THE look of an athlete rather than a body builder was what Volvo set out to create with its new XC90.
It wanted beauty not bulk to distinguish it from most of its seven-seater, four wheel drive rivals.
And when you compare it with its competitors you will see just how well the Swedish company has succeeded.
This Sports Utility Vehicle is large but - thanks to Volvo's chief designer, Englishman Peter Horbury, and his team - its sleek contours makes it look positively slimline.
And the beauty of the XC90 is not just skin deep.
Get behind the wheel and you soon realise that despite its size, this is one SUV that really does have car-like qualities in terms of handling and ride.
So while it will handle tough off-road conditions it is equally at home for trips to the office or on the school run.
The bulk of people who buy off-roaders never take them over really tough terrain anyway, but want features like a high driving position and the capability of four-wheel-drive for bad weather. This is where the XC90 scores. It has all that and much, much more.
One of its biggest selling points is its seven forward facing seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.
When the rear two seats are not needed - which in most cases will be the bulk of the time - the spring-loaded squabs disappear beneath the floor and the backs fold down to extend luggage area.
In fact carrying luggage is one thing the XC90 excels at, as all but the driver's seat can be folded down if necessary if you have a big removal job on.
And while on the subject of seats, Volvo has a unique solution for the parent who wants to keep a close eye on their offspring while on the move.
The middle seat of the second row will move forward until it is very close to the backs of the front seats.
The centre armrest box between the two front seats lifts out completely so the child can put his or her legs into the space, enabling them to have eye contact with their parents. This seat also comes with a built-in booster cushion for tiny tots.
On the SE model you get electrically adjustable, leather, heated seats with memory buttons for three different settings.
Despite its four-wheel-drive capability, the XC90, under normal circumstances, operates in front-wheel-drive, thus saving fuel.
It's only when the vehicle detects any wheel slip that the drive is extended to the rear wheels too.
On the road the XC90 is supremely comfortable and despite its size drives more like a saloon car. No feeling of bulky off-roaders here in a car whose steering is light and agility for its size is impressive.
The only time you notice the large dimensions are when you come to park, and standard fit rear parking sensors take the hazard out of reversing. Without them it would be a bit of a guessing game.
When the XC90 was launched to the Press in August 2002 in Geneva I had the opportunity to put one through the legendary Elk Test.
This involves turning the car almost at right angles to the left at 35 mph followed by a short straight and then another right angle to the right as if you were trying to avoid an elk or two which had stepped into the road.
Despite this violent action the car did all that was asked of it without any violent reaction, so I know from first hand experience that the Volvo XC90 is as nimble as some of its much smaller stablemates - and a lot tougher.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90 SE
Price: £31,735
Mechanical: 163 bhp, 2,401cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd geartronic gearbox
Max speed: 115 mph
0-62mph: 12.3 secs
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 242g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint