New Volvo XC90 delayed

Volvo has taken 12 years to reprise the original XC90 it released in 2003, and Australians will now have to wait a little longer for its ground-breaking replacement.

Hitherto due here in May, the second-generation XC90 will now not hit Australian showrooms until three months later in August.

The new local release timing was announced at the global launch of the all-new seven-seat luxury SUV in Spain this week, immediately prior to its release across Europe.

When it finally arrives in six months, Volvo's most important new model in years will be available in three equipment grades and with two engines, with an advanced twin-charged petrol-electric hybrid drive system to join the line-up here later this year.

The first in a series of Volvo models to ride on the company's new scalable product architecture (SPA) will be offered in entry-level Momentum form, better-equipped Inscription guise and the up-market R-Design cars.

As Volvo announced in October, pricing will begin at $89,950 for the XC90 D5 Momentum, with the range capped by the XC90 T8 R-Design hybrid at $122,950.

All three four-cylinder powertrains displace 2.0 litres and are undersquare designs with a longer stroke and narrower bore. Two are petrol engines – one specifically for the T8 hybrid application – and the third is a diesel. The diesel features a twin turbocharger set-up and the petrol engine boasts a combination of supercharger and turbocharger for rapid throttle response.

The Euro 6 emissions -compliant engines develop 165kW/470Nm (D5), 236kW/400Nm (T6) and 236kW (T8). Additionally, the T8 draws on an extra 60kW from the hybrid's electric motor and total combined torque is 640Nm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures are 7.7L/100km for the T6 and 5.8L/100km for the D5.

Volvo's exclusively four-cylinder drivetrain selection for the XC90 will be complemented by an Aisin-Warner eight-speed automatic transmission. Diesel (D5) and petrol (T6) models drive through a Haldex system to all four wheels.

The hybrid (T8) XC90 comprises the four-cylinder petrol engine driving to the front wheels only, but accompanied by an electric motor driving the rear wheels. As required, the T8 can run in pure EV mode, thus saving fuel, or it can run both petrol and electric units for higher performance and traction on low-friction surfaces.

Volvo's modular SPA platform not only underpins the XC90, but will be the basis for all the company's future models not built on the smaller CMA platform. The SPA platform is suitable for advanced future applications like alternative-energy drivetrain systems (flywheel hybrid drive applications, for instance) and autonomous motoring.

Some of the sub-systems that will contribute to full autonomous motoring in the near future are already present in the XC90 as active safety and driving assist features. These include Pilot Assist, City Safety, Parking Assist Pilot, Lane Keep Assist, 360-degree Surround View and active cruise control.

All XC90 variants are equipped as standard with the full gamut of active safety features and seven airbags – including a driver's kneebag. One of the active safety features of particular relevance in the Australian market reduces the severity of impacts in single-vehicle crashes. The car recognises an emergency situation unfolding as it leaves the road at high speed. Occupant seat belts automatically tighten and a spine-protecting feature reduces the shock to the system on impact.

A new infotainment system, known as Sensus Connect, raises Volvo's connected communications systems to new levels of sophistication. Sensus Connect will be compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto connectivity systems. Facilities such as these will be available in any Volvo model based on SPA.

Not only is the XC90 a harbinger of new technology for the Volvo brand, it's also the leading light in a new design language and interior themes that pay homage to Volvo's Swedish heritage. Subtle sculpture lines in the flanks of the XC90 recall the P1800 sports car from the 1960s, the LED daytime running lights in the headlight clusters are referred to as 'Thor's hammer' by the Volvo designers and the crystal gear shifter is supplied by another famous Swedish brand, Orrefors.

While the XC90 is the company's hero model – for the moment at least – it has a very real part to play in sales and marketing, not least of all in a small market like Australia. Volvo sales here fell last year from 5174 for 2013 to 4693, a reduction of 9.3 per cent.

According to Volvo Cars Australia Marketing and Communications Director, Oliver Peagam, that decline is almost entirely a consequence of XC90 buyers holding off a purchase until the arrival of the new-generation XC90. Peagam says sales of XC90 have been in steady decline since the car's peak of 1348 in 2011, with just 725 sold last year.

The base Momentum model comes with the following features as standard: 9.3-inch graphical instrument cluster, Active High Beam (AHB), 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, AUX and USB connections, cargo divider under load floor, child seat booster cushion, collision mitigation support, front comfort seats, leather trim, crossed-brushed aluminium inlays, cruise control, daytime running lights, four-zone electronic climate-control, four-way power adjustable front seat lumbar support, headlight washers, hill start assist, humidity sensor, keyless start, lane departure warning, leather steering wheel and gearshifter, LED headlights with Active Bending Lights (ABL), luggage area 12-volt power outlet, park assist camera, park assist pilot with front and rear park sensors, power cushion extension for the front seats, power driver's seat with memory function for seat and side mirrors, power passenger seat, power tailgate, rain sensor, rear door power child locks, retractable rear-view mirrors, Road Sign Information (RSI), semi-automatic load cover, third-row climate-control and Sensus Connect audio/navigation.

Additional features fitted as standard in the Inscription grade include: 12.3-inch graphical instrument cluster, 20-inch alloy wheels, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), 'Bright' exterior decor, bright side moulding with embossed Inscription logo, bright integrated roof rails, Collision warning mitigation support, front and rear comfort seats in Nappa leather, hands-free tailgate opening, illuminated door-handles and puddle lights, and illuminated metal tread plates, leather remote key and 'Metal Mesh' decor inlays

At the top of the tree, the R-Design models are equipped with the following features in addition to the Inscription specification: sports seats upholstered in perforated Nappa leather, 'Charcoal' headlining, gearshift paddles, hill descent control, mirror caps in matte silver, 'Silk Metal' window trim, dual integrated exhaust outlets and a host of branded R-Design features including the grille/front spoiler, carpet mats, inlays, illuminated tread plate, leather remote key, pedals and perforated leather-clad steering wheel and gear shifter.

2015 Volvo XC90 pricing (plus on-road costs):
D5 Momentum -- $89,950
T6 Momentum -- $93,950
D5 Inscription -- $96,950
T6 Inscription -- $100,950
D5 R-Design -- $97,950
T6 R-Design -- $101,950
T8 R-Design -- $122,950