BIG, bright and brimming with tech, the Volvo V90Ocean Raceedition echoes the round the world racing yachts of the same name.

They are eye-catching on the water, but the special edition big estate is every-inch a head-turner on the road in its white bodywork with grey and orange details, special wheels and highlighted interior leather stitching and contrasting orange seatbelts.

The special Ocean Race edition, named after the round the world race it supported for 18 years, comes with a very practical interior geared towards meeting the needs of outdoor sports lovers.

The floor mats are made from recycled nylon, including discarded fishing nets, with magnetic pads to cover the rear bumpe.

There are load area charging points and wifi ports, and even a compressor for inflatables and power-shower is available, with LED lights overhead to wash boots, wetsuits or camping equipment.

Volvo intends to make about 3,000 special edition V90s and will donate â¬100 from each sale towards cleaning up the oceans. Most will be sold in Europe, but a few hundred will go to America and the Far East.

The Ocean Race models are based on the V90 Cross Country AWD with its underbody protection and raised ride height. They come either with 190hp D4 and 235hp D5 diesel engine or 250hp T5 and 310hp T6 petrol.

All use an eight-speed automatic transmission and they get 20-inch wheels and distinctive roof bars.

The D4 price begins at £51,270 and the T5 from £53,435.

On the road, the size of the V90 immediately strikes anyone and in the standard crystal white it seems accentuated, but the reality is this is a very easy driving estate.

I have always liked Volvo's seats and these did not disappoint with excellent support, room for five and good adjustment.

The D4 engine packs a good punch and delivers it very smoothly and quietly while the sophisticated software behind the engine, steering and suspension permits eco, individual or dynamic modes to be chosen depending on preferences or conditions.

Top speed is 130mph and the car has a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 8.8 seconds

Our route offered a variety of roads nevertheless and the V90 Ocean Race never put a wheel wrong or gave a moment's concern. It stayed planted and covered ground quickly and safely.

We averaged 35.1mpg, an ocean away from the official combined figure of 54.3mpg, but I think a longer drive would have eased this up to 40mpg. Emissions are 147g/km.

The comfort and sophistication of the car was enhanced by the nine-inch centre console and its multi-mode Sensus system but I suspect it would soon show up fingerprints.

It comes with a very comprehensive infotainment system, advanced anti-crash protection and a variety of parking and driving aids as well as a wide 12.3-inch selectable facia display for the driver.

The Volvo V90 D4 AWD automatic we tested was a very refined and relaxing car, quiet and composed, but it's not cheap and the diesel version carries tax penalties as well.

It can pull up side by side with rivals and beats many with its overall perfection but it also it comes with rarity in its Ocean Race trim and therefore leaves competitors in its wake.