LIKE the best pal you turn to for reassurance in times of need, Volvo’s XC90 finds new ways of telling you: “Calm down, everything’s going to be just fine.”

Hit a bump in the road too hard and its impeccable suspension will say ‘okay, I guess you didn’t see that one, but let me smooth it out for you and we’ll glide over it anyway.”

If a momentary lapse results in you drifting towards the edge of your motorway lane, semi-autonomous drive technology kicks in and the steering wheel applies some corrective force to guide your hands back in the right direction and keep you in lane.

And, should you get into the XC90 shivering from the cold, it wraps you in a blanket of warmth thanks to swift-working two-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Like that reliable best buddy, this is a car that’s eager to step in and help when it thinks you need it – but could there be a risk of that friend becoming an interfering busy-body who just won’t leave you to your own devices?

The answer to that depends on which side of the autonomous vehicle debate you stand, and whether driver assistance technology is something you relish or reject.

While this isn’t quite an autonomous car, the vast array of magnificent cutting-edge technology leaves you in little doubt that Volvo would be at the forefront of any driverless car revolution, should one arrive in the UK.

For example, the Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control systems on this XC90 assist the steering up to a speed of 80mph and take care of the accelerator and brake inputs required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed.

Consequently, I travelled from Bradford to Sheffield the other day and got out feeling highly relaxed but wondering what I’d really contributed to the process of getting there.

If more help were required, there are systems in place to help you parallel park, apply emergency brakes if a pedestrian, cyclist or large animal is in your path, and tighten your front seat belt if you inadvertently leave the road.

Taking all that into account, you’d have to ask some serious questions of yourself if you managed to get hurt in this car without a third party being responsible.

Indeed, recent analysis of official Government accident statistics found no record of anyone ever dying inside an XC90 – either as a passenger or driver – between 2004 and 2017.

Returning to more conventional motoring journalism, this R-design version of the XC90 was powered by an impressive 2.0-litre Diesel engine, offering 235hp.

The D5 powertrain sees the four-cylinder unit linked to all four wheels via a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With decent acceleration matched by equally-respectable fuel consumption and emissions figures, Volvo has clearly struck a balance between power and efficiency. For a large lump of metal, body roll is well-contained and, while steering is a bit on the light side, it’s accurate enough to give you confidence when cornering swiftly. In many ways, the driving dynamics are everything you’d want from a seven-seater with a sporty touch - refined and comfortable, but with a punchy enough engine to get up to speed quickly.

Inside, the XC90 blends luxury with practicality. The cabin matches the understated yet classy look of the exterior, with everything well made and feeling solid to the touch. A sizeable nine-inch central touchscreen dominates the interior, and sports crystal clear graphics.

In terms of room, there’s plenty of space for all seven occupants. Even the third row provides decent room.

In conclusion, this car is everything a best buddy should be - solid, reassuring and reliable, with an ability to let you enjoy yourself when the time is right!

Volvo XC90 DS PowerPulse AWD R-design

ENGINE: Four-cylinder 2.0-litre D5 (diesel) - 235hp

TRANSMISSION: Either-speed automatic all-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

ECONOMY: 47.4mpg combined and 158g/km combined

PRICE: £54,485