Volvo’s V90 is the, arguably, better-looking estate version of the excellent S90 and is reviewed here in D5 PowerPulse R-Design spec.

Like the saloon version it wears the company’s signature Hammer of Thor daytime running lights at the front and retains the strong shoulder line that appeared for the first time more than a decade ago.

Unlike the rear of the saloon, which I feel is a little too busy, the estate enjoys a much more cohesive aesthetic with a steeply-raked rear screen that does little to bolster practicality but will, certainly, help attract more style-conscious buyers and eye-catching vertical tail lights that stretch from the roof to just above the bumper.

The cabin also has much in common with other models from the across the Volvo range with a centre console that’s dominated by the large, vertically-orientated, Sensus touchscreen display. It’s a system that has allowed Volvo to rid the dashboard of the majority of all those unsightly physical controls and integrate them into the touchscreen interface.

It’s very much like interacting with a tablet computer which means that you can pinch, prod and swipe to your heart’s content.

It responds very well to touch inputs without being overly-sensitive, but I do wonder about the wisdom of putting all your eggs in one touchscreen basket, forcing you to check that your finger has reached its intended target and, even momentarily, taking your eyes off the road.

Leather seats are standard and, on the whole, the fit and finish is exemplary. However, a forensic examination will reveal some areas where the plastics don’t quite live up to the expectations created by the quality of the rest of the cabin.

The V90 shares its wheelbase with the XC90 but, like its big brother, the adoption of aluminium and high-strength steel in a significant proportion of its construction and the push towards the use of smaller capacity engines have helped keep the weight off. The V90 is certainly no porker.

That’s the reason why you’ll find nothing but four-cylinder petrol and diesel units with varying power outputs right across the range.

You can choose between two diesel-powered engines. The D4, which produces 187hp and the D5, which was under the bonnet of my test car, and sends 235hp to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance is strong, and changes in pace are accomplished with very little fuss, but it rarely feels particularly rapid, nor agile. It’s certainly more nimble than Volvos of yesteryear, but it still lacks that final level of polish that would turn it into anything close to sporty.

As a long-distance cruiser, however, the V90 is among the best in its class. It’s quiet, refined and the immaculate cabin creates a relaxing atmosphere that lends itself well to longer, high-speed journeys.

It’s when you venture onto more challenging routes that the V90’s limitations present themselves. The all-wheel-drive system offers plenty of grip but the relatively numb steering makes it very difficult to exploit what’s available.

The chassis does tend to leave passengers exposed to the intrusion of larger bumps but the V90 still lacks poise and control through corners. It isn’t helped by steering that’s a little on the light side and doesn’t do a great job of keeping driver connected to the road. The potential is there but the average driver – and I very much include myself in that particular group – will run out of courage long before they can exploit any of it.

Performance, especially low down in the rev range, is aided by the clever PowerPulse air compressor fitted to the twin-turbo diesel that helps to reduce lag and ensure smooth power delivery. Rapid acceleration is hampered, however, by the slightly lethargic eight-speed auto.

Passenger space, as you’d expect in a car of this size, is generous. Rear seat occupants will have no reason to be disappointed with the amount of head and legroom afforded them. The boot is a useful 500 litres. There’s also a decent amount of oddment storage capacity in the cabin with a large glovebox, a tray between the two front seats and large bottle holders in each door.

The V90 then, like its saloon sibling, is an accomplished machine. The styling is contemporary and classy but that more sophisticated look comes at a cost and the wardrobe-lugging days of Volvo estates are a distant memory. The interior is beautifully built and there's a premium, yet understated, feel to the cabin. The driving experience isn't going to deliver the kind of thrills to excite more enthusiastic drivers but it comfortable, refined motoring is what you're looking for, then the V90 makes a very strong case for itself.

Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design Automatic

Price: £46,570

As tested: £54,390

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Max power: 235hp @ 4,000rpm

Max torque: 480Nm @ 1,750 – 2,250rpm

Max speed: 145mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 6.7sec

Urban: 49.6mpg

Extra urban: 65.7mpg

Combined: 58.9mpg

Emissions (CO2): 146g/km

For more information visit www.volvo.co.uk