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| A growing number of entertainers drive the large-size 2017 Volvo XC90 SUV SUV. / Courtesy of Volvo Cars Korea |
By Jhoo Dong-chan
A number of the nation's top celebrities are choosing the large-size 2017 Volvo XC90 SUV, not only for the vehicle's safety but for its enhanced design and improved performance, symbolizing the Swedish carmaker's triumphant return to the market.
Korean wave star Rain and his wife Kim Tae-hee bought an XC90 SUV after Kim gave birth to their first daughter last month. Actor Jo In-sung also bought two XC90 SUVs, one for himself and the other for his father.
Guitarist Lee Sang-soon and his wife, singer Lee Hyo-ri, also decided to buy an XC90 after they drove a model through a sponsorship deal for a TV show. Actor couple Yeon Jung-hoon and Han Ga-in also sold their car to buy an XC90 after Han had a baby last year.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Land Rover have long been chosen as the so-called "celeb cars," but this trend is likely to change as Volvo came back to the market with its enhanced safety and performance.
Introduced in July last year, the Volvo XC90 has since enjoyed surging popularity here as 1,670 have been sold through this September.
Inheriting the carmaker's long fame in safety, the latest XC90 SUV is improved in performance while it features Volvo's latest technologies in self-driving.
The XC90 comes with three different engine choices _ a 2.0-liter D5 in-line V4 diesel engine, a 2.0-liter T6 V4 gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter T8 gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid motor.
The model with the D5 diesel engine produces a maximum 235 horsepower with 48.9 kg.m of torque. It takes 7.8 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour with mileage of 11.9 kilometers per liter. It produces 161 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
The T6 engine generates a maximum of 320 horsepower with 40.8 kg.m of torque to reach 100 kilometers per hour in 6.5 seconds. It's mileage is 8.8 kilometers per liter while producing 300 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
The T8 gasoline engine with the plug-in hybrid motor produces a maximum of 313 horsepower with a 40.8 kg.m torque in the gasoline mode. Under the plug-in hybrid mode, the vehicle generates 87 horsepower with a 24.5 kg.m torque. It takes 6.5 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour.
In the gasoline mode, the XC90 SUV gets mileage of 10.9 kilometers per liter in the gasoline mode while it can travel 21 kilometers in the plug-in mode when the battery is fully charged. It only produces 64 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
The three models feature the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Volvo's latest safety technologies such as the roll-over protection system, rear collision warning and lane keeping assistance are all included as base options. The XC90 SUV also has three different types of airbag systems _ the double-phase, side and IC curtain airbag.
The XC90 SUV's whiplash protection system in the seats is designed to protect passengers from neck and back injuries.
Volvo has also demonstrated its advancements in design.
The Volvo XC90's front was refurbished with T-shaped daylight headlamps that touch the widened grille in the front, similar to Audi's front design. The model's rear inherited the Volvo's characteristic tail lamps.
The model's sides emphasize its dynamic character by applying an elevated belt line.
The interior sports various natural materials such as driftwood to differentiate itself from competing models in the market. The nine-inch infotainment system in the center fascia has been enhanced by enlarging its font size for increased readability.
The 2017 XC90 SUV is priced between 80.3 million won ($72,069) and 137.8 million won.
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