Want to drive the latest Volvo? Now you can.

Volvo is rolling out a new test drive programme that allows car buyers around the UK to enjoy proper test drives of the latest Volvos.

It’s always difficult to change perceptions of a car brand. Even when you get the cars right, potential car buyers will still be saddled with their preconceptions.

One good way to get round that is to offer potential buyers a proper test drive. Not the usual blat round the block with a wittering salesman pitching at you from the passenger seat, but time on your own in the car or with the family and dogs to get a real feel of what it would be like to live with a particular car.

Volvo realise that they need car buyers to understand how credible their range of cars now is (yes, even the rather ancient XC90), especially the latest V40, which is a very convincing car.

So they’ve organised a test drive programme for Volvo cars – going under the banner of ‘Freedom Test Drive’ – which will allow potential Volvo buyers to get up close and personal with everything from the new V40 to the S60, V60, XC60 and XC90. They’re even offering up the new V40 R-Design and new V40 Cross Country for a drive.

So far, Volvo has organised thirteen test drive days round the country:

Greenwoods Hotel, Essex – 2^nd March
Stapleford Park, Leicestershire – 9^th March
Seaham Hall, County Durham – 16^th March
Celtic Manor, Newport – 23^rd March
Perth Concert Hall, Perthshire – 6^th April
Felbridge Spa, West Sussex – 13^th April
Chewton Glen, Hampshire – 27^th April
Riverside Museum, Glasgow – 4^th May
The Aviator Hotel, Hampshire – 11^th May
Rudding Park, Yorkshire – 18^th May
IWM Duxford – East Anglia – 8^th June
Woodbury Park, Devon – 15^th June
The Lowry Hotel, Greater Manchester – 22^nd June

To grab up to two 45 minute test drives – which are unaccompanied – all you need do is head over to Volvo’s website – www.volvocars.co.uk/freedom – and make a booking for the cars and venue of your choice.

A good idea. Enjoy the drive.