DRIVING to and from racecourses can prove a nightmare, and I don't just mean because of the inevitable crawl to the entrance.
Take the toff in the beamer who pretended to be lost, then at the last minute pushed his way into the queue. No doubt he had enjoyed a pleasant cruise along the motorway in his ultimate driving machine.
But guess what. It pelted down all afternoon and the already 'damp' ground in the field that purported to be a car park had become a quagmire by six pm.
And there was our friend waving frantically at the towing boys who told him there were half a dozen people ahead of him on their list. I nodded politely, hopped behind the wheel of my Volvo XC70, spun a little mud and drove off.
For those who desire both on-road performance and off-road agility, then this model once known as the Cross Country fits the bill to a tee.
While the XC70 is based on the V70 estate, it has a clear identity of its own, combining the V70's elegance with the rugged appeal of a sports utility vehicle.
What you don't get though is the sort of 'go anywhere' Land Rover toughness; there's no low-ratio gearbox for instance.
But thanks to a higher ground clearance, a wider front track, electronic Haldex all-wheel drive system and chunky Scorpion tyres the Volvo is more than capable in mild off-tarmac terrain.
A pair of powerful five-cylinder engines are available, the tested 2.5T light pressure turbo, and a D5 turbodiesel.
The 210bhp petrol unit is a cracker and even for those who prefer to let a computer take the strain by opting for Geartronic auto transmission, the performance is stirring.
The down side though is that while mid-range pulling power is everything you might wish for, the fuel consumption is not. In fact you're lucky to return 25mpg.
Inside, the design concept is very much V70, but revised and upgraded to reflect its role. For instance there's a passenger grab handle on the centre console for rougher conditions, and the standard leather trim features - something they call sailing-inspired seam stitching.
The cabin has ample room for five adults, and with the seats folded flat there's a vast load capacity. Unique to the XC70 is a 40/20/40 split rear seat which allows long items to be carried next to passengers.
I can't say I'm a fan though of the beefy plastic bumpers, aluminium front skid plate and wraparound mouldings.
Standard spec includes electronic climate control, cruise control, leather trim, electric driver's seat, premium CD sound system and most of the gizmos you would expect from an executive model.
And being a Volvo the safety package is comprehensive with front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash protection system, three-point safety belts all round and ISOFIX fittings for child seats.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC70 2.5T SE Lux Auto
Price: £32,678
Mechanical: 210bhp, 2,521cc, 5cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd automatic gearbox
Max Speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.5secs
Combined mpg: 25
Insurance Group: 15
CO2 emissions: 270g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust.