Volvo V70January 2008

It is easy to overlook a Volvo when it comes to choosing a new family car, particularly as you'd only really buy one if you had 2.4 children and couple of Labradors, right? Well, certainly if that was the case, the new V70 would tick all the right boxes. They are still fantastically roomy cars for passenger, driver and dog. The boot can be released remotely or from inside the car and thanks to the low sill, it's ideal for perching on the edge whilst wrestling with wellies after a trudge through the countryside. There's also a useful storage space which pops up from the floor of the boot, and a fitted dog guard attached to the roof.

What's more, in the XC70, the V70 range offers a halfway house between a conventional estate and an off-roader. Basically a V70 with four-wheel drive and chunky styling, it keeps all the estate's strengths, and adds some extra ability away from Tarmac - or some extra traction for towing.

So, the new V70 is excellent at playing the practical family car, but the real surprise is the way it drives. The diesel engines are particularly impressive; low-down torque allows smooth acceleration right through from 1,500rpm and it is refined right up to the red line. After around 3,500 to 3750, there is little more to get from the engine anyway, as most power comes from lower in the rev range. For such a large car handling is also impressive and is certainly a big improvement on the previous version. There's much less body roll - although enough to tell you when you've taken a corner too hard - and the steering is beautifully balanced to allow quick manoeuvres. The driving position is faultless too, largely thanks to the electrical adjustment, and it feels a much more agile and light-footed car than it looks. On the motorway the engine is remarkably quiet.

It's fair to say the V70 is actually quite a good looking beast now. Where sharp edges formed box-shapes before, smooth, sleek lines run down the length of the body. With the nose, Volvo has kept the traditional square grille and diagonal badge line, but the bonnet now sweeps smoothly into it, and shapely headlights give the car a purposeful look. Inside, the top spec models get all the gizmos like remote control satellite navigation, leather seats, dual climate control, cruise control, electric adjustable seats - and the list goes on. Optional extras can up the costs on the basic models quite dramatically however. Seats are comfortable, both front and back, and in leather trim have an arm-chair-like feel to them. In fact, the V70 is so well finished inside, we'd almost have to think twice about letting the much loved, but slightly smelly, family pet in the back.

The V70 is quite highly priced though, and is around the same price of BMW's 5 Series Tourer, putting it in direct competition. Spec sheets show there's not much between the two models, although the BMW is still more of a driver's car despite Volvo's improvement. In the end, it will depend on personal taste and badge preference, but we think the V70 is surprising and definitely worth serious consideration.