Volvo does a sharp U-turn as the boxy estates and saloons return to Britain

Last summer the Swedish carmaker announced it would limit UK sales to its more popular SUV models

It is not the kind of risky manoeuvre any self-respecting Volvo estate driver would execute but the Swedish carmaker has performed a sharp U-turn on the decision to stop selling them here after an outcry from drivers devoted to a car synonymous with British middle-class family life.

Last summer Volvo dropped the bombshell that it would no longer market its estates or saloon cars in the UK and would instead concentrate on its sports utility vehicles (SUVs), which are increasingly favoured by drivers who like the higher seating position and off-road styling.