VOLVO has a legendary reputation for safety and as we're now naming storms it's just as well.

Driving through one particularly Amazonian downpour it seemed appropriate that Gerry and the Pacemakers should pop up on the radio belting out ‘You'll Never Walk Alone' - it would be fair to say as far as the Swedish car maker is concerned you'll never drive alone.

With a howling gale making road conditions treacherous there was never a better time to take note of the XC60's many safety systems such as lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

With a plethora of airbags and traffic sign recognition also fitted as standard It is no surprise to learn the mid-sized SUV received a full five-star rating after testing by safety experts Euro NCAP.

There is an inspiring aura about the XC60 - a solidity that gives confidence even in the most inclement of conditions.

That's not to say it is a Volvo from the days of yore when the average Chieftain battle tank had more sculpted lines.

Under Chinese ownership Volvo has tapped into a design groove that has seen it produce smart looking motors with neat touches inside and out as well as a blizzard of technology to satisfy the most committed of infotainment junkies.

Based on the same platform as its larger XC90 sibling, the second generation XC60 went on sale in 2017 hoping to continue its role as Volvo's best-selling car.

It is pretty much a scaled down version of the full-fat SUV looking uncannily similar to the XC90 thanks to an exterior boasting muscular lines that nevertheless feature a swept back sleek look, neat alloy wheels, ‘Thor's Hammer' headlights and a large stylish grille with unmissable Volvo badge. The R-Design model also adds sporty touches that are pleasing to the eye.

The cabin is one of the best around with the star of the show the magnificent nine-inch slab of a touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. It allows access to an infotainment system to die for that includes an efficient sat nav, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and climate control.

The leather seats give great support while all the materials used are top notch with tasteful splashes of chrome lifting proceedings.

The XC60 can swallow five adults and their belongings with relative ease, although a raised transmission tunnel and a firm middle seat in the rear make sitting there the short straw.

The boot is more than adequate for most families' needs with 505 litres of space - accessed via a handy powered tailgate - available while the rear seats fold flat when more space is required. There are also plenty of cubby holes and storage spaces to squirrel away your bits and bobs.

Power is provided here by Volvo's 2.0-litre diesel engine - linked to a slick eight-speed automatic transmission - which propels the XC60 from a standing start to 62mph in a sprightly 8.4 seconds on the way to a claimed top speed of 127mph. Fuel economy is decent at around 50mpg while emissions are 129g/km.

For a big motor the XC60 handles well thanks to informative, well-weighted steering and good levels of grip. An efficient suspension ensures a smooth as silk ride - particularly in Comfort mode - daring the most radicalised of potholes to disrupt its equilibrium.