The times, they are a changing. Not long ago, Volvo was a watchword for dependability and affordability. Okay, they cost a bit to buy in the first place but they were built like tanks and lasted for ever.

It comes as something of a shock then to hear that the 2000 Volvo S80 upscale sedan suffered an average of more than $2,000 (€2,086) in damage from a series of low-speed crashes, making it the worst performer among 17 new cars tested for how bumpers hold up in small collisions, according to a study released on Wednesday.

Dominic Coyle can be contacted at dcoyle@irish-times.ie