#RideRoundup: Volvo S90 gets sporty, new Range Rover Velar, Peugeot 3008 SUV

Volvo S90 R-Design

The Volvo S90 is now available in sportier and more athletic R-Design guise.

Engines include two petrols and two diesels - all of which displace 2.0 litres, feature forced induction, and are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. All engines are mated to the 8-speed Geartronic transmission.

The twin-turbo D4 diesel, with front-wheel drive, offers 140kW and 400Nm, with average fuel economy of just 4.4-litres per 100km and carbon emissions of 116g/km. The twin-turbo D5, with all-wheel drive and PowerPulse technology to effectively mitigate turbo lag, pushes out 173kW and 480Nm, but maintains fuel consumption of 4.8-litres per 100 m and 127g/km on the CO2 front.

Petrol power is provided by either the high-pressure, single-turbo T5 with front-wheel drive (187kW and 350Nm; 6.5-litres per 100km and 149g/km) or the T6 AWD. This twin-charged petrol engine produces 235kW and 400Nm while maintaining 7.2-litres per 100km and carbon emissions of 165g/km.

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The standard double wishbone and coil front suspension and integral axle with transverse composite leaf spring at the rear allow ride quality to not only be supple but also composed and communicative. Air suspension is not available on these models.

S90 R-Design models are all semi-autonomous as standard. Pilot assist, an extension of adaptive cruise control (ACC), is able to control acceleration, braking and steering up to 130km/h, provided there are clear lane markings on both sides of the S90.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes the likes of ABS, EBD, BAS, HAS, and ESC, along with six airbags, ISOFIX and Volvo's patented safety cage. City safety and intellisafe supplement these systems with Volvo's advanced take on safety.

R-Design models are available in nine exterior colours, with the dynamic Bursting Blue and striking Passion Red being available exclusively to these more athletic derivatives.

All derivatives come as standard with Volvo's five-year/100,000 km full maintenance plan and warranty, Tracker Connect and laminated glass. Pricing starts at R718,300.

New Range Rover Velar

The fourth model in the Range Rover family, the new Range Rover Velar, is now available to order at Land Rover dealers across the country. Customers can also use the Land Rover configurator to customise their own Velar.

The new model will primarily be available in Velar and Velar R-Dynamic variants. Four specification levels are available: base, S, SE, and HSE. All derivatives and trim levels are available with a choice of Ingenium four cylinder and Land Rover’s six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

A third Velar variant will also be available: Velar First Edition. This flagship, limited-edition model is only available in a single, high-specification trim. Customers need only specify exterior colour, wheel design, and choice of engine (six-cylinder petrol or diesel). The Velar First Edition will only be available during the vehicle’s first year on sale and is available exclusively on order.

Pricing starts at R947,700.

Peugeot 3008 SUV

With the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV - described as the most advanced vehicle offered by Peugeot to date - the brand is positioning itself in the C-SUV segment.

Named 2017 European Car of the Year, the vehicle is the fifth Peugeot to win Car of the Year and the first SUV in history to be awarded the COTY prize.

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Very high strength steel (VHSS) and ultra high strength steel (UHSS) have been used in the vehicles’ construction, with a thermoplastic boot floor and tailgate and aluminium wings, front suspension arms, and rear seat frames.

The new models offer more interior space with compact exterior dimensions and class leading technology and safety features - being lighter, more agile and fuel efficient than the previous model.

The head-up digital instrument panel features a 12.3” screen with futuristic graphics. It can be completely configured and personalised. It brings together all that the driver could want in his field of view and is easily accessible from the thumbwheel on the steering wheel.

More refined engines also allow for a reduction in sound-deadening materials. The SUV comes with a fuel efficient Euro5 petrol and diesel engine: 1.6L THP 120kW S&S 6-speed automatic (EAT6) and 2.0L HDi 110kW S&S 6-speed automatic (EAT6) available in the first quarter of 2018.

Pricing starts at R399,900.