THE high flyer in the Audi RS4 wasn't impressed.
Nor were the drivers of a ribbon of cars queueing up behind on the outside lane of the A74 north of Carlisle.
No one quite knew the cause of this interminable delay until a Reliant Robin lurched violently left in front of an articulated lorry.
Behind the wheel and perched in classic Dick Dastardly pose was a bespectacled 'granny' who could have breezed into the part of Miss Hubbard from the Postman Pat series.
She had spent the past six miles, boot flat to the boards no doubt, trying to overtake liquid fuel juggernaut - with the Audi RS4 inches from her bumper.
Time for a slight reprieve and freer traffic flow until the roadworks signs appeared. One mile, 800 yards, 400 yards - everyone moved to the inside lane - 200 yards, 20 yards, then (screech of brakes) the Robin dived into the gap as the road narrowed into single lane.
She was back - bang in front of the RS4 again and by now the rain was hammering relentlessly down.
What happened next is anyone's guess because at this point the lorry flicked a rock onto my windscreen, cracking part of the glass on the passenger side - the wagon train was over.
Fortunately the crack didn't widen and the car was safe to drive.
If you have to collect a student from digs, help someone move house, regularly carry large items or just shift stuff to the tip, there are few estate cars that do the job quite like the Volvo V70.
Long and low slung, the big Swede continues to dominate the premium large estate car scene by mixing style and practicality with quality and comfort.
Attention to ergonomic detail is meticulous with an unfussy, well-angled and sensibly equipped fascia, generous standard spec levels and beautifully constructed seats.
As a driver's car, the Volvo is relaxing and smooth with a refined ride quality and steering that keeps you involved.
Its engine range comprises a line-up of five-cylinder units - including normally aspirated, turbocharged, turbodiesel and an environmentally friendly Bi-Fuel engine.
This D5, the more powerful of the two oil-burners, remains the best-seller and boasts low CO2 emissions. It makes for spirited yet quiet performance and one that should return around 42mpg if you drive a manual version as opposed to the automatic.
Of course the bottom line with any estate has to concern space. On that score there are no worries and when you fold down the back seats the load-lugging potential is vast.
Sensible design tricks are everywhere with the likes of a shopping bag holder, interior power point, takeaway hook, pop-out cup holders and various compartments.
Safety measures are second to none. As well as featuring technology from other Volvos, such as side impact protection, the Whips whiplash system and inflatable curtain, there are also airbags that inflate at different stages depending on the severity of an impact.
While SE specification - third of the six trim grades - is comprehensive, it's still possible to quickly hike up the cost with the likes of Communications Pack (including satnav and telephone) adding £2,375, metallic paint £575, a detachable towbar £545 and rear park assist £350.
FAST FACTS
Volvo V70 D5 SE 5dr
Price: £28,815
Mechanical: 182bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Combined mpg: 41.5
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 179g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust