VOLVO has always been king of the hill when it comes to large, muscular estates and its current offering in this league, theV70, is still master of all it surveys.
The V70 relentlessly dominates the premium large estate market and in many ways defines the parameters by which estate cars are judged.
Although it is light years ahead of the heavy, chunky Volvo estates of years gone by, the V70 continues to fly the flag of Volvo core qualities of safety and solidity.
Echoing the styling cues of the S80, the estate, built in both Sweden and Belgium, has proved itself time and time again when it comes to versatility with a fine measure of crisp Scandinavian style.
The V70 can accommodate five people with their luggage easily and if more than five people need to be carried then there are two extra rear-facing seats that can be popped up out of the load bay.
When it comes to shifting loads, the V70 can accommodate a vast amount. Its rear seats easily and conveniently fold down to create a flat area that is enhanced by clever design features such as head restraints that neatly fold away instead of having to be removed, not to mention the availability of a shopping bag holder to keep the weekly groceries firmly in their place.
It never ceases to amaze me that there is still a degree of perception out there that Volvos are big, slow and boring. Remember the gags about them being the chosen wheels of antique dealers? Especially the one about the car being older than the antiques inside! A back handed compliment if ever there was one.
Like the rest of the range, the V70 explodes this myth with excellent handling qualities, powerful engines and sizzling looks.
The proof of the pudding is the number of Volvos - many V70s - that we see as police traffic cars. They are supremely efficient in this role.
Now part of the vast Ford empire, Volvo is doing what it does best with tremendous technological input and backing from the blue oval badge.
My latest drive in a V70 was in an uprange T5 SE which tipped the price scale at £37,983 with a raft of extras including a sports handling pack.
This pack, which costs more than £2,000, gives the V70 an added agility, enhancing its reputation as a true driver's car. It can be thoroughly recommended.
This model features the transverse 20 valve five cylinder 2,401cc petrol engine that is the pride of the range. In manual form it can whack out 260bhp and reach 155mph. Its 0-62 capability of 6.8 seconds belies that fact that it is such a big vehicle. It returns a combined economy figure of 29.7 which is excellent for a car of this type.
The V70 has not stopped winning best estate awards since it was introduced in 2000. It remains the second best selling Volvo behind the S60.
FAST FACTS
Volvo V70 T5 SE Estate
Price: £30, 683
Mechanical: 260bhp, 2,401cc, 5cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.8 secs
Combined mpg: 29.7
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 226g/km
BiK rating: 32%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust