Page 22 - Motoring Spring 2021

TEST REVIEW VOLVO

The worldwide awards and sales success of the
Volvo XC SUV range bear testimony to the sheer

class and quality of this brand.

he largest version of Volvo’s SUV range is the XC90 and this is topped
by the T8 Recharge model that literally offers everything in terms of
Tboth technology and pure luxury.
Let’s start with the technology and how the T8 Recharge differs from the
numerous others in the range, most of which we have previously tested.
In the endless pursuit of fuel efficiency as well as reducing emissions,
manufacturers have adopted various methods to achieve targets. In the
case of Volvo, this is the hybrid route offering the combination of a 2l
4-cylinder petrol engine boosted by both turbo and superchargers PLUS
hybrid electric technology.
This may sound complicated, but this combination provides outputs
of 300kW and 640Nm, certainly large numbers in my opinion. The Volvo
electric system uses Plug-in technology that can then deliver around 35km of
pure electric driving. This is ideal if you have a fairly short daily commute to
the office where you could literally run on electric power only.
Alternatively, the electric power is harnessed to complement the petrol
engine in normal driving conditions, sometimes providing power to the rear
wheels when cruising.
Fuel consumption is an interesting subject in this vehicle. As mentioned
above, you could commute using no petrol at all. During our test period
using a combined mix of driving, the on-board computer showed between As one of the leaders in terms of safety, the expected specs
6 and 7l/100km. This is proof of the efficiency of the system especially when are all there, featuring absolutely all the safety technology that
taking into account the size, space and performance of the vehicle. Volvo continues to add to their vehicles.
We also undertook a Sunday cruise using petrol power only and this Having tested a few hybrid vehicles recently, the Volvo
showed 9.7l/100km. While this may seem high, it is still a good return when proves the efficiency of these systems and their suitability for SA
compared to many competitors in this market category. conditions where you are not constrained by charging points. The
The power is delivered to all wheels through the superb Volvo 8-speed fact that numerous manufacturers are launching more hybrid
automatic transmission that also offers modes for Dynamic, all-wheel drive vehicles is proof of this fact.
and even off-road conditions at the press of a button on the centre console. The current price is R1 495 000, including a 5-year/100 000km
Speaking of the console, the crystal gear lever is simply a touch of class maintenance plan. n
in the superbly appointed cabin. Open road cruising is effortless and you feel
cocooned in luxury with the knowledge that you are travelling in one of the Click here for the video: https://www.youtube.com/
safest vehicles around. watch?v=tM-pH2gzkPY

MOTORING | Spring 2021 | 20