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High ride quality takes off the load

2006 Volvo XC90 D5

2006 Volvo XC90 D5

Price: R379950

Mileage: 24000 km

Colour: Silver

Motor plan: Balance of the 3 year/ 100000km factory warranty

Dealer: Tom Campher Volvo, Auckland Park

Charl Wilken

With all the load shedding going on lately, and traffic lights not working, spending more time on the road has become the order of the day. This prompted us to try out a diesel-powered vehicle and see how it would cope in this situation.

Not only regarded as the safest car in the world, the Volvo XC90 D5 also provides some of the best riding qualities possible.

When it comes to ride quality and versatility - added with the safety, one will have to go a long way to find a better package.

On the outside, the car is clean and scratch free - like a new vehicle. Inside, the classically simple control panel and leather interior provides a warm welcome. The interior is clean and in superb condition. The overall condition of this car is simply excellent.

Being an SUV, it means that you have more space for family and more luggage space for those holiday trips.

With a relatively high roof line, tall passengers or drivers won't be inconvenienced.

Even though it's quite large, it drives well - even in the city.

The steering is light and the turning circle comfortable. From a driver's point of view one will find the controls easy to operate and in easy reach. The seats offer good support and are comfortable for long trips.

Under the bonnet lies one of the best attributes of the car. Our test model comes with the latest version of the D5 turbo diesel engine that Volvo has to offer.

This engine produces a massive 137kW and 400Nm - mated with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver power to all four wheels. This means the XC90 can run like a locomotive. It can reach the 100km/h mark in about eight seconds.

Some of the luxurious features include tinted windows, park distance control, multi-function steering wheel, climate control and an on-board computer.

On the safety side of things it provides handsomely. There are six airbags in the cabin - as well as ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and stability control.

All in all, a safe and pleasant drive indeed.

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