Double dynamite from the Volvo XC90 T8

RESPECT is something we all appreciate on the roads.

Think of the number of times you have been carved up by an idiot in a pick-up or repmobile just because you’re behind the wheel of a small car.

Or deliberately blocked in traffic because the vehicle you’re driving is considered flash, or too brightly coloured or just plain expensive.

Even full-blown SUVs, despite their size, aren’t exempt from the aggressive tactics – well, except perhaps for the Volvo XC90 with its understated air of distinction.

And especially if you happen to be driving the latest version of the Swedish seven-seater, complete with its double helping of thrust.

We’re talking figures here that make you reach for the calculator. How about 0-62 in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, yet emissions of just 49g/km and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 134.5 miles per gallon.

That little lot surely can’t tally? Well it can and it can’t.

Here’s the rub. For the hybrid T8 twin engine model Volvo has added an electric motor to its supercharged 2.0-litre petrol powerplant, making for an output of a whopping 407bhp.

The result is ferocious performance even from a vehicle the size of the XC90, and while the official fuel return is fanciful in the extreme I nonetheless managed an average 35mpg over the course of 250 miles of mixed driving.

Gliding along in purely electric mode is also an option for suburban runs, with a range of 27 miles, and it can be driven as a hybrid using both the engine and motor in Normal or Sports mode, or together for more traction in 4WD.

Re-charging takes around six hours from a domestic socket, or half that time from a fast charger, and the lithium ion battery also collects charge on the move through regenerative braking.

The real saving, though, is not at the filling station but with the Treasury. That’s because the purchase price, in this case a princely £64,555, can be written off in the first year, the benefit-in-kind rate for business drivers is only seven per cent and there’s no road tax to pay.

Saving money doesn’t come cheap though. If you take the top spec Inscription model it costs an extra £13,605 for the T8 compared to the D5 diesel.

But you get plenty of car for your money with the XC90. Its cabin is simple, clutter-free and of premium quality and even with each of the seven seats in place there’s decent legroom for all.

Most of the time though the back row pair will be folded down, opening up a vast boot area.

Go for a T8 and extra features include air-con for all three rows of seats, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, panoramic glass sunroof and a gearlever inset with Orrefors crystal.

The SUV scene may be awash with attractive models these days, but the XC90 is a vehicle of outstanding merit.

Volvo says it’s the safest car it has ever built. It’s also supremely cultured – and deserving of respect.

The XC90 starts at £46,850 for the 2.0 D5 Momentum model; T8s are from £60,455, also for Momentum.