IN these days of rapid turn-around between models, Volvo has bucked the trend big-style.

It's been all of 13 years since the last XC90 took a bow. But it looks like long wait has brought its reward, for the new model out this month challenges market leaders Land Rover, BMW and Audi for honours and sales in the premium SUV sector.

Classy and understated, the Volvo offers an alternative to the extrovert Q7 and the aggressively styled X5 and with prices ranging from £45,750 to £63,705 it's cheaper than the Range Rover Sport.

All the models in the line-up have four cylinder engines, and the most popular as far British drivers go will be the D5 diesel, offering sufficient poke allied to reasonable fuel figures.

The petrol T6 is quicker but you will pay for it at the pump. Come September and the plug-in hybrid T8 tops the range. Three trim levels are available - Momentum, Inscription and later in the year sporty R-Design.

There's no mistaking the new XC for a Volvo. It has the classic big radiator dissected by an arrow and the rear tail light design which extends from roof to bumper has been carried over in a pepped-up form. Day time running lights in the shape of a Thor-hammer add further impact. The visual impression is of a bigger, more solid car that's nicely set up for the next decade...and perhaps beyond.

Space, refinement and ease of driving are what the new car is all about...along with that other key factor - safety, a quality the Swedes have always majored on. Remember it was Volvo that pioneered the three-point seat belt back in 1969.

Like most cars in the class, the Volvo has full time four-wheel-drive and seven seats. The final row of seats are somewhat more substantial than some rivals and are judged to be fine for anyone up to 5ft 7in tall, according to the makers. Even with the third row of seats in place there's more than 450litres of cargo space and if they are folded flat - a simple operation - there's an amazing 1,102litres. For maximum carrying capacity two rows can flip down to free up 1,950litres of room.

A hands-free powered tailgate is standard across the range. Outdoor types, though, may prefer rubberised flooring to the light-coloured deep carpet which adorned the review cars.

The interior is generously proportioned for passengers and driver too, and beautifully appointed in a very modern, uncluttered way. It's a stylish yet restrained environment with natural Scandinavian woods and high grade plastics that reflect the Swedes' attitude that unwarranted displays of wealth are unattractive.

A large nine-inch interface touch-screen dominates the centre console as part of Volvo's new 'Sensus' technology. Most aspects from sat-nav to heating and air con are looked after here in a way that closely reflects an iPad action. All very slick and easy to use after a few practice attempts.

Understandably Volvo's marketing people anticipate the 225bhp twin-turbocharged diesel to take the lion's share of sales. It's a smooth, creamy unit that is eager and responsive if you opt for dynamic driving mode, but a little more lethargic when in eco. It emits 149g/km of CO2 making it appealing to company car users.

Built on Volvo's new platform - known as SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) - which drew a massive investment by Chinese owners Geely Automobile, the new XC is noticeably more supple, lighter and athletic than the outgoing model. Cornering is less affected by roll and the body is much stiffer benefiting ride and handling. Despite its inertia and weight it has genuine driver appeal - now a vital ingredient for premium SUVs.

The T6 with its supercharged, turbocharged 2.0-litre is the performance star with a sub-seven second sprint to 62mph. Like its diesel brother, the unit is refined and even more responsive but the engine note lacks the attractive resonance and character of a six-cylinder petrol. Inevitably, it's on the thirsty side and the review car only managed 21.6mpg over the test route, although the official combined average 35.3mpg.

Top speed is a creditable 143mph and CO2 emissions register 179g/km. Both diesel and petrol come as standard with eight speed automatic transmission.

Volvo claims the XC90 is its safest ever car, boasting two world firsts. It has run-off protection which detects when a car has strayed off the road. The front seat belts are immediately tightened and at the same time an absorption unit built into the seat frame reduces vertical forces which cut the chance of spinal injuries.

Auto brake at junctions slows the car if the driver turns in front of another car at a junction, one of the most common accidents.

The new Volvo is big, bold but definitely not flash. If the XC90 is the shape of Volvos to come, the rivals had better look out.