X marks the spot
While many car manufacturers set out to cater for all sectors of the market, it’s fair to say that Subaru has “stuck to its knitting”.
Rural News drove the current model – due soon for replacement – in its sportiest form: the R-Design version.
R-Design brings bigger alloys, stiffer suspension, R-Design exterior trim and sporty leather interior, and dual exhaust. The latter looks great but makes the 5-cylinder turbo-diesel too noisy for a luxury SUV and the chunky 19-inch wheels and sports suspension compromise the ride quality, so we wouldn’t tick the ‘R’ option box.
Otherwise though the XC90 remains the same great luxury family wagon that created the niche since populated by the Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe and many others. It boasts lots of interior space, versatile seating arrangements, cup holders and storage spaces everywhere and unassailable active and passive safety features.
On-road manners are good rather than great, but it’s not a sports car and does what it was designed to do.
The engine is willing and effortless thanks to 420Nm of torque and a 6-speed automatic, the only distraction being the loud exhaust. The sports exhaust probably better suits the 6-cylinder petrol version.
The level of specification is high regardless of the model variant selected (Executive for luxury, R-Design for sport) as you’d expect for $89,990.
Good value and still a great looking, functional design.
