ABOUT 140 women took part in the creation of the YCC. Lena Ekelund, 42, a mechanical engineer who has worked for Volvo for 18 years, was the deputy technical project manager.

She said: “I’m 5ft 4in and have a size four shoe, while my husband is tall with big feet. Too often I am too close to the steering wheel when there should be room for an airbag in case of an accident.

“Adjustable pedals ensure that I sit in a good position which is vital for safety. There is also a little bar to rest my heels.”

She is particularly pleased with the adjustable pedals for accelerator, brake and clutch — although the car can instantly shift into automatic.

Anna Rosen, 28, designed the exterior of the car, which changes colour from gold to green to grey or silver champagne, depending on the interior décor. It is finished with an easy-clean paint that repels dirt.

Inside there is a place for an umbrella, a first aid kit, a flashlight powered by the car battery and a small fridge. There is also a detachable portfolio behind the driver’s seat to carry papers into a meeting instead of lugging a briefcase.

The cumbersome handbrake has become a more easy-to-use button; the gear stick is placed handily on the steering wheel. The space between the front seats where these would normally be found now houses a slim compartment to store a laptop computer or other accessory.

The car, whose development cost £2 million, will not be going into commercial production but Volvo plans to adopt some of the design features for its existing models.

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