by Richard Dredge (13 Aug 07)

Stop 100 people in the street to ask them if they can name a car maker synonymous with large estates, and the chances are most will volunteer Volvo without a second thought. (Well, nowadays it's more likely that they'll ask what the word "synonymous" means, but you get my drift.) Despite certain German rivals trying to muscle in on Volvo's territory, when it comes to capacious load carriers, the Swedes have long reigned supreme.

The good news for Volvo is that that's unlikely to change with the arrival of the new V70. A few years ago, when reviewing the outgoing V70 D5, I questioned how easy it would be for Volvo to produce a better estate car. Aside from so-so dynamics, the old V70 was all the estate any family was likely to need, and brilliant if you've got a caravan to pull.

Well, seven years later, Volvo has answered my question; it could be improved, but not by very much. All those qualities I admired in the old car have been retained; the space, comfort, feeling of solidity and that effortless cruising ability are all present in the new model, but there's an improved interior and greater attention to detail to make the car even easier to live with.

Also, because the new arrival is based on the second-generation S80 unveiled last year, the chassis is a major improvement, with a longer wheelbase that aids handling while also retaining the brilliantly comfortable ride.

As you'll read in David Morgan's launch report, the V70 has grown in all three planes, so it's no wonder there's now greater leg and elbow room than before, as well as even more luggage space. Then there's the issue of safety; you'll be gobsmacked to hear this, but the V70 is a good car to have a crash in.

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