You’ve every right to expect big things when it comes to Volvo XC90 safety. Keeping people safe is a Volvo cornerstone and it’s no surprise that the XC90 was awarded the maximum five stars for adult occupant protection in official Euro NCAP crash tests. Twin front and side airbags are standard, as are curtain airbags the length of the car, ABS, anti-whiplash protection and stability control.

Remote central locking and deadlocks means it’s very secure too.

The enormous boot can carry 615-litres of luggage with the standard five-seats in use – only marginally less than the BMW X5 and considerably more than a Volkswagen Touareg. However, with the extra seats in use this is cut to just 249-litres – not much more than a Ford Ka. The extra seats fold flat into the floor, but lifting them is fiddly. At least each seat in the middle row slides independently, so you can maximise load space or leg room.

Loading the Volvo is easy too thanks to the split tailgate which means you can slide items in and out without a boot lip to lift over. The drop down section is also useful as a seat, ideal for changing out of muddy wellies.