker’s new XC range.

"Our all-wheel drive Volvo XC90 is a new generation SUV, aimed to be one of the safest and most exciting on the market," says Hans Wikman, Project Director.

The Volvo XC90 will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show on January 7, 2002.

No matter what angle you view the new XC90 from, it is obvious that Volvo built it. From the front grille to the tail lights, there is no doubt to the observer that the new XC90 is a true modern Volvo in every respect.

Trademark design elements, such as the V-shaped bonnet and the pronounced shoulders, have been combined with a powerful stance and modern design featuring gently rounded, elegant lines.

"We wanted the car to look masculine and confident, but not macho" explains Peter Horbury, Vice President and Chief Designer.

The functional design in combination with efficient packaging and transverse engines helps give the new Volvo XC90 the necessary preconditions for a high degree of flexibility and versatility.

Surprisingly, up to seven people can ride in comfort and safety in foward facing seats.

When Volvo Cars launches a new car model, one aim is always to reinforce the company’s leading position in the field of safety.

The Volvo XC90 is no exception – in terms of either active or passive safety. For instance, the new XC90 showcases a range of technologically advanced new solutions in the important area of rollover protection.

The problem of vehicle compatibility – where an SUV collides with a lower conventionally shaped passenger car – was another high-priority area throughout the development of the Volvo XC90.

The Volvo XC90 can be specified with a choice of 5 or 6 cylinder petrol engines, or with Volvo’s 5-cylinder diesel unit. And those hoping that the new model comes with oodles of power can rest easy - although no power figures were given at the time of writing, all the engines will turbocharged.

Assembly of the car will start in 2002 at the Torslanda factory in Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast, where Volvo is concentrating the production of all its larger models.

The main competition for the Volvo's new XC model will be Hyundai's Santa Fe, Subaru's Outback and Audi's impressive new AllRoad Quattro. The simple fact that Volvo is aggressively creating newer and more numerous SUVs is a sign of how competitive the segment has become. In 2002/2003, the Holden Commodore will go 4WD in what will undoubtedly be called a crossover vehicle and you can expect Ford to follow suit.

As it stands, however, the new Volvo could be the perfect means of transportation, whether you're just driving to the supermarket, or if you're heading to Alice Springs for a bit of outback therapy.