SECOND-HAND SENSE: By all accounts, it is not those safe saloon or estate cars that keep the Volvo corporation afloat, but the company's presence in the controversial SUV - sports utility vehicle - market.
Volvo was among the last of the world manufacturers to get into this segment, but its XC 90 has proven quite a success. The fact that it is a Volvo gives it an immediate advantage because, while a lot of mythology surrounds the allegedly safe structures of SUVs, the XC is actually a very safe car. Also, as far as SUVs go, the car is actually more compact than most, and relatively green.
In this country, of course, the concentration of XC90s is in south County Dublin territory where it competes on the school run with the Mercedes M-Class, the BMW X5, and the Range Rover. Compared to the latter the XC 90 does indeed cut a modest figure. That is because the Volvo is a compromise - it is a vehicle that has a four-wheel-drive ability but is primarily a practically designed car, albeit perhaps a bigger one than most people require. But of the current suburban line-up the XC 90 is the least intimidating and, in many eyes, the least offensive.
But the suburban line-up is where the XC90 firmly belongs - this is not the kind of vehicle any self-respecting farmer would be seeking for their everyday activities. The choice of engines is limited to a 2.9 six-cylinder petrol and 2.4 turbo diesel and the all-wheel drive system is capable of getting one out of trouble in snow, ice and mud. Ground clearance, however, would not be its strong point.
Inside the car is a statement of premium brand ambition (many of them sold here have leather seats) and five passengers will travel in comfort. There are two pop-up seats in the very rear for those who require them and they fold away cleverly. It is intended, however, as a five-seater with boot space. Controls and switchgear are all practical and the dashboard is typically Volvo.
The car drives very well with good ride and handling. It sits relatively low on the ground and the combination of all-wheel drive, traction control and stability systems all help to give the car a much more impressive road performance than some of its competitors. The petrol engine is obviously the thirsty option, but the diesel is a good and economical alternative.
The XC 90 scored very well in the EuroNCAP crash tests with five out of a possible five stars. The car was described as having an immensely strong body that provides safe, all-round protection for its passengers. Deformation and intrusion proved minimal. The only slight risk was of slight chest injury for those in the front seats from safety belts. The car is also commended for being able to take ISOFIX child seats of whatever size, for which Volvo deserves great credit. There have been recalls of small numbers of the XC 90 for possible fuel leaks from injector pipes, possible incorrect seat belt fittings and faulty ABS lights.
If you want one second-hand be prepared to pay. A 2003 model with a 2.4 diesel engines and all the extras, such as leather upholstery, air conditioning and electrics, with 19,000 miles on the clock will cost you about €57,000. A 2004 petrol version with the same equipment and 26,000 on the clock has an asking price of €65,000.
FOR: Relatively modest SUV that does not attract the same derision as others do. Volvo quality and very safe.
AGAINST: Still has big engines and is bigger than most people need for family motoring.