Volvo show car to become reality

21 December 2001: The Volvo Adventure Car which has up to now been a show concept is to become a reality as the Volvo XC90, Volvo's first production SUV.

The car, which will have estate car lines and is to be built on the company's large car platform, will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It will receive its first UK public debut at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham in autumn 2002.

The XC90 will have a choice of turbo engines – either the 272bhp T6, six-cylinder petrol or Volvo’s new 163bhp D5 diesel.

Safety features, according to the company which sold safety when it was neither wanted much or profitable, will showcases a range of technologically advanced solutions in the important areas of roll-over protection and compatibility with smaller cars in the event of an accident.

From a stylist's point of view, the new car retains the current Volvo cues, including rounded, a distinctive V-shaped bonnet, pronounced shoulders, and a powerful stance.

The interior provides the flexibility of up to seven forward facing seats.