| Range updates | Volvo | XC90 & V70 R-Design |
Volvo has added an R-Design model to the XC90 line-up to replace the
SE Sport. The R-Design has a sports chassis with firmer shock absorbers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The steering has also been retuned to give a quicker, sportier response.
All XC90 R-Design models come with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with an option of 20-inch rims. Other R-Design cues are quad exhaust tailpipes, a more prominent front skid plate and aluminium-effect side sill covers.
Inside, the XC90 R-Design has black leather upholstery, brushed stainless steel surrounds for the instruments and DVD players in the front headrests for rear seat passengers. The XC90 R-Design costs from £37,095 and is on sale now.
There's also a new V70 R-Design model, which features a lowered, firmer suspension. It sits on 18-inch alloy wheels and comes as standard with leather seats and new instruments with blue inserts.
Volvo has also reduced the carbon dioxide emissions of the XC90's 2.4-litre 182bhp turbodiesel engine when coupled to the Geartronic automatic gearbox. It drops to 224g/km of CO
2, reducing the amount of road tax it attracts.
Alisdair Suttie - 12 May 2008