ANYONE who still clings on to the belief that every Volvo must have a black labrador peering from the rear window needs to get a reality check.

In fact, with 340bhp up front, the XC60 T6 Recharge would have the said dog clinging on for dear life.

The popular mid-size SUV, which has been with us in second generation form now for seven years, is a car of two very different characters. Yes, it's indecently quick when required, but it's also comfy, luxurious and very much at home either trundling down a farm track or pottering in town traffic.

While the external design is easy on the eye but typically SUV in its boxiness, the cabin exhibits stylish architecture and a quality of furnishings that's above the standard of most rivals.

It manages to achieve an unusually successful balance between style and practicality while remaining supremely comfortable.

Volvo's innovative iPad-style touchscreen takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are familiar with it there's no problem, we found. And the Google maps sat nav is a doddle to operate.

It has to be said that the abundance of power - 62mph comes up in under six seconds - doesn't always sit comfortably with the relatively soft sprung, high-riding nature of the Volvo.

Cornering, while secure and controlled, is less assured than some sporting rivals and the steering does little to convey what's happening beneath the smart, chunky alloys.

Its height and not inconsiderable weight tend to count against athleticism, making the XC60 better suited to speedy A-road or motorway journeys than cross country dashes on B-routes. Having said that, the ride is satisfying absorbent, being capable of ironing out most pot-holes and irregularities.

Where the T6 scores highest is in terms of relaxed mile-eating pace and silence of travel with a minimum of fuss or mechanical interference. The eight-speed auto gearbox adds to the stress-free nature of the car.

Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre, four cylinder, turbo engine that drives the front wheels, while the rear wheels are powered by 1.8kWh battery. Despite the considerable power, top speed is restricted 112mph, as are all Volvo models currently.

It has an electric only range of almost 50-miles and an on-paper consumption of 100.09mpg to 113.0mpg. But it is the low CO2 emissions level of 64g/km that will appeal most to company drivers.

In reality, we found petrol was sipped at the reasonable rate of around 36mpg during every day type journeys.

While front and rear compartments are both supremely comfortable and acceptably spacious for the size of the vehicle, the luggage area is slightly smaller than that of most competitors, being able to carry 483 litres of cargo. This is partly because some of the electrics are stored beneath the platform. The rear seats fold and split 60-40 for increased capacity.

Unlike some hybrids, the T6 is capable of towing, and Volvo advises trailer weight up to 2,250kg.

It might be more than half a decade old, but the CX60 remains a strong contender in a fierce fought sector, and the T6 Recharge is possibly the model of choice.

£52,570

1,969CC, 4 cyl, 340bhp petrol hybrid engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

112mph

5.7sec

100.9

: 40

64g/km

8%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.3