WHEN it arrived in 1988 the Volvo S80 was radically different from anything else around. Hailed as the flagship of the Volvo range it set the design trend of what was to follow from the Swedish company.
The smaller S60 for example, and now the new S40, took their design cues from their bigger brother and all are now instantly recognisable.
Driving an S80 for the first time in some years made me appreciate just how good this car is and why it set a trend.
By any standards the S80 is a big car but that means plenty of room inside for five people to have plenty of elbow room.
Strangely enough once you are behind the wheel it is one of those cars which never feels large - but it does feel comfortable and it does feel luxurious.
In fact the S80 2.5T is one of the smoothest, most comfortable saloons around and tends to cosset you from the outside world.
Leather and Alcantara seats and trim not only look good but are warmer to the touch than just leather, although in this case the seats are heated anyway.
Electronic adjustment allows everyone to find their optimum seating position and then lock it into the memory, so you don't have to worry when anyone else drives the car.
Clean cut instrument dials and a large aircraft-like centre console packed with clearly identifiable controls for all the subsidiary equipment make life easier for the motorist to keep his or her eyes on the road.
And when it comes to build quality Volvo is up there with the best. You only have to close the door on an S80 to appreciate that. The deep vault-like clunk as it closes with barely any effort tells you just how solid this car is.
Solidity was always something associated with Volvo, although originally they were staid, unflattering designs. Volvo style has changed radically in recent years but that highly desirable solid feel has remained.
When it comes to luggage the boot on the S80 will swallow everything, including the kitchen sink.
On the road the 2.5-litre "light turbo" engine whisks this big car to 62mph in well under eights seconds via a seamless five-speed automatic gearbox with a superbly responsive kickdown facility.
As with all Volvos there is an abundance of safety features including the company's Whiplash Protection System and Side Impact Protection System which features a side inflatable curtain. The success of the safety features is reflected in the car's four star EuroNCAP rating.
The S80 might have been introduced a few years ago now but regular improvements have ensured that, like fine wine, it just keeps getting better.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S80 2.5T SE Lux Auto
Price: £27,843
Mechanical: 210bhp, 2,521cc, 5cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 7.7 secs
Combined mpg: 28.2
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 239g/km
BiK rating: 34%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust