The X and Q factors
The Hindu : Nothing will get you attention on the road like being seated in a massive SUV. In August 2007, we drove the Volvo XC90 in the U.K. and at the time, the car hadn’t yet come to Indian shores. The XC90 has arrived here. Though an impressive SUV, it faces competition from the likes of the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. Can the Volvo get past such tough competition and make a place for itself in the Indian market?All three SUVs here are diesel-powered and as far as visual drama or impact is concerned, all three will be sure to grab attention. The XC90 has a wide stance and exudes confidence; the BMW has sharp looks as well. However, of the three, it is the Q7 that will garner the most attention and might even invoke fear in the onlooker. And why not? It is a huge vehicle; more than 5 metres long that could easily fit into a living room. The X5 maintains the identity of the earlier car but has a bit too many derivates from the older version. Therefore, the new car can easily be confused as the older, face-lifted X5. At the rear, it is the XC90 that wins; its tall lights and the exquisite detailing make you go ‘wow’.Enough spaceThe XC90 is for those who prefer space more than others things. It has the width of the Volvo B7R (intercity bus) and it also has the most comfortable front seats of the three cars. But, while Volvo scores high on space, the best-quality interiors belong to the BMW. You won’t find any cheap bits on the X5 and the brushed metal, wood and leather are of top quality and everything is solidly built. The X5 comes with a chunky steering wheel and everything from the central console to the power controls works efficiently. The 5-series-like ‘tap-for-shift’ gear selector is almost…More
