INTRODUCED in 2003, the award-winning Volvo XC90 proved to be a big hit, and the revamped 2007 model is even better.
Despite its size, it is one of the best handling big 4x4s on the market and also offers loads of usable space and has classy looks.
Build quality is high and the XC90's comprehensive equipment level offers owners all the safety, security and comfort you would expect for a car costing £37,000-plus.
This car was the D5 SE Sport, powered by a strong 185bhp diesel unit which is sufficient to give the big seven-seater sharp acceleration and good pulling power if you want to hitch something to the back.
Fuel consumption on a combined run is claimed at around 32mpg, which isn't bad considering the size of the Swedish 4x4.
Top speed is 118mph and the sprint time from rest to 62mph comes up in a shade over 11 seconds.
The Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission is an extra at £1,350 and is a smooth-changing piece of kit which can be used as a manual box.
The high driving position gives excellent all round vision and seating up front and in the second row is good. The two third-row seats are usable, but only by children or very small adults.
Load space with all rear seats down is huge, offering 1,837 litres of useable luggage space. With the third row of seats folded into the floor this is cut to 615 litres, which is still a fair amount of room.
Centre seats can slide back and forth and are also easy to fold flat.
Cabin space overall is excellent and is light and airy into the bargain.
The layout of the instruments - and there plenty of them - is well placed for the driver and easy to understand.
The Sport version boasts, among other goodies, climate control, CD player, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, powered seats with memory, first aid kit, electric folding mirrors, alloy wheels and leather upholstery.
The XC90, as with all Volvo's, has excellent safety equipment, which has enabled it to be awarded a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP's crash tests. Safety equipment includes twin front and side airbags, window airbags, a strengthened roof and anti-whiplash front head restraints, anti-lock brakes and stability control.
As for the actual driving experience, it is most enjoyable. For a vehicle of this size it is surprisingly nimble and holds the road exceptionally well, even on twisty country roads where you would expect some sway and roll on bends.
The suspension irons out all but the biggest potholes and ridges and this results in a smooth ride in and out of town. Road, engine and wind noise are minimal.
Competition in the big 4x4 market is fierce, with BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class being a couple of obvious adversaries but the Volvo costs less and I think can hold its own and look forward to even greater success with UK buyers.
The UK is the second biggest market for the XC90 after the United States. Volvo is sure of even bigger sales despite increasing competition.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90 D5 SE Sport auto
Price: £38,620
Mechanical: 185bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 11.5 secs
Combined mpg: 31.4
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 239g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust