IN the world of the estate car the generally accepted wagonmasters, Volvo, have always followed the philosophy, if you're going to do it - do it big.
Now it's Vauxhall's turn to show that hugely accommodating, carrying capacity can be comfortably housed in their latest venture to further pursue estate car excellence.
The Vectra Estate arrived on UK roads at the end of last year, coming with a quartet of ECOTEC petrol engine options and a trio of diesel units from which to choose.
This wide range of power sources includes something for almost everyone with petrol power represented by 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre turbo and 2.2-litre 16-valvers, plus a 3.2-litre 24-valve V6, while diesel urge comes courtesy of 2.0-litre DTi and 2.2 DTi 16-valvers, plus a 24-valve three-litre V6 CDTi.
The range of trim choice available is also expansive, each model coming with progressively generous kit levels from the LS, through Club, SXi and Elegance to the range-topping Vectra Estate Elite.
But, which ever model you choose, this estate car is hugely accommodating in all parts, much effective manoeuvrable room having been created in a car based on the floorplan of the Vauxhall Signum.
It is par for the course, when a new estate car is revealed, to make a great deal of play on the car's roominess, but everything about the Vectra Estate's sheer size is undoubtedly spot on.
The Vauxhall Omega is renowned for the abundance of leg and shoulder room it provides for rear seat passengers and it's hugely accommodating luggage bay.
But the Vectra Estate has taken the game on a stage further, housing an enormity of legroom, while providing a class leading, hugely generous cargo bay of up to 850 litres.
Vauxhall also maintain that, with the front passenger seat folded, even a canoe can be slid through from the rear, which could be a quite useful trick if you happen to find yourself having to avoid troubled waters in the flood season!
In addition to spaciousness, the luggage bay has more tricks in practicality at which to marvel. The cargo hold can be accessed via a powered tailgate, which can be opened from inside the car or remotely via the key fob, while a sensor will arrest its progress should there be an obstruction such as a low garage roof in the way.
The power tailgate is an optional extra, as is the cleverly conceived retractable towbar and the versatile FlexiOrganiser - a relative of the Flex7 and FlexiSpace systems experienced in the Vauxhall Zafira and Meriva.
The FlexiOrganiser is designed to help you introduce a little order into your carrying habits, for example - keeping the items of the weekly shop in check, thus avoiding repacking the bags when you get home.
My test car was the Vectra Estate 3.0 CDTi Elite which comes well endowed with kit, electronic climate control incorporating air con, cruise control, stereo system with 4 CD changer, electrically heated front seats and driver information centre coming as standard.
Safety, too, has been well addressed with his and her's front airbags, plus side and curtain airbags also coming as standard.
While the Elite test car provided the luxury of leather seating, all Vectra Estate cabins are a comfortable place to be thanks to the advanced body-contour front seats, which mould to your body shape while on the move, giving maximum support to legs and back, a particular boon on the long haul.
Mounted on 17-inch alloys, the three-litre V6 direct injection turbo diesel does it's work in extremely refined manner, the 123bhp power source doing exactly what it says on the box.
Capable of doing the 0-60mph dash in a little over nine seconds, en route to a maximum speed, where legally allowable, of 137mph.
While the test car was mated to a five-speed auto box, which proved a smooth operator and returned around the 35mpg mark over a combined driving route, I did miss the driver control situation which the six-speed manual transmission provides - nothing wrong here, I might add, it's just my personal preference.
The Vectra Estate Elite handled responsibly over all road surfaces providing an extremely comfortable ride, particularly on some pock-marked B roads, while stringing together a series of twisty bits proved meat and drink to this extremely smooth performer.
There is, of course, much more on board this estate car of quality, but whichever model you plump for, it is worth taking a look at one of the other optional extras, the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL).
Ever in pursuit of increased road safety, Vauxhall has pioneered this system and £850 will buy you technology with the ability to help you see around corners when negotiating bends, provide the driver with a more long distance view ahead on the motorway while also illuminating those dark spots at each side of the front of the car at road junctions.
The AFL did all these things for me and looked a sound investment for all safety conscious drivers.
Overall, the Vauxhall Vectra Estate is an impressive performer which throws a different light on the case for carrying.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Vectra 3.0-litre V6 CDTi Elite Automatic
Price: £25,495
Mechanical: 123bhp, 2,958cc, 6cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 137mph.
0-60mph: 9.5secs.
Combined mpg: 38.7
Insurance Group: 12
CO2 emissions: 197g/km.
BiK rating: 28%.
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000miles; 6yrs paint; 3yrs anti-rust