Regardless of who or what finds its way in, the XC90 is sure to please. Once underway, the new inline-six puts to rest the foibles and detractions of yesteryear's turbocharged, 2.5 litre inline-five cylinder mill. The new

2007 Volvo XC90 3.2 (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

powerplant is smooth, gutsy and responsive, producing power that builds progressively and predictably as the throttle deepens. In addition to improved output, the new engine produces improved harmonics as well. It's a much more refined unit than the groany five-cylinder lug it replaces. Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission does a fine job of harnessing the new engine's output. It features an electronic manual-mode and a winter setting for easier start-ups on slippery surfaces. Producing near unstoppable traction is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, created by Swedish company Haldex, which distributes the engine's grunt to all four wheels at varying rates based on Volvo's Instant Traction technology. I can attest to the effectiveness of this setup. It kept my XC90 in motion through the snow and ice I had to contend with this week, with nary a spin or sizzle from its 17-inch Michelins.

Aiding in maintaining control in these inhumane conditions was Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control program (DTSC), working in harmony with their Roll Stability Control (RSC) technology to correct a skid or prevent

2007 Volvo XC90 3.2 (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

a rollover by reducing engine power and engaging wheel-specific braking. And because the XC90 is a Volvo, these safety features are standard equipment as are front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with inflatable side curtains for all rows of seating. In addition to a full array of inflatables, Volvo incorporates a host of engineering techniques into the XC90, such as side impact protection (SIP), whiplash protection (WHIPS) and rollover protection (ROP) to maximize its ability to prevent injury and preserve life in the event of a crash. Hopefully the need to test the enhancements will never materialize. What's certain to materialize is tremendous pleasure behind the wheel thanks to a smooth quiet ride, confident handling and fatigue-free comfort, not to mention decadence.

The XC90 arrives decked-out with all the comfort and convenience found these days in premium vehicles. Nonetheless, more can be added in the form of various option packages. Some of the highlights include an

2007 Volvo XC90 3.2 (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

awesome audio system, rear seat entertainment, pop-up navigation screen, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, wood trim, rear parking assist warning, self-leveling rear suspension and bi-Xenon Active headlights (they're the ones that turn slightly to illuminate the route into a corner). Of course such additions will drive the price of the XC90 up from $50,995CA for a five-seater to somewhere near $70K for a loaded seven-seater, and that's without opting for V8 power. Throughout my test period, fuel economy wasn't quite as optimal as cited by Volvo literature- at least not according to the vehicle's on-board computer, which showed an average economy of 15.7 litres per 100 kilometres of driving (15 mpg). Granted most of this was in the city, and under strenuous conditions. Just the same, it wasn't the 14.6 and 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving, as quoted by Volvo (16/23.5 mpg).