VOLVO'S XC90 took on the best the USA could put up in a very serious heavyweight 4x4 competition some years ago and beat the lot.
Obviously, most owners never even take their cars close to a grass field but its still worth checking underneath when buying one second-hand.
Petrol engines are 2.5 and 2.9 turbo, 3.2 V6 and 4.4 V8 – all of which are pretty thirsty as you can imagine.
Best buy by far is the D5 turbo diesel, which comes with either six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
The five cylinder engine is smooth, quiet and powerful, and both gearboxes smooth changing.
There’s enough urge for overtaking and the automatic comes with a Sport setting that makes everything more immediate.
The ride is impeccable over all surfaces, the handling a little roly-poly as such vehicles tend to be and the level of grip is excellent, giving very quick cornering speeds.
Interior
Build and interior quality is excellent, with the wonderful luxury of leather upholstery in most, full climate control, height and reach adjustable steering, huge alloy wheels and the full electric pack.
They are family orientated, with seven seats as standard – the last two of which fold easily and simply up out of the big boot’s floor.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90
Price: Pay about £9,500 for an ’04 04-reg SE, £22,500 for an ’09 09-reg SE Lux
Mechanical: 182bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox
Max speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 30
Insurance group: 41
CO2 emissions: 219g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Land Rover Discovery