BIG 4x4s may still not be the flavour of the month in certain quarters but Volvo has bucked the trend with the XC90, its best-selling model – going like hot cakes since its introduction in 1992.
While mostly designed for the tarmac, few will probably ever go off-road, the all wheel drive Haldex system means this is a more than capable dirt tracker when required.
There is no doubt manufacturers are making huge strides towards making 4x4s more practical, fuel efficient and carbon friendly - which makes them more attractive, certainly to bigger families - and, say Volvo, in the case of the XC90, to female customers.
Despite its seven-seats, it is quite a compact vehicle and features a revised front grille and a shorter roof section.
It is a good example of gradual evolution with a new more powerful 2.4-litre diesel five cylinder engine that you would think normally drinks the fuel while hauling along a two-ton hunk of metal on wheels.
But with some careful driving, the on-board computer was registering nearly 36mpg, something like 10mpg more than I was expecting, and that was with motorway driving.
The latest upgrade to the engine management system on the D5 engine boosts power from 185ps to 200ps with a maximum torque figure of 420Nm, giving optimum towing power.
The Euro5 compliant unit shows a reduction in CO2 figure from 224g/km to of 219g/km. It won't save the world, but every bit helps, certainly with sales.
The engine is mated to the six-speed Geartronic gearbox as standard and will accelerate the vehicle from 0-62 miles per hour in 10.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph.
The economy is a big bonus, but the main attraction is the practicality and the seven seats. As well as the three rear seats, there are a further two that fold into the floor of the boot. Although this pair would be uncomfortable for adults over any distance, for shorter journeys they are more than adequate and for children, no problem at all.
The seven-seats means there are 64 possible configurations. The middle seat in the centre row also has an integrated child booster cushion and also slides forwards so it can be positioned directly between the two front seats.
The vehicle features a rear split tailgate, and even with the seven seats in situ, boot space large at 249 litres, rising to a cavernous 1,837 litres with the seats down.
The interior is well laid out and well equipped, even at entry level. The car feels well screwed together and the materials hard-wearing and practical but not as high quality as some, admittedly more expensive, rivals.
Instrumentation is neat and logical and the cabin has a light and airy feel with good all round vision.
Volvo says the XC90 was designed to be as car-like as possible and it is pretty good. The ride feels on the soft side for comfort on the flat, but downside is it feels a bit wallowy on corners, but it is a refined motorway cruiser.
The XC90 with the new D5 costs from £34,795 on the road for the Active model to £44,230 on the road for the top range Executive with the SE Premium I drove in the middle at £39,630.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90 D5 SE Premium AWD
Price: £39,630
Mechanical: 200bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
CO2 emissions: 219g/km
Insurance group: 40
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles