good motoring
Hallmark of safety
H.Kishie Singh

Volvo, one of the world’s foremost auto manufacturers, has finally come to India. Not only do they make super luxury vehicles, they also enjoy the reputation of making the safest vehicles on the road. The Volvo XC-90 is Volvo's best-selling model globally and is now available in India. The XC-90 has received over 50 international awards for safety, design, versatility and environmental care.

At the core of Volvo manufacturing philosophy is safety. Unknown to most motorists who have the latest cars, they have been driving a bit of Volvo all these years. As far back as 1944, Volvo incorporated the safety cage in the cars. This safety cage is easily visible in rally-prepared cars. In Volvo cars it is part of the design and manufacture. Today it has evolved to the roll over protection system — ROPs.

In case of a complete roll over, the roof won't crush; the occupants are safe. SIPS—side impact protection system—is also a Volvo invention. These are beams in the doors to absorb side impact. This dates back to 1991. The year 1944 was also the year when Volvo introduced the laminated windscreen. There is hardly a car being manufactured today that does not have a laminated windscreen. You use three-point seat belts in your car. Volvo invented them in 1959.

Volvo's most recent invention is BLIS—blind spot information system. These are rear facing digital cameras built into the rear view mirrors that monitor traffic on either side of the car in the blind spot. If a car enters the blind spot, the driver is alerted by a lamp built into the A pillars. It works very well in Europe. In India the system may have a nervous breakdown. Indian drivers drive with rear view mirrors closed. It's a challenge Volvo will have to face in India.

All these safety features have been improved and refined over the years and are standard features on the XC-90. There are other goodies found on the XC-90. One is the DSTC or dynamic stability and traction control. This system varies the power supply to the wheels. Remember, this is an all-wheel drive— AWD SUV. Varying power to the wheels prevents fishtailing and spinouts. The DSTC cuts in if the drive wheel begins to loose traction or the car is going to skid.

If the situation is extreme and the vehicle is going to roll over, the ROPS will cut in. Huge 17 inch ventilated disc brakes are on all four wheels with ABS, emergency brake resistance (EBA) and electronic brake distribution. At first sight the XC-90 is big—as all SUVs are meant to be. It is also beautiful and has the brute and muscular look. Seen on the grill is the distinctive diagonal insignia. It is flanked by swept-back headlights. The rear end is uncluttered because the spare wheel sits inside.

The tail lights are true Volvo style. They extend from the waist to the roof. A huge wiper clears the rear windscreen. The rear bumper has sensors that beep if an obstacle is less than 30 cm from the car. Open the driver’s door and you can smell the leather. The seat is eight-way electronically adjustable with three memories. Interior room is huge and the leather seats ultra comfortable.

There is a CD with eight speakers. If the cell phone sensor feels the driver is busy—working the steering, or pumping brakes—the phone call is not put through. Another safety feature. The gear box is automatic and has a manual option also.

The XC-90 has the intelligent driver information system (IDIS). However, finding an intelligent driver in the country may be another challenge for Volvo.

Happy motoring.