The Volvo XC90 has received various updates, including improvements to its semi-autonomous capability and the introduction of PowerPulse engine technology to the range.

The Volvo XC90 is one of our favourite premium SUVs and very few were surprisedwhen the Swedish superstar D5 Inscription walked away with the Premium SUV title in our inaugural Cars Awards. For the 2017 model year, Volvo has introduced some updates to the range.

The vehicle already hada fair degree of autonomous capability, which has now been increased thanks to Pilot Assist technology enhancements. Previously, the XC90 was able to follow vehicles in front of it and could steer as well as accelerate and brake autonomously at speeds of up to 50 kph. With the latest upgrade, the Volvo can recognise and adhere to lane/road markings and dynamically follow traffic in its path at speeds of up to 130 kph.

As always, Volvo (following the lead of virtually all other premium vehicle manufacturers) is not marketing this as a fullyautonomous driving system, but rather as a driver aid. A driver is stillrequired to keep their hands on the wheel and pay full attention to the road. Fully autonomous driving is still some way away, but after sampling the first generation of Pilot Assist, we were very impressed and can't wait to try the new technology.

The second big change has occurred under the bonnet. PowerPulse technology utilises compressed air to spin up the turbocharger, thereby minimising turbo lag. There's always that slight pause in a turbocharged car before all the motor's performance is realised, and PowerPulse aims to ensure that the engine is responsive wherever it might be in its rev range.

The compressed air is stored in a 2.0-litre tank, which automatically recharges after each discharge. With this anti-lag system in place, Volvo is claiming an increase in the XC90 D5 all-wheel drive's outputs (173 kW and 480 Nm, compared with 165 kW and 470 Nm) and the claimed average fuel consumption has dropped slightly from 5.8 to 5.7 L/100 km.

Volvo XC90 Price in South Africa

The 2017 Volvo XC90 is now available at your local dealerships and the price includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan, as well as a5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan. The prices below include VAT, but excludeC02 emissions.

D4 Geartronic FWD Momentum R863 700

T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R882 700

D4 Geartronic FWD Inscription R909 600

T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R921 700

D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R922 800

T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R928 600

T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R945 100

T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R967 600

D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R968 700

T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design R984 100

D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R985 200

T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 074 100

T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 116 100

T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 136 500

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