GONE are the days when Volvo's cars could be considered as interesting as Steve Davis in his prime.
The new XC70, launched last year, is more exciting than a play-off final at Wembley while offering levels of safety that will leave even the most paranoid of drivers wrapped in a warm cocoon of reassurance.
It looks the part with an athletic new sporty design featuring a raked windscreen, blacked out side pillars, natty tail-lights and a muscular off-road body kit.
Hard-wearing scratchproof protective cladding along the XC70's flanks and around the wheel arches is complemented by chunkier redesigned bumpers as well as tough chromed front and rear scuff plates that shield the XC70's nose and tail while travelling on rougher terrain not normally the preserve of an estate.
Volvo's trendy model also features unique XC embossed roof rails as standard.
The revamped exterior is more than matched by a classy interior with its contrasting colours for the leather seats, cross-brushed aluminium trim and mesh pockets at the rear.
It's good to drive as well, coping with anything that passes for a road and improving the ride on anything that doesn't thanks to a stiffer chassis and Volvo's impressive all-wheel drive and Instant Traction system.
This uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels for the best possible grip in all conditions.
The D5 turbo diesel is a beauty combining power and smooth acceleration in a winning combination.
A 0-62mph time of under 10 seconds gives some indication of this estate's capabilities while overtaking is easier than poking fun at a politician.
Three trim levels are available - a well-kitted out SE trim that comes across as being anything but entry level, plus SE Sport and SE Lux that pile on the goodies.
On the SE version I drove, Volvo include 17-inch alloys, an eight-speaker high performance sound system that is excellent, dual zone climate control, cruise control and a high-tech steering wheel where you can control most of the above.
As far as safety is concerned it would probably be easier to list what Volvo leave out.
The XC70 is fitted with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features that go a long way to justifying Volvo's claim that it is the safest car in its class.
Highlights include improved crumple zones that absorb energy on impact, a whiplash protection system borrowed from the S80 and an energy absorbing nose and bonnet.
The attention to detail is impressive. The XC70's side panels use higher-strength steels to enhance its side impact protection system with new dual side impact airbags increasing protection given to a family inside.
The new XC70 is also more practical than before, with an increase in boot size of 55 litres to a big 575 litres.
And the 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat and foldable front passenger seat gives 16 different seating combinations and great versatility.
Any downsides to the XC70? Well there's no footrest next to the clutch pedal and at £31,035 for the basic model some will consider it a bit pricey for a Volvo, but personally I am a fan.
And I think I'll be joined by families looking for an estate that is going to give an incredible amount of protection while being fun to drive, great to look at and practical to use.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC70 D5 SE
Price: £31,035
Mechanical: 185PS, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 199g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust