TIME was when Volvo was considered by all and sundry in the motor world to be the tops for producing quality cargo carriers.
However, time moves on and the estate car market over the past few years has featured a growing swell of alternatives boasting even more challenging carrying credentials.
So, in more recent times, the Swedish car giant has found itself tackling the future with a completely reworked estate car range, the sharp edged look tinged in customary battleship grey giving way to a more shapely looking and far easier on the eye Volvo range of carriers.
This seismic change in the wagonmaster's outlook led to the arrival of the likes of the hugely stylish new V70 and its stablemate, the more rugged XC70, which is driven here.
The second generation Volvo XC70 comes in three trim levels, SE, SE Sport and SE Lux and the entry level SE in the frame here includes the likes of air con, powered driver's seat, an eight-speaker high performance sound system with single CD, electric windows all round, cruise control, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with fold flat facility, reading lights front and rear, plus leather bound steering wheel and gear knob while heated front seats will prove their worth when the winter chill arrives.
The full range of Volvo's legendary safety features are to be found on board, the likes of dual chamber side airbags and inflatable side curtains leading the way.
In addition, Volvos state of the art electronic traction and braking controls such as dynamic stability and traction control, ABS braking and hydraulic brake assist are standard as is remote controlled central locking plus the electric handbrake which releases as soon as the throttle is pressed.
Further items from the Swedish car giant's high standard of kit list include the very thoughtful load adaptive front and rear lighting set ups.
The previous XC70 was applauded for its legendary spaciousness and versatility and the current model has turned out even better.
The luggage bay with a conveniently low loading lip has been increased by 55 litres to an impressive 575 litres while rear access has been improved by a larger aperture and the total load length has been upped to 1878mm (+30mm). In addition the 3D cargo load system helps to keep moveable cargo well under control.
A 40:20:40 split rear seats facility has increased versatility in the back and while all three seats fold easily into the load area to leave a completely flat floor, the backrest of the front passenger seat can also be folded.
A further plus in the rear of cabin is Volvo's two-stage child booster cushion set up which helps youngsters to sit higher and enjoy calming views through the rear windows.
There is a genuine sense of style within a cabin dominated by the so-called floating centre console. The extensive use of premium materials definitely stands out and the brushed aluminium finish to the well ordered dashboard and door trim adds a sporty finish. In fact simple but effective is very much the watchword in a cabin where go-anywhere and elegant comfort combine.
However, while a trio of distinctive interior colours are on offer in the form of Soft Beige, Off Black and Espresso Brown, attractive though the Soft Beige upholstery looked, in the long term, I feel serviceability may perhaps come into question.
From a comfortably supple and supportive driving position where controls are well placed, overall vision is good and the test model's DRIVe set-up, which refers to its push button start/stop facility, comes with Volvo's new 2.4 diesel engine.
Paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed Geartronic automatic gearshift with manual clutchless facility to hand when required, this particular XC70 model was front wheel drive only, but you still felt the benefit of a high command driving position thanks to increased ground clearance.
The 2.4D does deliver lower CO2 emissions and, depending upon individual driving style, there is the promise of improved mpg. In addition there is some pretty punchy mid range clout also available courtesy of improved torque while ride quality proved agreeably good in all parts.
Overall, the XC70 is practical and roomy, handsomely eye catching and well kitted out with safety very much in mind. In fact, another fine example of the Scandinavian wagonmaster's abilities to produce cargo carriers of ability and quality.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC70 2.4D DRIVe SE automatic
Price: £27,995
Mechanical: 173bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 188g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles