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 upgraded 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 review, 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.With dual-stage integral booster seats for the kids, better side airbags, enhanced crumple zones and a whole raft of optional safety features, I think it's safe to say the Germans (or indeed anyone) will have a tough time building a safer estate than the V70.If this all sounds a tad sycophantic, take a look for yourself and you'll see it's justified. From the way the rear seats fold at the press of a single button, to the way you feel fresh after a long journey on poorly surfaced roads, the V70 is a helluva car. I don't want to be obvious about this (okay, I do), but I'm a fan.Before you think I'm in Volvo's pay, I suppose I have to come clean and explain that the dynamics could still do with a little fine tuning. But then, while they may not be up to 5-Series standards, when you've got yet another three-hour M25 commute to look forward to, handling isn't especially high on your list of priorities.So, while the V70's chassis doesn't feel as taut as its German rivals', many would see that as a good thing. I wouldn't disagree entirely, but the V70 could afford to handle more sharply without adversely affecting the ride.What's beyond doubt is that the rest of the running gear is fine and dandy as it is. The D5 powerplant has been overhauled for its new home, in a bid to improve refinement. I got to drive all V70 derivatives at the launch, apart from the 2.4D; this and the D5 will account for 40% apiece of UK sales. From the cars I drove, I can say that the D5 is definitely the one that makes the most sense.However, word has it that the 2.4D is as good as the D5 in the real world; Volvo claims it's 10mph slower and takes an extra second to cover the 0-62mph sprint, but has identical fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures to the D5. Crucially, though, you save a grand over the D5 yet still get a car that's quick, refined and relatively parsimonious. You could then put that grand towards a Geartronic semi-auto transmission, which is a great unit, but significantly thirstier. It's a cream cake of a transmission; naughty but nice . . .Having got this far, I suppose I ought to admit that I'm also a fan of the Volvo's various German rivals, and if you remove price from the equation it's not easy to separate them in the real world. But of course you can't remove the cost in the real world, and when you compare the Volvo with its Teutonic adversaries it quickly becomes clear just what good value the V70 is.The cost hasn't been increased over the outgoing model, and in a few months there'll also be an all-wheel drive option, ensuring the D5 will become an even more accomplished car, especially for towing; of course it'll be more costly, but what a machine!The problem I have is that as a single bloke it's hard for me to justify a V70, but I really want one. So much in fact, that I've decided to become an antiques dealer before getting hitched and having the requisite 2.4 children. That still leaves a problem to overcome though; the not-so-small matter of acquiring 28 grand. Engine 2400cc, 5 cylinders Power 182bhp Fuel/CO2 43.5mpg / 172g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds Top speed 140mph Price £27,995 Details correct at publication date
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