What makes the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine R-Design a worthy contender in the Premium SUV category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…

The acclaimed Volvo XC90 has scooped the last 2 Premium SUV awards. First with the D5 Inscription and last year with the T8 Twin Engine Inscription. This year, the R-Design kit gets the nod as it adds that extra premium appeal to the XC90’s design. The T8 features Volvo’s hybrid technology featuring a 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with a battery-powered electric motor. Can the XC90 clinch a third consecutive win in this category?

3 Reasons Why Volvo XC90 is #CarsAwards Finalist

1. Clever powertrain

The XC90 T8’s powerplant comprises a petrol engine with electrical assistance. Up front is a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol-powered motor that produces 235 kW / 400 Nm and is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Then there’s an electric motor nestled on the rear axle that powers the rear wheels and produces 65 kW and 240 Nm. The system's combined outputs, 300 kW and 640 Nm, are more commonly associated with a sportscar, yet here it’s applied in a hybrid 7-seat SUV!

Clever packaging from Volvo has resulted in the 9.2 kWh battery being positioned in the tunnel that runs through the middle of the floor pan, so the standard luggage space/7-seat configuration remains. Volvo claims a fuel consumption figure of 2.1 L/100km.

2. Luxuriously appointed interior

Sit in the cabin of the XC90 for the first time and you’d be amazed at the combination of simplicity and modern features. Volvo has always been good at making great seats, and it’s no different with the XC90 – comfort levels are very high all-round.

The standard features list is long, too, with high beam assist, automated park pilot and a power tailgate all included.The R-Design pack adds a fair amount of useful kit in the form of heated front seats, head-up display, 360-degree camera, the mega Bowers & Wilkins premium sound pack and a host of active safety features. Volvo continues to make major advances in terms of vehicle safety and the XC90 is, unsurprisingly, one of the safest SUVs on the road.

3. Spacious and practical

In this department, the XC90 is very hard to beat. It is a proper 7-seater with space for adults in the rearmost row, as long as they’re not much taller than 170 cm. The second row of seats offer slide functionality, allowing for the tailoring of legroom – or boot space, with the rearmost seats folded down. The load bay, by the way, is truly cavernous at 692 litres, expanding to a mammoth 1 947 litres with the seats folded down. Volvo provides ventilation outlets for all three rows, as well as a 12V outlet for each row, too.

Have Your Say: Complete our survey!

Do you own an XC90? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience by completing ourOwnership Satisfaction Survey. Your input counts for 50% of the final result.

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