"Good Lord, it's huge in here." Volvo's biggest SUV is a tank by anyone's standards, with the possible exception of a genuine tank driver. It's got seven seats in three rows, it's almost five metres long, it's over two metres wide and it tips the scales at two and a quarter tonnes. Despite that, it's capable of reaching 60mph about 11 seconds after take-off, running on to a top speed of 118mph, and comfortably towing more than its own weight on a braked trailer. The XC90 is a mile-eater. The seats are as comfortable and supportive as any I've ever tried in any car, the cabin is roomy and lit with jolly colours in the dials, and dialling up the ideal temperature is a doddle. The satnav is controlled through buttons on the steering wheel and, once you're used to it, it's an easy process. Out of the motorway madness and into the land of corners, cows and combine-harvesters, the pro aspects outshine the cons. Clear views of each corner combined with that light steering mean manoeuvring through tight-cornered Cornish fishing villages or squeezing past oncoming traffic on single track roads between granite walls is confidence-inspiring and doubt-free. One minor issue is with the rollerblind cargo-hold cover. When you put up the rear two seats, you have to remove the contraption and there's nowhere in the boot big enough to stow it. It's fine if you're planning ahead so you can leave it at home, but not if you suddenly find yourself with a car-full. Engine 2400 cc, 5 cylinders Power 185 bhp @4000 rpm Torque 295 ib/ft @2000 rpm Transmission 6 speed manual Fuel/CO2 34 mpg / 219 g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.9sec Top speed 121 mph Price From £37441.00 approx Release date 05/01/2009
