Volvo’s safety systems at the heart of things

Although the focus on the day was on the various safety technologies to be found in every Volvo, we did have the opportunity to drive the complete range of Volvos around the track. It was fun – yes!

My presence was by invitation of Auto Baltic Nelspruit. A small group of us left just after the first cock crowed. Our mode of transport – a new XC90 limited addition and an XC60. Have you ever driven through Schoemanskloof early in the morning? The air is crystal clear and crisp and the freshness of nature is all around you. Now imagine this.

No, call your spouse to come and read the following bit to you while you just close your eyes and imagine – go on – I am waiting.
Good. Have you ever been to the Gothenburg Concert Hall? No, well you have certainly seen the interior or something similar on TV.
We are listening to a classic concert piece on the XC90’s Bowers & Wilken sound system with its 19 speakers – travelling at, well lets just say – just about Autobahn speed and we’re in the groove – this is Gothenburg on the fly – the sound quality inside the car is just (I can’t use French/English ‘cause this is a family paper) – spectacular!

The coffee at Alzu grounded all of us and soon after our arrival at Zwartkops Raceway, the driving instructors began to demonstrate the various safety systems to be found in Volvo cars. The XC90 comes standard with 235mm ground clearance but the optional air suspension raises it by another 40mm so it offered a comfortable ride through the 4×4 track at the rear end of the race track.

I am of the opinion that it will be brilliant on sand but of course the sheer size maybe a bummer in serious off-road challenges. Then again, the XC90 does not claim a 4×4 heritage. Next we drove a slalom with the very capable and extra sharp V40 T5 – first with all safety systems off – then, U-turn – and with all switched on again to illustrate its capacity.

First run and we are just about all over with the sidewalls of the tyres taking a serious beating – then, smooth sailing with all systems go. Serious food for thought! Next was the City Safe collision avoidance system. The aim is to prevent those high-traffic bumper bashes – exiting slip roads and the car in front of you suddenly stopping after it did in fact drive off – seriously hectic stuff and often totally unnecessary.

The long and the short – it works pretty darn well – still have safety-belt marks across my chest to prove it. Yeah, yeah I know, I am gooiing it somewhat – but it works.

Roll stability control
The demonstration which both shocked and impressed all of us most, was the roll stability control (RSC) in the XC90.
“RSC is a stabiliser system that minimises the risk of overturning, for example during sudden evasive manoeuvres or if the car skids. The system registers if and how much the car’s lateral inclination changes.

This information is used to calculate the risk of the car overturning. If it is at risk, its electronic stability control system engages, the engine torque is reduced and one or more wheels are braked until the car has regained its stability.” Again – close your eyes and picture this. We’re strapped in – doing 120km/h down the Zwartkops pit straight (slow for Zwartkops but bear with me) – suddenly the instructor violently turns the steering right (are you nuts) as if swerving to avoid a pothole or a kudu – releases the steering while still keeping his foot on the accelerator – and we have total chaos.

In the rear, despite being strapped in and holding onto the grab handles above the doors, we are thrown around like a plastic Danville orange in a tumble dryer – at the front the driver and passenger are being sucked to their seats like they’ve been caught in a Verimark vacuum sealer… screeching tyres – an XC that wriggles like a headless chicken – and then suddenly, seconds later, there is peace in paradise (driving a XC90 is like being in paradise) and the car is back in control. Any other vehicle would have rolled – I am sure… phew, let’s do it one more time, I mean we are on roll here (pun intended) just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke – we did – it’s no fluke! What is the purpose of being exposed to these demonstrations and experiencing it first-hand? It is a no-brainer – we spend so much time in our cars that one needs to understand and trust the safety systems to do what manufacturers claim it will.

Having these systems at our disposal certainly is not a licence to abuse the car because the reality also is, that it can do only so much. RSC will of course also be beneficial during normal cornering in that it will enhance the stability of the vehicle. Although most of us cannot afford an XC90, fact is that Volvo has the intention to build cars as safe as houses and the current technology in its cars illustrates its determination.

Before long it was time to hit the best road to Gauteng – the road back to Mbombela – in an XC90 with its Bowers & Wilkens sound system – Schoemanskloof – what a symphony! The fastest-growing luxury brand in the world building the safest cars on the road – can you afford not to drive a Volvo? I spoke to a number of Volvo owners who has been involved in write-off accidents on the Gauteng highways, and they will not be convinced to drive anything else but a Volvo – not even if you pay them.

Need one say more? Visit Autodealer Lowveld’s Facebook page as a couple of videos will be posted to illustrate some of the features I spoke about.
There isn’t one on the RSC though – it’s just too scary for sensitive viewers.