Volvo’s XC90 takes top award

The Volvo XC90 has been crowned Best SUV at the Fleet World Honours 2016, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on Tuesday.

The XC90 was praised for its elegant design, luxurious and practical interior, and advanced safety and connectivity equipment.

The Fleet World judges said, ‘Spearheading Volvo’s new-generation products, the XC90 is a distinctly Scandinavian take on luxury motoring. Elegantly designed and effortlessly comfortable, it offers competitive diesel and plug-in hybrid options for fleets and features the best interior in its class. With world-first safety systems, advanced connectivity on board and near-infinite practicality, it’s a deserved winner.’

The XC90 uses Volvo’s all-new SPA platform and a range of Drive-E powertrains, including the recently upgraded D5 diesel engine with PowerPulse technology and the plug-in hybrid petrol-electric T8 Twin Engine. PowerPulse is an innovative technology that uses compressed air to boost the engine’s responsiveness by virtually eliminating turbo lag.

When it comes to safety, among the world-first technology fitted as standard is automatic emergency braking at a junction, which applies the brakes should you turn into the course of an oncoming vehicle. Another ground-breaking safety aid is Run-off Road Protection, which includes an innovative energy-absorbing section in the front seats to help prevent spinal injuries if your car leaves the road.

Selwyn Cooper, head of business sales of Volvo Car UK, said, ‘It’s a fantastic result for the XC90 to be voted Best SUV by such an influential title as Fleet World. The XC90’s winning combination of tax-efficiency, luxury, practicality, high-tech equipment and of course safety make it the ideal choice for all business users.’