Opinion is divided over whetherVolvo's decision to have its new concept car designed by an all-female team was smart or merely patronising, but the car itself certainly breaks new ground.

   Called the YCC (Your Concept Car), this is actually the first car ever to be designed and developed almost exclusively by women - the rationale being taht although men are generally the petrolheads, women actually purchase half  of all new cars and influence the decision men make too.

    As a result, female-friendly advances include a number of innovative storage solutions (for laptops, handbag etc), as well as a range of intelligent convenience features, such as no gas-cap refuelling and easy-clean paint. At the same time, swoopy gullwing doors make it easier to load and unload larger items, whilst an on-board computer makes parallel parking a doddle. 

     As it is a Volvo occupant safety has not been ignored. Indeed, the company's pioneering Ergovision concept means that, by measuring the height and reach of the buyer at the point of purchase, the car is able to recommend the seating position to give its new owner an optimal line of vision.