TAKE the elegant Volvo V90 estate car and throw some attitude into the mix and the result is the rugged Cross Country Plus edition.

It still boasts all the luxurious touches and excellent levels of on-board technology as the standard V90, but this AWD version of one of Volvo's flagship models gains lots of extra styling cues to help it stand out.

It features a raised ride height for starters to help it combat off road terrain and there are front and rear skid plates, protective wheel arches, charcoal-coloured side sill and door mouldings and a very distinctive black gloss grille with chrome studs. Dark tinted windows and smart alloy wheels complete the car's aggressive styling.

Move inside and the high-end Cross Country Plus version is packed with top quality fixtures and fittings with an elegant clutter-free design that is synonymous with the Volvo name.

The leather upholstery is of the highest quality and the powered sport seats can be heated along with the steering wheel.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include Volvo's smart Sensus Connect and Navigation system featuring an upright nine-inch touchscreen that works very much like a tablet with swipe and zoom functions. There is full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and all controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for ease of use.

Our car, priced at £51,110 (£55,035 with options) was powered by a 2.0-litre 236hp diesel engine matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.5 seconds, maxes out at 140mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 38.2-40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 151g/km.

Comfort levels within the V90 Cross Country Plus are excellent for all occupants with bags of room in the back for a trio of adults to stretch out. Rear window blinds are a nice touch too and are often only offered on more premium models.

As the car is competing against stiff opposition mainly from the German marques, practicality bases need to be covered - and they are.

The boot is power-operated and can also be opened by kicking your foot beneath the bumper provided you are carrying the key fob. This is really handy when approaching the vehicle laden down with shopping.

And the boot can accommodate 560 litres of kit - a limit that increases to 1,526 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

There is a handy partition that pulls up to help separate items in the boot and elsewhere there's plenty of alternative storage options scattered throughout the car, including a lockable glovebox, deep door bins, a central cubby box, covered trays and cup holders.

There are nets in the seat backs and back seat passengers have cup holders and storage trays in the fold-down armrest.

When it comes to performance, the Volvo V90 is an absolute delight to drive. It effortlessly powers its way to national motorway speed limits and cruises at 70mph without any noise filtering through into the cabin.

Out on the country lanes, the road holding is assured and there is no sign of any body sway into tight bends. The acceleration is sharp and there is always ample power on tap to help make light work of overtaking slower moving vehicles.

In town, the car is fairly agile although measuring just shy of five metres, it does mean large parking spaces are needed.

The driver can flick through various drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Dynamic and Off Road and while on this occasion we didn't venture from the Tarmac, the V90 Cross Country's AWD system is most accomplished and can help the car scramble up muddy banks and traverse boggy off-road tracks.

The car had an automatically retractable tow bar and with its towing limit of 2.5 tonnes, this model is ideal for anyone planning caravan holidays.

Volvo has an enviable reputation for developing exceptionally safe cars and the V90 was awarded the maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating.

The car is packed with all the latest safety systems and driver aids to help protect occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and also help prevent accidents happening in the first place.