GREASTER!

JEZ'S FUEL FIGURES? 12 GALAKTOBOUREKOS PER 100KM

- JEZ SPINKS

VOLVO XC90 ULTIMATE B6 DARK

Price as tested $119,800

IT'S GREASTER TIME! Or Greek Easter, as the more religious members of my expanded family would prefer I call it. This means an annual pilgrimage down to Canberra, where much of the Greek side of the family resides.

With small- or medium-sized SUVs we've taken for the three-hour drive to the nation's capital from Sydney, the boots would typically have little space once packed with luggage and kids' paraphernalia. Naturally, the latter occupies most space. Such is the XC90's voluminous cargo compartment, however, we're able to pack our long-weekend belongings into the rearmost area without needing to fold the third-row seats.

Not that either of the boys plans to sit right at the back for the journey.

Eddy occupies what has become his favourite spot in the Volvo - the clever centre middle seat with its integrated booster cushion. It gives him a great view through the windscreen.

The inset seat that pops up by pulling a handle predates even the original XC90, launched in 1990 as another safety world-first by the Swedes. The fold-down-and-out set-up in the 850 and 900 series was more basic than today's design, though.

It epitomises the big Volvo's impressive cabin versatility.