As you might expect, much has gone into developing the safety of the XC70. Six airbags are fitted, with the inflatable side window curtain extending to protect front and rear occupants. The front seats feature whiplash reducing design. The rear seats incorporate Isofix child seat mounting points. Wing mirrors feature water repellent glass, which is also an option for the side windows, and the wing mirrors can be further specified with a blind spot warning system that tells the driver of out-of-sight objects.

Security is taken care of by alarm and immobiliser, with laminated and tinted side glass optional.

It certainly excels in terms of practicality. That all-wheel drive system will get you most places you want to go and it comes ready fitted with roof bars and towbar preparation. The rear seats split fold to create a sizeable load area which doesn’t suffer much from wheel arch intrusion. There are bag holders in the boot and passenger footwell to stop bag contents from spilling.

A pair of additional seats can be installed in the boot as an option for carrying kids.