VOLVO has played just about every card in its hand to get impressive performance out of the all-new XC90.

The superb output from the crossover vehicle’s T8 twin engine hybrid powertrain comes courtesy of a four-cylinder petrol engine that is supercharged, turbocharged, direct-injected and boosted by an electric motor to produce more than 400 horsepower.

All that adds up to allow the XC90 to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds and to reach a potential top speed of 140mph - not bad at all for a big vehicle.

If that isn’t enough for you, further excitement has been added to the XC90’s image with news that Polestar, Volvo’s performance brand, has focused its attention on the seven-seat SUV for the first time, resulting in a sportier variant which provides extra horsepower and torque.

However, the normal T8 twin engine version, tested here, proved to be quite fast enough for most everyday situations during my week-long test drive.

On some of the twistier and bumpier rural roads in West Yorkshire, the vehicle’s stability and balance in tight corners was a joy to behold, as was the way in which it powered away from the bends. The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive with a steady supply of power available to the driver at all times.

Even more impressive is the fact that this petrol-electric hybrid can combine 407hp with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km.

It can also travel for a claimed 27 miles in zero-emission electric-only mode. In reality, this function must be used sparingly if you want the charge to last for the duration of a commute.

I found that the most effective use for the electric motor was in Bradford’s heavy rush hour traffic, such as the morning approach to Staygate roundabout on the M606 or the stop-start climb up Manchester Road in the early evening.

134.5mpg, but I struggled to get close to that figure - even when displaying saintly restraint behind the wheel.

If you don’t make the most of the hybrid technology and end up putting the petrol engine through its paces for prolonged periods, the mpg figure not surprisingly drops, especially if you engage the higher-performance ‘Power’ mode. But those who can find the knack of engaging the correct mode at the right time, according to road conditions, will see some terrific rewards in terms of savings at the pump.

Of course, it’s unusual to get this far into a Volvo write-up without mentioning comfort, durability, safety and refinement. But fear not - all the ingredients that have come to define the Swedish manufacturer’s vehicles are present in abundance.

Naturally, safety is at the forefront of any Volvo, and the XC90 includes two world-first safety aids: automatic emergency braking at a junction, which will apply the brakes for you if you inadvertently turn into the path of an oncoming vehicle, and run-off road protection, which includes a collapsible section in the front seats to reduce the likelihood of spinal injuries if the car leaves the road.

In terms of looks, the vehicle is beautifully sculpted with outstanding features including the floating grille housing the Volvo badge.

Once inside the cabin, there’s a reassuring quality to the materials that have been used, not least the comfortable leather seats. There’s also more space than most buyer’s could wish for, including plenty of leg and headroom, not to mention a very large boot.

The on-board technology is sophisticated and very straightforward to use.

Highlights of the entry-level ‘Momentum’ specification, tested here, include Sensus Connect, which provides access to a range of web apps and allows you to browse the internet.