Volvo XC90

But why has it taken the Swedish company so long to enter a market that the newcomer's chunky image seems so perfectly suited to? It's a matter of safety. Volvo wanted to ensure that the car had class-leading protection. Has it been successful? Although it has yet to be proved, the firm's in-house tests suggest a five-star Euro NCAP rating is likely. While that is certain to attract European buyers, it's no surprise that the US will account for 65 per cent of next year's 50,000 production run. Britons will snap up 4,000 cars, divided equally between the petrol and diesel versions.

On sale from November, the XC90 uses the versatile P2X platform, which also underpins the S60, V70 and S80. However, it's been stretched for this model to give a longer wheelbase and wider track than the V70's.

With its strong shoulder line and bold lights, the XC90 is unmistakably a Volvo, yet in terms of profile and size it has much in common with its key rival, the 140mm shorter BMW X5. Styling aside, it's the interior Volvo is most proud of, and with good reason, as the seven-seat layout is an exceptional piece of design. Two individual rear chairs fold into the floor. Pull a lever and the seatbase slides under the boot space, as the seatbacks fold flat to the floor. The central row comprises three separate sliding chairs, which all fold tidily, as does the front passenger seat, to create a 2.9m-long load bay. Better still, the removable front console allows the middle seat, which comes with a built-in child bolster cushion and three-point belt, to slide right forward.

Cabin space is nearly on a par with that of the BMW, and the XC90 gains extra points for its superb seat comfort. However, the narrower, firmer centre chair is more suitable for youngsters, as are the rear pair. In terms of access, stowage and flexibility, the XC90 is a match for most MPVs, and boasts a decent-sized boot - especially with the rear row of chairs folded to create an impressive 613-litre space. It's a similar story in the front where, the seats, driving position, switchgear and instruments are faultless. Ergonomics are Volvo's strong point and the XC is remarkably user-friendly.

The secret of the interior packaging lies under the bonnet. A transversely mounted engine means a shorter nose and longer interior - even if the turning circle (12.5 metres) suffers as a result. It's set low to keep the centre of gravity down, and two powerplants are on offer to UK buyers - the 2.4-litre D5 common-rail diesel and the 2.9 twin-turbo T6. The 272bhp petrol unit is smooth and swift, but it's only available with a four-speed automatic transmission. The diesel has a fifth ratio in the Geartronic auto box, although it struggles to put this to the best use. Even with 340Nm of torque, the D5 feels underpowered. Expected to average 30.7mpg, it loses composure at high revs and is sluggish, completing the 0-60mph sprint in 12 seconds. Worse still, there's a long delay when pulling away from a standstill.

That's because the electronic brain seems unable to decide on where to distribute the four-wheel drive's torque. Normally, 95 per cent is sent to the front wheels, but the Haldex system can transfer up to 65 per cent to the rear. This indecision is even more evident when you head off-road, but despite a mighty 218mm of ground clearance, the XC90 isn't designed for real rough-and-tumble conditions.

Instead, Volvo wanted decent on-road dynamics, but hasn't been totally successful. Responses are slow-witted, and the car is nowhere near as poised and agile as the X5. But does it need to be? Most buyers will be happy that the 2,046kg newcomer is reassuring to drive and has a host of safety systems. It's also extremely capable on the motorway - as refined and insulated as the best executive machines, even if the ride is a touch fidgety.

If UK advance orders are anything to go by - 700 and climbing - this car will be a hit. Prices start at ΂£29,695 for the D5 S (an entry-level ΂£28,400 version with a manual gearbox arrives next spring) and ΂£31,640 for the T6. SE models cost ΂£2,000 more.