This is essentially an estate version of the S40, which gained a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. The body is stiffer than the previous car, which means it can absorb more energy in a crash, so theoretically, the Volvo V50 safety score should get a five-star rating. Driver, passenger and side airbags are standard along with stability and traction control.

There’s a bit more load space than the old V40. The rear seats are east to fold flat and when they’re stowed, there’s ample room for every family need: from trips to the DIY store, to being filled up for holidays away. Some models come with a folding luggage retainer equipped with four hooks for carrier bags, ensuring the weekly shop stays put on the journey home from the supermarket.

The cubby hole behind the centre console is reasonably useful, but the door pockets are disappointingly small – even after they were enlarged on the 2007 facelift models.