A VOLVO quality that many of us admire is its staying power - remaining faithful to a well-proven design.

Not for this no-nonsense Swedish firm - now Chinese owned - the fickle fashion of change for change's sake. No, once a model is launched it's allowed to run and run.

It's a characteristic that proves conviction and holds strong appeal to buyers who seldom see their pride and joy suddenly superseded by a trendier replacement.

In fact the mid-size Volvo XC-60 first appeared almost 18 years ago and is still going strong today, though with a number of improvements, tweaks and developments along the way.

Among the changes of direction is the total demise of diesel versions - once hugely popular.

Now, the XC-60 is either mild-hybrid or a plug-in, both petrol, and they are only available as four-cylinders.

The B5 AWD Ultra we borrowed has a 2.0-litre, 247bhp engine up front allied to four-wheel-drive and a smooth automatic gearbox.

With smoked rear lights, a new grille with criss-cross pattern and chunky black alloys, the latest version looks remarkably fresh considering the original design's age.

And it also delivers in terms of performance and economy. With the aid of hybrid electrification, it gets off the mark pretty sharply with acceleration to 62mph in less than seven seconds and ample torque that means the auto box hasn't got too much work to do.

It's pleasantly quiet too with a distant hum from the engine and little window noise. There's some tyre roar but this is probably more noticeable due to the car's general refinement.

Adding to the prestige air is a cabin that oozes style and comfort through following a self-made Scandi way of executing practical luxury.

One criticism from some quarters, including our own viewpoint, is that the iPad style touchscreen isn't the easiest to operate on the move. A few physical controls that can pulled, twisted or pushed on the dashboard wouldn't go amiss.

While handling and sporty cornering isn't exactly the essence of a largish SUV, the XC-60 acquits itself pretty well. It feels solid and stable throughout the curves, though there's inevitably some body roll. Over poor surfaces, it soaks up most road scars without disturbing the passengers.

From a driver's point of view, you're generally unaware of the permanent four-wheel-driveâ¦unless the road beneath gets slippery. At that point the rubber bites into the ground and increases traction.

There's ample space for five within the cabin, with decent head and legroom front and rear. And the boot, opened via and electric tailgate, can soak up 470litres of cargo. The larger, but similarly styled XC-90 provides an extra row of seats for those who require it.

Few fast, spacious SUVs manage to match the Volvo's frugality. We regularly squeezed more than 40 miles from a gallon despite some enthusiastic driving.