THE holy grail for car manufacturers is getting top marks for the three Ds - Design, Dimensions and Dynamism - and Volvo's multi-award-winning estate achieves it with honours.
The V70 is a sweeping, capacious load carrier of considerable style, particularly inside. And, being a Volvo, it adds a fourth D, Defence, being armed with the company's usual salvo of industry-leading safety measures.
No problem with Dynamism, either, especially in this T5 version where the 260bhp five-cylinder engine gets a big, big car from standstill to 62mph in under seven seconds and on to a theoretical 155mph.
Given how at ease the car and its engine is at UK speed limits, that top-speed figure seems entirely likely. At motorway pace there was a mere purr from under the bonnet and, with 350Nm of pull available at 2,100 revs, a nudge on the accelerator was all that was required for a quick sprint.
The power, delivered in the test car through an easy six-speed manual gearbox - automatic is available - is handled comfortably by the V70 through its rigid build and sophisticated chassis.
Indeed, it's not a thriller, just a graceful, executive-style cushioned ride which means that a bundle of miles is soaked up in total relaxation.
The V70 feels and handles like a class saloon which just happens to be carrying a kitchen-load of gear at the back. Be warned though that, at 4.7m long, it can be bit of a handful in tight spaces.
The car doesn't look a thriller, either. Very understated, it just features little touches of chrome to give it a kick. You'd think that the space-enhancing vertical rear end and the upright windows would give a box-like stance, but it doesn't work out that way.
The quite high flanks are slightly arched to help the streamline effect and, despite its size, the V70 is definitely handsome.
Inside, it turns on the style in a Scandinavian-chic sort of way, especially in this SE trim version with its leather upholstery and door panels teamed with chrome flourishes.
There is oceans of room throughout and, if you use the backmost position for the adjusting rear seats, there's stretch-out room at the rear. Other comforts in this area include air vents, a power point, reading lights and a pull-down armrest.
These rear seats are split 60:40 and can be folded flat without the need to remove the headrests - they fold over. Thus a huge load area of more than 1,600 litres capacity can be created easily and, if you need still more, the front passenger seatback also folds over. A huge hatch opening and low-level loading are also helpful.
Such is the amount of loadbay space that an optional offering is two extra rear-facing seats in this area.
At the front is a big centre console - there are a lot of switches if you opt for all the toys but, thankfully, it's logically set out.
Standard equipment in the SE trim test car included electric multi-adjusting driver's seat, climate control, information system, cruise control, stability and traction control, airbags galore and Volvo's whiplash protection system, electric windows and door mirrors, super audio system, foglights, alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks and 16in alloys.
It also offered a selection from the options list, including GSM telephone, sports handling pack with its Four-C adapting chassis and, most usefully given the length of the car and really a standard requirement, rear park assist.
You can add a hefty chunk to the price tag by dipping into the options catalogue and the cost of buying and running the V70 T5 is the disappointing news I've left to the end.
After you've handed over your £30,000 plus you have a car which carries a Group 16 insurance, does 22mpg in town and averages just below 30mpg, and emits CO2 at a costly rate - all figures are worse if you choose an automatic.
Pleasures don't come cheap, though if you are prepared to forego some of the vitality and luxuries you can have a Volvo V70 - the 2.4-litre 140bhp version to be exact - for £22,578, with lower running costs and still have a darned fine estate.
FAST FACTS
Volvo V70 T5 SE
Price: £30,578
Mechanical: 260bhp, 2,401cc, 5cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mp
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