Did you know that Volvos get to park for free at Grouse Mountain? It’s true: as part of a corporate partnership with the mountain last year, all Volvos get complimentary parking (assuming you can find a spot).
No word as to whether there’s a similar policy at wherever the local Birkenstock warehouse is, or at Bill’s Granola Emporium and Bumper Sticker Wholesale. I’d guess yes.
For Grouse, the symbiosis makes perfect sense. Modern Volvo buyers are less about the crunchy granola image (sorry, Bill), and more about urbane style mixed with a bit of light adventure. Credit the minimalist appeal of Swedish design and some clever marketing – where Volvo was once a quirky choice, now it’s the slick alternative to overly aggressive Germanic machinery.
So here’s probably the perfect Volvo to park for free and hit the Grouse Grind: the Cross Country variant of the lovely V90 wagon. First, it’s a Volvo wagon, and how many of us had one of those in the driveway as a kid? Second, it’s got a bit of a lift to it, a sort of luxury oriented Swedish Subaru Outback. And, lastly, the looks are good enough to have people stopping in the street to talk to you about it.
Free parking included is a nice perk. Let’s see how the rest of the V90 measures up.
Design
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and judging from the beholders who scurried over to ask questions during my week with the V90, Volvo has nailed this one. Credit overdesign fatigue, the growing sense that manufacturers like BMW and Lexus are continually adding styling elements into their standard fare in an attempt to stand out.
By bucking the trend, Volvo hits the right note by not trying too hard. The grille is broad but it doesn’t hang open like the jaw of a surprised baleen whale. The “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight accents are relatively muted, and the rear taillights are nicely integrated. Optional 20-inch alloys look great, but maybe opt for something smaller with a bit more sidewall cushion.
Finish things off with smooth flanks and a dash of plastic body cladding to toughen the look, and the V90 CC is plenty appealing. Here’s the good news: if you think it looks good on the outside, wait till you see what’s in the box.
Environment
The Swedes have had interior quality and comfort sewn up for decades now, which is no surprise to anyone who’s ever looked at how much Scandinavian furniture costs. A particular highlight to any Volvo fans in the audience might be the thrones in the old V70R, which were almost exactly like sitting in a catcher’s mitt held by The Friendly Giant.
The V90’s interior nails this ethos, with super comfortable front seats and plenty of space out back. Because it’s a wagon, there’s a little more length in the cargo area than with some conventional crossovers. If you have to cram, I don’t know, an alpenhorn in there, there’s space.
Leaving alpine musical instruments aside for the moment, please notice Volvo’s genius flip-up trunk divider, which is ideal for keeping groceries and smaller items from sliding around. Fold everything down, and you could fit an entire wall of Ikea furniture in here; if popping out for just a few essentials, flip up the divider and be assured you won’t arrive home to find a trunk-full of Swedish meatballs rolling around.
Up front, driver and passenger get an uncluttered display that has a few small pieces of jewelry here and there – a crystalline starter knob instead of a push button, with a similarly faceted roller for selecting driver modes. Most infotainment controls are operated through the central touchscreen.
This last is largely intuitive, with multiple menus to swipe through in much the manner of a smart tablet. Even a small amount of use brings a familiarity that won’t have you looking away from the road.
Performance
Volvo made big news early this year when it announced that full electrification would be the rule going forward. That’s electrification, mind you, not full electric power: hybrids and plug-in hybrids will be the first wave going forward, with full battery-driven drivetrains to follow as technology allows.
In the meantime, Volvo is doubling down on a technology they pioneered: forced induction. The V90 CC gets a twin-charged 2.0-litre engine – turbocharged and supercharged – which in the T6 model makes 316 horsepower at 5,700 r.p.m. and 295 foot-pounds of torque at 2,200 r.p.m. Power is sent to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with full-time all-wheel-drive.
Compared to a standard V90, the Cross Country’s ground clearance is usefully improved over a conventional wagon, but is really more about traversing snowfalls than true off-roading. Still, owners won’t be fazed by most gravel roads.
On-road dynamics are likely far more important for V90 CC ownership, and there’s mostly good news here too. While the higher centre of gravity imbues the Cross Country with a bit more body roll than its conventional V90 stablemate, it still corners flatter than most crossovers.
The twin-charged engine can feel a little breathless occasionally; it’s not exactly turbo-lag, but there’s sometimes a brief hesitation while boost builds. If, however, you’re only dipping into the power to hit onramps or pass a truck, the power is ample and the cruising behaviour nearly without fault.
Just as with the exterior, the V90 CC’s ride isn’t as harsh as some of the sportier German offerings. The steering isn’t particularly sharp, but if you’re looking for a relaxed ride, that’s perhaps a benefit. Further, road noise is nicely muted.
All in all, the V90 CC is just the kind of machine you’d want to settle into when it’s your own muscles that are feeling a bit battered and bruised. As an apres-hike, it’s just about perfect.
Features
The V90 CC starts at $59,500, which sounds like a lot but is some $15,000 less expensive than a basic Mercedes E-Class wagon. Options drive the price up quickly, as is common with other European marques.
That twin-charged 2.0-litre engine requires premium, and as with all boosted engines, real-world mileage suffers the more you dip into the throttle. Official fuel economy is 10.8 (litres/100 kilometres) in the city and 7.6 on the highway. Mixed mileage driving resulted in high nine litres/100 kilometres.
Green light
Quiet, comfortable ride; attractive design; high quality interior; very practical.
Stop sign
Pricey; driving dynamics aren’t quite as good as established German rivals.
The checkered flag
All this comfort and all-weather practicality – and free parking to boot.
Competition
Audi A4 Allroad ($47,800): Slightly smaller than the V90 CC, the A4 Allroad is very popular on the North Shore. It’s a pity that Audi doesn’t sell a regular-height A4 Avant any more (or even one of those Euro-spec RS4 Avants – be still my heart), but this little wagon will fit the needs of most families.
If you need a little more space, particularly in the cargo area, then the Volvo’s your bet. If you don’t mind strapping on a roof box, the Allroad comes in at a lower price point, and is a great all-rounder.
