2004 Volvo XC90 Executive review from UK and Ireland

A really worrying design fault with the factory fit televisions. In essence, as they do not tilt to adjust to the hight of the viewer, anybody under 5' cannot see output from the LCD screen. The LCD screen viewing capacity/angle does not extend beyond a natural seating position for a 5'5" or so adult/child.

Volvo's reaction: sit your kids and your granny on a booster seat which we will provide free of charge.

My reaction: Do you really expect my mother in-law or my 13 year old son to sit on a booster seat on napper leather upholstery?

Volvo: The brochure does say that the screens do not tilt.

My reaction: Does it also go on to say that in order for anybody to view the screens with the front seats in a safe driving position, the rear seat occupants should kneel up or sit on a booster seat?

Volvo: Well, this is a characteristic of the vehicle.

My reaction: I did not pay £45,500 for a vehicle with a design fault that could in the event of an accident, have either my children in the rear seats or a front seat occupant put in position of great danger. I think I had better write to your manager.

Shame about the above, but anyhow, the XC90 is a seriously practical, stylish and safe, without the TVs in use, family car.

It made perfect sense to shift away from a fixed 7 seat bus for my wife and two children. It has been a real delight.

The interior is perhaps one of the most flexible we have ever used, seven seats to take the football team out or just two seats up front for a large load. The perfect family balance with loads of driveway presence.