Volvo V90 Cross Country long-term review: report 4

The car Volvo V90 Cross Country D5 PowerPulse AWD Plus Run by Will Williams, senior photographer

Why it’s here Does the desire for space and off-road ability automatically mean you need an SUV, or can a jacked-up estate do the job better? We're finding out

Needs to Be able to pack in my camera gear and still have room for passengers, be comfortable on long journeys, be fuel efficient and function as a mobile office

List price £50,610 Target Price £45,577 Price as tested £59,980 Miles 6120 Official economy 49.6mpg Test economy 36.6mpg

8 November – Remote working

I don't tend to like new technology if it doesn't actually make a job easier, but if Volvo's simple On Call smartphone app is anything to go by, consider me a convert.

Its functions span from seeing how much fuel range I've got left in the car (useful when you cover as many miles as I do) to where I've parked it. I can also send destinations to the sat-nav, check how much washer fluid is remaining and even request breakdown assistance, including sending the patrol my exact location.  

All very useful, but the most prized function has to be the programmable engine start. This means I can set a temperature for the car while sipping my coffee at home, and by the time I get in a few minutes later, it will be toasty warm and the windows will be demisted. A three-year subscription to On Call is included for free with any new Volvo and after that is £34.90 per year to renew. Well worth it, in my book.

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