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Volvo XC90 – true Range Rover rival

‘Volvo’ has always been the byword for ‘safety’. It’s synonymous for careful motoring, for wrapping its passengers in a bubble of perceived indestructibility.

Being safe is obviously not a bad thing, but for some, the word safe invariably translates to ‘boring’. It’s not the case, of course – Volvo has produced some properly hot cars over the years, such as the frankly insane turbo estates in the late 90s, including the legendary Volvo 850 T5-R. For a while, there weren’t many faster ways of carrying five passengers, the dog and a tonne of luggage around the country.

Yet still the safe/boring badge has stuck, and it’s something Volvo has become increasingly aware of. This time last year, it bought 100% of the tuning house Polestar, meaning factory built hot Polestar Volvos are now a reality – you can order a 345bhp V60 Polestar today, if you want to, though you won’t get much change from £50,o00.

Aside from making a small number of (very) rapid cars, Volvo is also heading in another direction altogether to shake off its old image: it’s gone upmarket. The XC90 has been building a reputation as a genuine Range Rover rival – loads of options, seven seats, true off road ability and, most importantly, a luxurious trim and smooth ride.

It’s hard to hear – or care  – if someone thinks you’re boring when you’re wafting along in such an imposing, impressive car.

The car we’re looking at here is a fantastic example of what Volvo now does best. The 2.4 litre D5 engine is good for 200bhp and all the torque you could ever need, yet also manages an average of 34mpg, which is impressive for a car of this size and weight.

2013 Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 – 200BHP auto

FULL BLACK LEATHER, ALLOYS, ALL COLOUR CODED, VOLVO SERVICE PLAN, FULL VOLVO SERVICE HISTORY, Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel – Rake/Reach, Air Bag Driver, Air Bag Passenger, Air Bag Side – Front Side/Front & Rear Curtain, Alarm , Alloy Wheels – 17in, Anti-Lock Brakes, Armrest – Front, Central Door Locking – Remote, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Chassis , Climate Control, Computer – Driver Information System, Cruise Control, Cup Holder, Deadlocks, Electric Windows – Front/Rear, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Programme, Exterior Lighting – LED Daytime Running Lights, External Temperature Display, Floor Mats , Gear Knob Leather, Head Restraints – More Than Five, Immobiliser, In Car Entertainment – Radio/CD, Mirrors External – Electric/Heated, Parking Aid – Rear, Power Socket – Front/Rear, Power-Assisted Steering, Roof Rails, Seat – ISOFIX Anchorage Point – Rear, Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners – Front/Rear, Seat Height Adjustment – Driver/Passenger, Seating Capacity – Seven Seats, Seats Split Rear, Sound Processor, Speakers – Eight, Steering Wheel Leather, Steering Wheel Mounted Controls – Audio, Third Brake Light, Traction Control System, Tyre Repair Kit – Self Sealing Mobility Tyre, Upholstery Leather, Whiplash Protection System