In the same way it’s no longer true to say Skodas are rubbish (they make excellent cars these days) it’s been many years since Volvos were boxy and boring.
Indeed, the Swedish manufacturer is now making some of the most exciting and stylish cars on the market.
Take this latest model , the V90. Set it alongside competitors such as the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant and the Swede is by far the most dynamic, radical and visually appealing car of the group.
It really is a head turner and looks great from any angle. Sleek and low slung from the side, it has sickle-shaped rear lights and Volvo’s striking “Thor’s hammer” headlights at the front.
It’s prettier than any other estate car on the market – even Jaguar’s XF Sportbrake can’t hold a candle to it.
From launch the V90 is available with diesel power only (a petrol-electric hybrid will follow), and no manual gearbox option. A more rugged Cross Country version, designed to take on the Audi A6 Allroad, will arrive soon.
Prices start at £34,555, pitching it right into premium estate territory. Volvo haven’t scrimped though: every part of the V90 is beautifully produced. The interior in particular puts even luxury saloons like the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 in the shade.
For now the V90 is available with a choice of two diesel engines, both 2.0 litre units. The D4 produces 187bhp and is front wheel drive, while the D5 has a beefier 232bhp and comes with four-wheel drive.
I spent a couple of days with the D4 model in mid-level Inscription spec, which costs from £37,555.
All V90s get leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, heated front seats, an electrically-powered tailgate and Volvo’s impressive Sensus infotainment system, housed in the same portrait layout nine-inch display used in the XC90.
Inscription trim adds softer Nappa leather on the seats, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, chrome detailing, hands-free tailgate operation and a larger driver information display.
The entry level diesel should be all most people need – 0-62mph only takes 8.5 seconds – although Scottish buyers might be keen on the four-wheel traction that comes with the more powerful diesel option.
Official fuel economy for the D4 engine is an impressive 62.8mpg, while the D5 averages around 57mpg.
Volvo have worked hard to make the V90 a refined car and it shows. Ride comfort it exceptional, as is noise insulation. On a drive from Dundee to St Andrews and back it was as quiet as sitting in the library.
If there’s a criticism it’s that some rivals – most notably the 5 Series Touring and Jaguar XF Sportbrake – handle slightly better, but the Volvo grips well enough for all but track-day enthusiasts.
If the V90 is a handsome car from the outside the interior is even more special.
Volvo shattered expectations with the XC90s interior and the V90 is every bit as impressive. The leather is sumptuous, the touchscreen monitor as good as anything from Apple, plastics are wonderfully soft touch, and wood and chrome are used with careful good taste.
That rakish rear end means there isn’t quite as much room as in an Audi A6 or Skoda Superb estate but it’s still huge back there, with 560 litres of boot space. Rear legroom and headroom are excellent too. There’s no third row of seats but five six-footers can travel in comfort.
Good though rivals from BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar are, and great value though the Skoda Superb is, for my money this is head and shoulders the best estate car you can buy in 2016.
Price: £37,555
0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 140mph
Economy: 62.8mpg
CO2 emissions: 119g/km