Breathe easy with the 2015 Volvo XC90 – latest CleanZone approach to improve interior air quality

volvo-xc90-cleanzone

The 2015 Volvo XC90 will be the first vehicle built on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform to feature a multi-filter that aims to improve the interior air quality for passengers. This is one of the many steps Volvo is undertaking as part of the company’s revised CleanZone concept.

By employing a larger, redesigned multi-filter, pollutants and toxic elements will be prevented from entering the cabin. An additional layer of active charcoal featured in the construction will help to further remove contaminants and allow occupants to breathe easier – in particular those with breathing difficulties.

With the multi-filter, pollutants as small as 0.4 micrometres are reduced by 70% compared to models without it. The filter is just one element under Volvo’s Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), which also features an “active” air intake which closes automatically when sensors detect an increase of pollutants from the outside.

Under the CleanZone approach, an additional feature allows for the remote cabin ventilation system to automatically remove unpleasant odours and pollutants before the driver enters. Apart from active features, Volvo has also worked to reduce pollutants from the source itself.

Volvo employs what it calls the ‘Volvo Cars Nose Team’, whose responsibilities include smelling different objects utilised to determine if the odour is too strong – the ‘new car smell’ is one example of low level pollutants from materials used that give off a distinct smell.

Another test involves heating the interior temperature to 65°C – pretty relevant when you consider our weather – and measuring the level of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs). Volvo then works to reduce the level of TVOCs emitted – which in high doses, can cause headaches and trigger asthma attacks.

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Anakjambi on Nov 15, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Multi filter my ass. Open burning throughout the year wont make the difference. Rubbish piling on the riad here and there with jamban flies on your food. Now with denggi on the rise, everywhere u go u smell fumigation. So long story short, once u step out of your multi filtered volvo, you smell the real world air.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 15
  • It’s a Volvo, it’s truly Chinese !!! Smart, Agile, Visionary.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 15
    • medic on Nov 15, 2014 at 6:45 pm

      Chinese??? Then Jaguar & Land Rover is truly indian. Heck, Lotus is truly Malaysian…Duh

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 4
  • seancorr (Member) on Nov 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    This will do perfect for a family car. Looks commanding on the road, safe inside and powerful when you need it.

    Now if only we know how they will price it and if there will be a CKD version and please include surround view cameras…this is a huge vehicle.

    I’ve always liked a tall and big vehicle but never got the heart to get one because all of them drive like coffins except the Cayenne and Range Rover which is out of my reach but here we have now is a SUV that has enough oomph and class and I hope its priced below RM400k like the current generation.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • bloody.volvo.driver on Nov 15, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Once on a sunny day I parked my car next to a rubbish disposal area, and my S60 decided to ventilate the car due to the heat. Imagine the shock I had when I returned to my S60! Hope the new IAQS are smarter.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Jimmy on Nov 15, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    Safety, in all aspects including safety of the air inside the cabin. Good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Nov 16, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    What’s the point with sui kwan cars having these features?

    The owner has a lot more to worry about, especially the time spent in workshops

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
 

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