VOLVO is emerging as one of the most highly desirable, affordable and capable marques on the market.
It has gradually extended its range which now spans a wide bracket from £15,000-£50,000 with saloons, hatches, estates and SUVs, so it's little wonder it is one of the success stories of the century. One model was recently said to hold its value even better than a Porsche 911.
In providing all things to all men, and women, Volvo was also among the first to introduce what we now call Crossover cars, combining elements of different designs into a single style. Its first venture, and still the trendsetter in many ways to competitors, was the XC70.
This matched the big 70-series estate with an all-wheel-drive transmission and now it comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.I tested the latest XC70 D5 turbo-diesel in its top specification and it is a very refined road car with reasonable off-road ability as well.
It is ideal on a typical British winter-washed road covered with a few inches of snow, or a lot of mud and water.
The beefy engine is smooth and refined right across the range with very low noise levels, good performance and very acceptable economy. Matched to the six-speed box it is a perfect partner, providing strong acceleration, seamless changes and effortless motorway performance.
I like the very powerful brakes and the very good turning circle but I would have appreciated greater feedback through the wheel as well.
Secondary controls are sensibly laid out for ease of operation and clarity but the instruments could have been better marked. Heating and ventilation is very good and works well over a wide temperature range, filling every corner of the cabin while keeping the windows clear.
Oddments room is excellent throughout and the massive boot extends from under 500 litres to over 1,600 litres with a wide, low floor and big opening behind the fifth door. Access for passengers is also good and the rear seats easily fold when required.
Visibility is very good and the car is particularly easy to park despite its size. Powerful lights and good wipers complete the package.
Everyone who rode in the XC70 commented on its comfortable seats and ride quality. Although you can hear how hard the suspension is working, it never lets you feel the bumps to any great degree.
It is respectable if not racy through the gears but it struggles more under load than I thought it should have due to the higher ratios which pay dividends in economy when running lightly loaded.
Off road use is limited, as always, by ground clearance and while it would happily cope with pasture, a deeply rutted surface may present more problems. But the Volvo's strength is the effortless way it makes progress and its responses to throttle and brake.
There are really very few direct competitors to the all wheel drive Volvo XC70 D5 SE Lux and none can equal its all round refinement at the price.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC70 D5 SE Lux
Price: £29,483
Mechanical: 163bhp, 2,401cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 10.5 secs
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 199g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust