Volvo’s reaction to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML series, XC-90 went right to the top of the pile when it arrived on the scene in 2002; surprisingly precise handling, excellent quality of ride, lots of ground clearance, high torque engines and superior ergonomics all conspire to make this one of the best sports utility vehicles (SUVs) available on the market regardless of cost.

Although it shares its genetic DNA using the V7Q series – styling has got the now-familiar ‘Horbury Hip’ body curve named after its designer Peter Horbury – the Volvo XC-90 was created on a clean sheet of paper use a vehicle with the expected Volvo security features, allied to a hugely competent chassis whether or not it is being deployed on or off.