It’s no big mystery why the Volvo XC90 is Malaysia’s most popular SUV in the premium segment (based on cumulative sales figures since it was launched in 2003). It looks imposing enough, handsome and sleek even till today (introduced here back in 2002, facelifted model launched last year), offers spacious with seating for seven and is comfortable. And since it’s a Volvo, top-level occupant safety is a given, too - all these are top attributes buyers look for in an SUV.

We were quietly impressed with the facelifted XC90 driven last year. The exterior updates may be minor (and indistinguishable for most eyes), but things like the revised taillamp cluster, chrome strip on the tailgate and new grille adds elegance to what is still one of the better-looking large SUVs around. Latest revisions include wider spacing for the Volvo logotype at the rear – it works well.

It’s more of the same inside. The square-cut cockpit layout feels rather dated these days, but new touches such as the 'crossed-brushed’ metal trim and stylish dials that you’ll be proud to wear on your wrist are good distractions.

Very few can match Volvo when it comes to ergonomics, and true to form, the XC90 does well to minimise driving stress with super comfy seats and intuitive controls that fall into place. Let’s not forget the brilliant sound system, too, something you can count on Volvo to provide.

Diesels, with their inherent efficiency and high torque, are the perfect pairing for large SUVs with big mass to haul around. It’s a pity that in Malaysia many still mentally link oil burners to commercial vehicles or pick-up trucks when privately-owned diesel vehicles have been out-selling their petrol counterparts in Europe, even in the premium segment.

This gives the XC90 D5 good acceleration from rest, and although a 0-100 km/h time of 11.5 seconds is slower than the petrol (9.9 seconds), in practice it feels faster as the big wave of torque propels you along. There’s also some reward for persevering with revs as there’s still some go past 3500 rpm. Anyhow, extending the engine via the 6-speed autobox (2.5T has a 5-speed unit) is pleasurable aurally as the D5 emits the nice warbly note that comes with Volvo’s 5-pot petrols as standard. It’s not as quiet as, say, the Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 but the sound is a pleasant companion. While our 'go all out’ approach at the test drive isn’t representative of the D5’s real world economy, VCM President Robert Norrman is confident that it gives at least 30% better consumption than the 2.5T. A figure above 10 kms/litre should be possible.

The poor quality of diesel fuel still being sold in Malaysia in 2009 remains a Big Issue. The Government announced in December 2008 that Euro-2 fuel will be available this year but things seem to have gone quiet and the high sulphur content of diesel currently available could potentially be damaging to modern diesel engines. There was some smoke from the tailpipes when pulling hard which Volvo executives blamed on the fuel quality and not the engine. However, the company maintains that 'it’s safe’ as apparently their engines run well in other countries that also have poor quality fuel. Just to be sure, VCM has been running a unit which has already clocked 65,000 kms using local fuel without trouble. Still, better quality fuel can’t come soon enough and Mr. Norrman is confident that diesel will catch on in Malaysia.

Another issue that VCM has to tackle is the perception that service and spare parts for Volvo cars are expensive. The VCM team dismisses this as a myth, and says that they have the figures and research pointing that Volvo parts are on par or cheaper than brands like BMW and Mercedes. They are keen to release details of the findings in the near future so stay tuned. The service interval for the XC90 D5 is 20,000 kms, same as the 2.5T model.

Apart from the lack of xenons, the D5 shares the same high spec with its petrol sibling and costs the same too, at RM355,000 on the road without insurance (it even comes with cheaper road tax at RM760 against RM873.60). It’s without a doubt that the introduction of a diesel option makes the already well-rounded XC90 a more complete product.