2006 Volvo XC90 V8 - As Premium as Premium Gets
Volvo's
midsize XC90 SUV has always had most of what it takes to fight against the premium SUV crowd, everything but a V8 engine of course. But now that a Yamaha designed and built 311-hp 4.4L V8 is mated up to Volvo's 5-speed gearbox and lightweight Haldex AWD system, there's no reason to pay more for a German brand. With style, interior refinement, agility and now, power to deal with the X5s and ML500s of the world, and the addition of a new DVD entertainment system that integrates a monitor into the back of each front-seat headrest, even the kids will want this Swedish alternative.
What's on the way?
Not every nameplate is bringing a new truck or SUV to market for the 2006
model year, as some brands updated their respective lineups in 2004 or 2005, and some still have to do so in 2007 and 2008. So what can we expect from the other nameplates not already mentioned?
Acura is planning a new MDX for next year, plus a smaller RD-X to be based on the redesigned CR-V will give compact premium buyers something new to look forward to.
Audi has been going through a name dispute with Infiniti over the letter "Q", as its Q7 SUV, based on the same architecture as the VW Touareg/Porsche Cayenne duo, will soon be arriving as a 2007 model. A hybrid version was also shown in Frankfurt last week, but it won't arrive before an all-new 2007 allroad crossover wagon that is expected in 2006. There's also talk about a compact SUV too, riding on VW's upcoming Golf/Jetta-based Beduin.
Volvo's
 |
| Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press |
What's on the way?
Not every nameplate is bringing a new truck or SUV to market for the 2006
 |
| Audi's Q7 SUV, based on the same architecture as the VW Touareg/Porsche Cayenne duo, will soon be arriving as a 2007 model. (Photo: Audi Canada) |
Acura is planning a new MDX for next year, plus a smaller RD-X to be based on the redesigned CR-V will give compact premium buyers something new to look forward to.
Audi has been going through a name dispute with Infiniti over the letter "Q", as its Q7 SUV, based on the same architecture as the VW Touareg/Porsche Cayenne duo, will soon be arriving as a 2007 model. A hybrid version was also shown in Frankfurt last week, but it won't arrive before an all-new 2007 allroad crossover wagon that is expected in 2006. There's also talk about a compact SUV too, riding on VW's upcoming Golf/Jetta-based Beduin.