19 August 2002: Volvo’s XC90, due for sale in Ireland in October, will include seven individual forward facing seats, climate control with Air Quality System, a high performance audio system with CD, 160W amplifier and eight speakers, reversing park distance sensor, cruise control, and rainsensor windscreen wipers in a package of high quality features.

Options will include leather upholstery, an in-dash 6 CD changer, electric driver’s seat, real wood (or aluminium) inlays, bi-xenon headlights, and a satellite navigation system with integrated GSM phone and Mini-Disc player.

The vehicle will be targeted against the BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and more than 700 units have already been pre-ordered in the UK market alone, where the XC90 will make its public debut at the British International Motorshow in Birmingham.

A first view driving review of the car will be available on IrishCar.Com at the end of the month, direct from its Geneva International Press Launch.