Fuel economy is poor, with real-world testing coming up with figures well under the official manufacturer figures. The diesel is more economical than the petrol units, but only just, meaning buyers should carefully consider their engine choice. Insurance ratings are good thanks to the safety and security features and residual values are expected to be outstanding. The XC90 undercuts most similarly sized premium SUVs but is itself considerably more expensive that non-premium brands and smaller SUVs that might suit buyers not in need of seven seats. Seven seats as standard immediately sets the XC90 up as a very practical car. When not in use, the rearmost seats fold flat to create a good-sized boot and with all rear seats folded, carrying capacity is impressive. For a family picnic or a day at the beach, the XC90 is the perfect vehicle. Storage areas are designed with a view to how useful and capacious they are rather than simply trying to cram as many into the cabin as possible. Top marks to Volvo for that. The driver's seat has a good range of adjustment, so tall and short drivers should find it quite easy to get comfortable. Numerous seating combinations are possible and the rearmost seats can be put up or down in a trice. There's no wind noise or vibration to get on the nerves and the sound of the engine only penetrates when it is being worked hard, though this occurs fairly frequently with the two less powerful engines. All that safety equipment hasn't been provided by sacrificing security features. With alarm, immobiliser, movement sensor, deadlocking and a load area cover, this is a well-protected vehicle. Just as well, as this is probably one of the few SUVs thieves are likely to express an interest in owing to the constant high demand. Safety is synonymous with Volvo, but the XC90 takes standards of protection to a whole new level. Sophisticated airbags are secreted all around the vehicle, special electronic systems are charged with countering SUVs' natural inclination to roll and ABS with EBD is present and correct. There's even a sop to the anti-4x4 brigade - the XC90 is designed with a frontal structure designed to minimise impact damage in regular cars, not just other 4x4s. The elevated driving position gives a commanding view of the road ahead and other road users, but don't expect to burn them all off at the lights, particularly in the D5 diesel. Though not sluggish, progress could best be described as measured. There's less lean through corners than might be imagined, but some is still present. Anyway, Volvo buyers are supposed to be sensible types who disdain aggressive driving. The foot operated parking brake is a pain. SUVs do not make good first cars. Large, expensive SUVs in particular are best avoided by novice drivers, especially when it comes to navigating urban environments with all their associated hazards. Even if you could afford the insurance premium on what is an expensive motor, something smaller and less intimidating - to driver and fellow road users - would be a better choice. Volvo has largely turned around its reputation as a builder of safe, boring cars for safe, boring people so that it is generally regarded these days as a builder of safe, interesting cars. It has always enjoyed cult status among a select section of the car-buying public, but in today's mass market, that's simply not sustainable. It will be interesting to see if the sales drive has any future impact on Volvo's core values, but so far standards seem as high as ever. Ergonomics are usually a Volvo strength, but height and size inevitably impact on how easy it is to get into and out of the XC90. A definite step up is required. Passengers needing to access the rearmost two seats will need to be even more limber to climb aboard, a task that could well be beyond most adults of a certain age.

Stereo and ICE

The different grades each get a different stereo system. S models have a single slot CD radio with eight speakers, SE models gain a six-disc CD system and Executive models have the impressive Premium Audio System complete with digital surround sound, upgraded amplifier and 12 speakers. Volvo currently supplies some of the best stereos on the market as part of its push to attract a younger clientele.

Colours and Trim

Parking

Subtle body styling can make you forget that this is a big, heavy vehicle and so parking would frequently be problematic was it not for the presence of rear parking sensors on all models. Even so, accurate placement does take a good deal of practice.

Spare Wheel

Volvo's 'Tempa' space-saving steel wheel is provided - proof positive that this is not a vehicle intended for off-road use.