The XC70 isn’t cheap to buy new, but it is very well equipped. It will depreciate very slowly – expect diesel versions to be worth close to half of what it cost new after three years. For low Volvo XC70 running costs go for the DRIVe models with two-wheel drive are capable of a useful 47mpg, but only have front-wheel drive. Servicing won’t be inexpensive at Volvo dealers, but it should go two years or 18,000 miles between visits to the dealer.

For those who suffer with a guilty conscience for choosing a car built for off-road work, Volvo offers a front wheel-drive version badged DRIVe, that offers much of the sure-footed on-road behaviour and the raised driving position of four-wheel drive versions. The benefit is Volvo XC70 emissions of 144g/km – remarkable for a car of this size boasting 163bhp.

Emissions for other versions are more in line with what you’d expect for an estate car-based all-road vehicle.

Volvos aren’t immune from problems but they tend to perform well overall, and Volvo owners tend to keep their vehicles for much longer with few complaints.