@richmac

On VIDA for my '04 XC70 there isn't a canister filter in that location mentioned so you may not be missing anything - it's a 2.5T

Nothing amiss, mine is the same

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1712250577

Thank you both.

I wonder if it's a US market or facelift part. Mine's a 2005 2.5T Japanese car so there may be subtle differences. Probably a red herring then for the fuel smell issue but I have one on the way so we'll see. Interestingly the XC90 I looked at has one so maybe it's for off roading!

For the OP and others:

My problem seems to have been the Evap system. Having replaced the fuel cap and the obviously worn/ damaged hoses under the bonnet, I replaced the seemingly ok hose that goes from the NRV to the nipple on the air intake hose near the turbo. The smell has gone and I have the double bonus of an increase in boost!

I've used Samco Sport silicone throughout but I'm not convinced it's suitable as it goes very soft when hot so I'm going to replace the entire Evap 'snake' with the Volvo part quoted earlier.

Hope others also have success without taking the back of the car apart.